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SAP®’s cloud strategy aims to gradually transition companies to modern, scalable IT architectures. The focus is on integrated platforms such as the SAP® Business Technology Platform and cloud-based ERP solutions with AI capabilities. CEO Christian Klein regularly emphasizes that cloud ERP in particular is a key growth driver for the group.
With S/4HANA, SAP® is rolling out the latest generation of its ERP system – either as a classic on-premise installation or in various cloud versions. The Public Edition (formerly “Grow with SAP®”) is aimed at companies with standardized requirements, while the Private Edition, via the “RISE with SAP®” transformation program, is primarily designed for larger and more customized scenarios. The latter bundles tools, services, and consulting for smooth migration. According to SAP, thousands of customers have already successfully taken this path.
Current cloud migration figures for 2025
According to the German SAP user group DSAG, many SAP® customers expect to migrate their ERP to a cloud or hybrid architecture by 2030, when ECC support ends: Around 40% are aiming for an end-to-end private cloud solution, while another 20% are planning a complete migration to the public cloud (the rest want to retain a hybrid model or on-premise solution).
The figures from recent months show that SAP® cloud migration is already progressing, but at different speeds and to varying degrees.
- S/4HANA Cloud status (worldwide): SAP® has over 30,000 ERP customers. A Gartner evaluation (via Baer Group) estimates that around 37% of former ECC users are now using S/4HANA. This means that the majority of existing SAP® installations (approx. 63%) have yet to make the switch.
- Public vs. private use (Germany, Austria, Switzerland): In the latest survey conducted by the German-speaking SAP® user group (DSAG) 2025, 33% of the companies surveyed stated that they use S/4HANA in a private cloud model (2024: 11%), while 13% use the public cloud variant (2024: 6%). This makes S/4HANA Private Cloud the significantly more widespread cloud scenario in the DACH region at present.
- Fully migrated: Only 16% of the companies surveyed currently use SAP® S/4HANA exclusively (on-premise or cloud). Around 50% of companies have not yet completed the S/4 transition (37% are currently planning to do so, 12% are hesitant). These figures underscore the fact that for many users, the transition is still ongoing.
The role of enterprise output management in the cloud
Even as SAP® systems migrate to the cloud, enterprise output management (EOM) remains a key issue: printing and document workflows, traceability, and integrated document exchange must function in every architecture. Our EOM solutions are designed to support all scenarios. SEAL Systems products can be operated both as classic on-premise installations and as cloud services (SaaS) – and are compatible with the latest SAP® output controls (whether in ECC or S/4HANA). Regardless of whether your company has already migrated to S/4HANA (on-premise or cloud), our solutions ensure secure, automated output of your documents.
Partnership between SEAL Systems and SAP®: Efficient document processes for the digital future
What makes the partnership special?
- Deep integration with SAP®: SEAL Systems offers specialized solutions that integrate seamlessly into SAP® systems. This automates, accelerates, and secures document-related processes. For example, additional documents for various SAP® processes can be collected, processed, and distributed at the touch of a button – including format conversion, page counting, and automatic forwarding to recipients.
- Closing “blind spots” in SAP®: Although SAP® is an extremely powerful ERP system, there are always areas where standard functions are lacking – especially in document management. This is where SEAL Systems comes in, filling these gaps with customized tools and solutions, such as for SAP® DMS or ArchiveLink.
- Automation and compliance: With the integration of SEAL Systems into the new SAP® S/4HANA Output Control, companies can fully automate document processes, adapt them flexibly, and reliably meet compliance requirements. This reduces sources of error, saves resources, and increases process reliability – a decisive advantage, especially in highly regulated industries.
Benefits for SAP® users
- Increase in efficiency: Automating and standardizing document-related processes shortens turnaround times and minimizes manual intervention.
- Flexibility: Business rules can be flexibly adapted to new requirements, such as when introducing new SAP® processes or migrating to the cloud.
- Future-proofing: SEAL Systems continuously develops new solutions – such as for SAP® S/4HANA or as a SaaS offering – to provide customers with state-of-the-art, cloud-enabled technologies.
The partnership between SEAL Systems and SAP® began in 1998, when SEAL Systems developed the first certified output solution for SAP® DVS. It has now been in place for more than 25 years and has continued to evolve. The partnership exemplifies the successful combination of innovative software development and practical process optimization. As a multiple-certified SAP® Silver Partner, SEAL Systems has established itself as the market leader for Enterprise Output Solutions, with a total of over 850 successful SAP® integrations worldwide. The decades of cooperation underscore the stability and continuity of the partnership between two equals.
Future outlook: SAP® and the path to the cloud
It is clear that the pressure to migrate to the cloud continues to grow. Not least, the end of support for SAP® ECC (extended until 2030) and new cloud incentives (e.g., from SAP® subsidy programs) are driving many companies forward. At the same time, SAP® is continuously developing its offering (for example, with new cloud ERP packages and AI functions). For users, this means that the choice between on-premise, private cloud, and public cloud is becoming more nuanced. According to surveys, many are currently opting for hybrid models, while a complete shift to the public cloud usually remains a longer-term goal.
Thanks to our many years of experience in complex SAP® landscapes, we provide our customers with reliable support during the transformation process. Whether it’s an on-premise environment, a hybrid setup, or a complete migration to the cloud, we stay on the ball for our customers. Overall, it’s clear that the path to the cloud is irreversible, but it is customized to each customer’s specific needs.