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RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition, promises a simplified path to cloud ERP, bundling infrastructure, software, and support into one contract. But while the offering delivers flexibility and innovation, many organizations are surprised by what’s not included. For CIOs and procurement leaders, understanding the scope of this subscription model is critical to ensuring cost transparency, long-term value, and negotiation leverage.
Know What’s in (and Not in) the Bundle
Unlike traditional on-premises models, RISE shifts licensing from perpetual to subscription, but not everything is bundled. For example:
- Application management and incident support require add-ons
- Advanced SAP features like Joule or AI capabilities may be offered through SAP BTP credits
- Many essential elements (e.g., high availability, disaster recovery, training environments) are not part of the base subscription
Before signing, identify all required services, tools, and environments. Missing this step can lead to unexpected costs later. The table below outlines key differences to consider when evaluating which model better supports your business and technical priorities. 
Table 1: On-Premise SAP vs RISE with SAP
Plan for Predictability and Flexibility
RISE contracts often span five to seven years, and cost projections matter. Full Use Equivalent (FUE) licensing determines access but doesn’t always provide usage clarity. SAP allows for swap rights, but annual price increases (often capped at 3.3%) still apply.
To manage these risks:
- Negotiate price protections and renewal terms early
- Secure swap rights and flexible user reallocation
- Request an audit grace period to validate usage alignment before penalties apply
Clarify Innovation Access and Cloud Consumption
RISE promises future-ready ERP, but AI and automation tools often come with a usage-based pricing model. SAP BTP credits (used for AI, analytics, integration, etc.) can be consumed quickly, and overages may not be budgeted for.
Ensure your deal includes:
- Visibility into BTP/AI credit usage and limits
- Guardrails on overage fees or auto-renewal of excess consumption
- Clear SLAs around provisioning and performance
Don’t Overlook Integration, Support, and Exit Options
Key technical and contractual terms often go unaddressed. For example:
- Enhanced support, integrations with non-SAP systems, and sandbox environments come at additional cost
- Exit conditions may be vague, organizations should secure the right to discounted perpetual licenses if transitioning away from RISE
- High availability and disaster recovery may not meet industry-specific uptime expectations unless negotiated
How Crowe Can Help
Crowe helps clients evaluate and optimize their SAP contracts with clarity and confidence. From pre-deal planning to vendor negotiation support, our team ensures your RISE agreement supports your business not just your systems.