RISE with SAP vs. GROW with SAP
RISE vs. GROW
Which path to the SAP Cloud is right for your company?
As an SAP® consulting firm, we support companies every day on their journey to the cloud. Two key offerings are at the center of this transformation: RISE with SAP® and GROW with SAP®. Both aim to make the implementation or transformation to SAP S/4HANA® Cloud as efficient and sustainable as possible – but they take different approaches.
In this article, we’ll show you how GROW and RISE differ, which cloud models they are based on, and which solution best fits your organization.
Briefly explained
What are RISE and GROW with SAP?
SAP offers two clearly defined strategies with GROW with SAP® and RISE with SAP®:
- GROW with SAP® is primarily designed for small and midsize businesses or SAP® newcomers who want to quickly benefit from industry-specific best practices—standardized, cost-efficient, and cloud-based in the SAP S/4HANA® Cloud Public Edition. This multi-tenant cloud environment enables a fast rollout and provides continuous updates and innovations with minimal administrative effort.
- RISE with SAP® is the tailored transformation solution for companies with existing complex SAP systems or specific individual requirements. It offers maximum flexibility in the cloud—with full access to proven tools and platform services—based on the SAP S/4HANA® Cloud Private Edition, which delivers dedicated resources, high levels of customization, and full control over updates.
The technological difference
Public vs. Private Edition
The decision between RISE and GROW is closely tied to the choice between the Public and Private Edition of SAP S/4HANA® Cloud. Here’s a summary of the key differences
| Public Edition (GROW) | Private Edition (RISE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Multi-tenant (shared resources) | Single-tenant (dedicated resources) |
| Upgrades | Continous feature delivery with semi-annual upgrades | Bi-yearly upgrades with customer control |
| Customization | Limited configuration of standard scope | Extensive customization, supports modification via ABAP |
| Extensibility | In-app extensions using SAP BTP, no core modifications | Core extensibility via SAP BTP + classic development |
| Integration | Standardized API integrations | Flexible integration with broader tools and systems |
| UI | SAP Fiori | SAP Fiori + SAP GUI |
Benefits and use cases compared
GROW with SAP (Public Edition)
is a ready-to-use cloud ERP that provides the latest industry-specific best practices and continuous innovation.
Benefits:
- Fast implementation (preconfigured)
- Industry best practices included
- Lower complexity
- Reduced total cost of ownership
- Ideal for cloud beginners
Typical use case:
A growing professional services company wants to implement a future-proof ERP system – without long project durations or custom developments.
RISE with SAP (Private Edition)
is a tailored cloud ERP that adapts to your company’s individual transformation journey.
Benefits:
- Full control over processes and data
- High degree of customization
- Integration of existing SAP landscapes
- Transformation at your own pace
- Suitable for complex IT architectures
Typical use case:
A global corporation already using SAP® ECC or S/4HANA® On-Premise wants to move its existing processes to the cloud – including specific customizations.
Conclusion: GROW or RISE?
The decision between GROW and RISE with SAP® essentially depends on three key factors:
- SAP® Experience – Are you already using SAP® systems?
- Customization – Do you need tailored processes, or are best practices sufficient?
- Speed vs. Control – Do you want to get started quickly or aim for a long-term transformation?
How we can support you
Your next steps
Together with you, we will:
- Analyze your business processes and identify areas for optimization.
- Assess your existing system landscape and align your IT strategy with a cloud-ready future.
- Determine whether GROW or RISE with SAP® is the better fit for your company – tailored, practical, and future-focused.
Let’s take the next step toward your digital transformation.
