IBM and SAP expand partnership to support software on hybrid cloud

IBM and SAP have expanded on their global alliance partnership to help clients use their SAP software workloads more efficiently.

IBM will provide new services, partnerships and capabilities to help clients move more quickly into a hybrid cloud environment and enable them to run their workloads in the IBM public cloud or on-premises.

Some of IBM’s global clients using hybrid deployments to run their SAP software workloads include Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the largest Coca-Cola bottler based on revenue; Cementos Pacasmayo, a Peruvian construction company; and Primadonna Collection, an Italian fashion footwear retailer.

IBM and SAP are also growing their network of GSI and ISV partners, which includes Syniti, Tata Consulting Services (TCS), BlueIT, H.T. High Technology, and Tech Mahindra. Its goal is to help clients more quickly and easily run their SAP software workloads on IBM Cloud.

In addition to expanding its partner ecosystem, IBM will provide new services, including the IBM Cloud-powered Rapid Move for SAP. IBM will also offer IBM Cloud, IBM Global Financing, and IBM Services, which provides a hybrid option for clients to selectively launch applications on the cloud-based platform.

IBM also acquired new SAP certifications, which will give customers more options for running SAP software workloads. These certifications will also enable customers to access SAP applications in a more quality controlled and optimized way.

New certifications include IBM Power Systems Virtual Server, which will provide customers with the choice to run SAP software workloads in IBM’s virtualized infrastructure.

Many companies are trying to modernize their operations due to lost revenues in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. An IBM IBV study found that 64% of executives plan to move to a cloud-based business model within the next two years. This will require the deployment of complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business process workloads so clients have proper security protection.

"The global pandemic has seen a year's worth of digital transformation efforts with the acceleration of cloud adoption compressed into months,” said Harish Grama, general manager of public cloud at IBM.

“Clients across industries are looking to shift to cloud and this is the core focus of our collaboration with SAP, giving our clients the ability to embrace the benefits of cloud without compromising on security and controls. This is all done through an open hybrid cloud architecture so our clients have a choice in how they approach their digital transformation, guided by the industry expertise needed to be successful in their journey.”