SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) – The Future of Your Data & Analytics Strategy
The SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) is SAP's latest and future-oriented Data & Analytics product suite. It combines the strengths of proven SAP solutions - SAP BW, SAP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) - in a flexible, scalable platform supplemented by the AI/ML capabilities of the Databricks platform.
With the BDC you benefit from:
✅ Seamless integration of your existing data landscape into the cloud.
✅ Maximum flexibility – BW on HANA systems can continue to be used until 2030 without a direct migration to BW/4HANA.
✅ State-of-the-art analytics and planning capabilities that enable informed, data-driven decisions.
✅ Powerful ML and ( Gen) AI capabilities of the Databricks Platform .
Use the SAP Business Data Cloud to gradually migrate your existing BW environment to the modern SAP Datasphere – without time pressure and with a clear future perspective.
E-Book Business Data Cloud (BDC)
Would you like all the important information at a glance? Download the free guide to the SAP Business Data Cloud now!
SAP BDC is available for all SAP customers, not just RISE/GROW customers.
✅SAP BW Bridge is retained to integrate SAP ECC and BW4/HANA data.
What is SAP BDC?
The SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) is SAP's latest and future-oriented Data & Analytics product suite. It combines the strengths of proven SAP solutions - SAP BW, SAP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) - in a flexible, scalable platform supplemented by the AI/ML capabilities of the Databricks platform.
With the planned market launch in February 2025, the BDC is aimed in particular at companies that use BW on HANA. Around 4,000 companies in the MEE sector are facing the challenge of migrating to BW/4HANA by 2027. The BDC offers them more flexibility: instead of having to switch to BW/4HANA, they can transform their existing IT landscape step by step. Customers also have more time to transform their IT landscape.
The BDC also opens up attractive opportunities for companies that do not rely on BW on HANA. For example, they can use Databricks to implement modern data and analytics strategies.
The SAP Business Data Cloud combines various components and services under a uniform platform and comprises two central areas:
✅ Insight Apps (Front End) - Intuitive data analysis for informed decision-making. This includes Partner Eco Apps, 360° Analytics and Extended Planning.
✅ Business Data Fabric (Backend & Infrastructure) - A powerful, flexible and scalable data architecture. This includes SAP Datasphere (Business Semantics), SAP Analytics Cloud (Analytics & Planning), BW Modernization (SAP BW/4HANA) as well as data engineering and machine learning with Databricks.
With the SAP Business Data Cloud, companies can make their data strategy more efficient, flexible and future-proof.
"The Data Warehouse Cloud (DWC) has been around since 2019 and has been further developed as SAP Datasphere since 2023. With the SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC), SAP is now taking the next step in the evolution of data and analytics management. We at s-peers have implemented the DWC for our customers from the very beginning and are now also supporting the introduction of the SAP Datasphere and the BDC. It is great to be working with SAP to further develop this pioneering product."
The best of both worlds: Key competencies of the SAP Business Data Cloud in the SAP Business Suite
SAP Business Data Cloud combines SAP and third-party data in a SaaS solution that is managed in collaboration between SAP and Databricks. The following functions are used:
Knowledge graph with Business Data Fabric:
Captures data, metadata and semantic relationships to make information searchable and usable.Delta sharing and data federation:
Enables direct data exchange without time-consuming duplication, which avoids costs and redundant data extractions.AI acceleration:
SAP Databricks is used to develop AI models and generative AI applications based on the company's own business data.
A solid, trustworthy database forms the basis for the use of powerful AI tools. Targeted functions ensure that the AI solutions used are reliable, responsible and application-oriented:
Integrated knowledge graph:
Links data, metadata and processes so that AI and analysis applications can recognize the connections in the context of business relationships.Joule Copilot:
Increases efficiency by automating cross-functional tasks, generating relevant insights and summarizing critical business information.Extended planning and analysis options:
Supports complex corporate planning - from risk assessments and forecasts to detailed simulations.AI-supported Monte Carlo simulations:
Automate risk assessment and support precise time series forecasts.
The SAP Business Data Cloud forms the core of the SAP Business Suite, as shown in the illustration. This suite comprises a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of core applications that are seamlessly interlinked to provide optimal support for business processes. Through the use of powerful business data and meaningful AI solutions, it enables:
- Efficient scaling and flexible adaptation to growing business requirements.
- The promotion of innovation and the achievement of sustainable added value.
- Accelerated and optimized integration of business processes for greater efficiency and better results.
Benefits BDC: With a clear path forward for all SAP BW customers of the Business Data Cloud (BDC)
Event: Analytics Summer-Apéro 2025
Surf's Up! Catch the Analytics Wave
12.06.2025
Zurich
✅We support you with license consulting and the creation of an individual roadmap for the introduction of the SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) in your company. ✅Use this opportunity to evaluate the full potential of the SAP Business Data Cloud for your company - without obligation, in a practical way and with a clear perspective.
Data & Analytics implementation and consulting for our customers
BDC Roadmap Workshop – The individual strategy for the future of data & analytics infrastructure
The SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) is setting new standards in the world of data and analytics management . With SAP's announcement to introduce the BDC as a central solution for companies, the question arises: What does this mean for your existing data and analytics infrastructure?
In our BDC Roadmap Workshop, we will analyze together how the BDC affects your current infrastructure and what opportunities it offers for your company. You will receive a detailed impact analysis that shows how the introduction of the BDC can transform your systems and processes.
Contents of the BDC Roadmap Workshop:
In this first step, we analyze your current data & analytics infrastructure in detail. We look at the technological components as well as the processes and maturity level of your data strategy . The aim is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing solution and to create a sound basis for further optimization.
SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) offers innovative ways to integrate, manage and analyze data in a flexible and scalable environment. We examine how SAP BDC fits into your existing architecture , what advantages it offers and how it can help optimize your data strategy . We take into account both technical and business aspects (e.g. TCO).
Based on the previous analyses, we identify concrete optimization potential . This includes, for example, improving data integration, more efficient data processing and synergies between existing and new solutions. Our goal is to make your data & analytics landscape future-proof and more efficient .
Finally, we develop an individual roadmap for the introduction of SAP BDC into your IT landscape . We place particular emphasis on a practical and implementable strategy that takes into account both technological and organizational aspects . The roadmap serves as a clear guide for successful implementation, with defined milestones and concrete recommendations for action.
E-Book Business Data Cloud (BDC)
Would you like all the important information at a glance? Download the free guide to the SAP Business Data Cloud now!
FAQ Business Data Cloud (BDC)
SAP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud are fully integrated into SAP BDC. In future, these products will be procured via a standardized subscription model.
BDC's underlying foundation services are based on Delta Lake and a medallion architecture. This design enables the efficient loading of data products so that zero-copy queries via Insight apps, Datasphere and Databricks function smoothly even with high data volumes.
The Zero Copy Share function makes it possible to share data between different applications and services without creating physical copies of the data. Instead, references or pointers are used so that the target applications can access the original data directly. This reduces storage requirements, minimizes administrative effort and ensures high performance - even with very large volumes of data. In the SAP Business Data Cloud, for example, this function is used in combination with SAP Databricks to ensure efficient and seamless data exchange.
SAP BDC uses SAP HANA Cloud Data Lake Files as storage. This storage is managed by SAP and is transparently hidden from customers and system integrators.
Dedicated help content for BDC is already available at help.sap.com. This content is updated on an ongoing basis. A test access is possible in the near future - please contact us.
BDC is an independent focus area, but shares some fundamental services (such as HANA Cloud) with BTP.
The current focus is on data products from the SAP business areas. In future, data products from partners that may contain aspects of non-SAP data will also be provided.
Yes - currently access is via methods such as SDA, data flows or repflows in DSP. Further integration options are also planned for the future.
Provision: As a public cloud solution, compatible with SAP S/4HANA Private and Public Cloud.
- SAP Databricks is natively integrated into BDC, enables AI/ML-supported analyses and allows zero-copy data sharing with Delta Sharing.
- SAP BW remains relevant and can be gradually integrated into BDC.
- SAP BDC can process data from local (on-premise) and cloud systems.
- Joule AI is a generative AI agent that is integrated into many SAP products to support automation and decision-making.
- Joule Studio & Agent Builder enable custom AI agents for specific business needs.
For greenfield customers without an existing Databricks contract, the integration is available directly. For brownfield customers, a DBX connector in SAP BDC will be made available later this year.
No, the transition to SAP BDC is seamless for BW and BW/4HANA customers - without the need for a complete migration. Existing subscriptions for Datasphere and SAC will be retained.
Yes, the data products can be expanded and customized. In future, they will be fully integrated into the SAP S/4HANA extensibility framework, enabling customer-specific adaptations.
- SAP BW 7.5 PCE runs until 2030, BW/4HANA PCE at least until 2040.
- Transition to BDC: SAP recommends a gradual transition via Datasphere and Databricks.
- Existing SAC & Datasphere customers receive seamless commercial and technical integration with BDC.
According to SAP, the data products currently in controlled rollout are S/4 PCE data products. SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud data products will follow later this year. ECC data products are not planned by SAP.
SAP Datasphere is an integral part of SAP Business Data Cloud. BDC extends this foundation with additional functions such as SAP Data Products, SAP Databricks and BW options. In future, existing Datasphere instances will be seamlessly migrated to the expanded BDC ecosystem so that users can benefit from the new innovations.
SAP Databricks is provided as an OEM solution in BDC and includes most of the Databricks functions. Some functions, such as the Databricks Marketplace, are not included - the Datasphere Marketplace is used instead.
Learn more about BDC at first hand directly from SAP! In an exclusive exclusive interview, Thomas Duschek (SAP) provides valuable insights, presents current developments and shares practical tips on BDC. Click here to read the full interview.
Frequently asked questions about licensing SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC)
SAP BDC is licensed as a SaaS solution via capacity units. The exact costs depend on the area of application, volume and specific requirements. Licenses can be obtained directly from SAP or via authorized SAP partners (such as s-peers AG). The solution is already available - for detailed price and contract information, we recommend contacting us directly for license advice.
No conclusive information is currently available regarding minimum terms. Initial trends indicate that SAP could consider long-term contract commitments - details will be agreed individually during the sales cycle.
SAP will respect existing contracts. During the next contract negotiation, a conversion to SAP BDC Capacity Units will take place. SAP will take over therewiringof the tenants and thus ensure a smooth transition.
The SAC Dedicated SKU (formerly SAC Private) provides a dedicatedtenant that is exclusively available to one customer. In contrast, SAC Public is based on a shared tenant.
SAP BW/4HANA will remain a product, but will in future be managed exclusively under the license terms of the SAP Business Data Cloud. Separate licensing of BW/4HANA will therefore no longer be necessary.
Event: Analytics Summer-Apéro 2025
Surf's Up! Catch the Analytics Wave
12.06.2025
Zurich
Discover BDC possibilities - We are here to answer your questions and inquiries!
What can we do for you?
Would you like to learn more about the BDC features , request a BDC Roadmap workshop , or arrange an individual license consultation ? We are happy to help and will take care of your request as quickly as possible. Simply contact us using the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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