SAP Business Data Cloud for BW and Datasphere customers
If you’re running SAP BW or Datasphere, you are entering a new phase. With the end of support for BW 7.5 approaching, SAP is expanding upon Datasphere with the introduction of SAP Business Data Cloud, which comes with both new functionalities and changing licensing models. On this page we share insights and lessons learned based on the support we give to existing BW and Datasphere customers that move to SAP Business Data Cloud.
Key developments
BW 7.5 support ends in 2027, with extended maintenance until 2030. At the same time, SAP is positioning Business Data Cloud (SAP BDC) as the strategic umbrella around Datasphere, SAP Analytics Cloud and AI.
Typical challenges
Many organisations are still running critical reporting on BW, experimenting with Datasphere and exploring Business Data Cloud – while dealing with legacy models, overlapping tools and limited internal capacity.
Customer questions
How long can we stay on BW? What role should Datasphere play if BDC is the future? What about non-SAP alternatives? How do I integrate my SAP data in a non-SAP Data Warehouse?
What organisations like yours are really looking for
In conversations with BW and Datasphere customers, we see the same pattern: they do not need more high-level slides, but a small number of very concrete things to move forward with confidence.
1. A clear overview of your options
From BW, BW/4HANA, BW PCE and Datasphere to BDC—mapped into simple scenarios with pros, cons and timelines.
2. An independent perspective
Guidance that starts from your business and architecture, and can honestly compare SAP BDC with platforms like Databricks, Snowflake and Microsoft Fabric.
3. Real implementation experience
Insights from teams who are working with BDC, Datasphere and BW migrations on a day-to-day basis, not just repeating roadmap messaging.
4. Commercial and contractual clarity
Practical help to understand capacity units, subscriptions and licensing structures, so you can optimise TCO and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Must-read whitepapers
SAP Business Data Cloud whitepaper
SAP is expanding upon Datasphere with the introduction of SAP Business Data Cloud, with real impact on architecture choices, migration paths and licensing. This whitepaper explains what is actually new, what it means for BW and Datasphere customers, and which realistic scenarios you should consider before you commit.
SAP Datasphere whitepaper
Considering SAP Datasphere as your cloud data warehouse, or as part of a future move towards Business Data Cloud? This whitepaper gives you a clear, practical view of what Datasphere is good at, where the constraints are, and what you should decide upfront to avoid rework later.
Customer case
How Versuni navigated their data platform transition
Versuni faced a strategic decision: continue with Datasphere, move to SAP Business Data Cloud (SAP BDC), or explore alternative platforms. See how they approached their evaluation and what they learned.
In this case study, Versuni shares:
- Their business case for selecting SAP Business Data Cloud (SAP BDC) over alternatives
- Key considerations in their evaluation process
- Benefits they're seeing in early implementation
- How Expertum provided independent guidance throughout their journey
- Lessons learned that apply to both BW and Datasphere customers
Choose your next step
Modernising BW, scaling Datasphere or exploring Business Data Cloud?
Continue to the next step to explore the right approach for Datasphere or Business Data Cloud.
Frequently asked questions
What is SAP Business Data Cloud and why should I consider it for my data landscape?
SAP Business Data Cloud is SAP’s unified Data Fabric platform that brings together all your data, SAP and non-SAP, cloud and on-premise, into a governed, business-ready environment. You should consider it because it simplifies data access, ensures trust and consistency, accelerates analytics and AI adoption, and provides a scalable foundation for modern data strategy.
How do I get from SAP BW to SAP Business Data Cloud?
Transitioning from BW can be done gradually and flexibly. SAP Business Data Cloud allows you to connect your existing BW models, reuse valuable logic, and progressively modernize your architecture. You can run hybrid scenarios during the transition lifting key workloads first, then fully moving to Business Data Cloud when your business is ready.
What are the unique strengths of SAP Business Data Cloud?
Its strengths include:
- Business semantics that preserve context and meaning across systems
- Unified governance to ensure quality, lineage, and compliance
- Hybrid integration with BW, Datasphere, and non-SAP data sources
- Real-time data access for analytics and AI
- Native integration with SAP applications for end-to-end processes
These strengths make it ideal for organizations seeking trusted, connected, and actionable data.
If I already have SAP Datasphere, how does SAP Business Data Cloud factor in?
SAP Business Data Cloud builds on and extends Datasphere’s capabilities. Your existing models, connections, and governance rules can be leveraged without starting over. It becomes the strategic platform that unifies your current data assets while enabling advanced analytics, AI, and cross-system data products. Think of it as the next evolution rather than a replacement.
How does SAP Business Data Cloud compare to competition like Snowflake, Databricks or Microsoft Fabric?
While platforms like Snowflake, Databricks, and Fabric excel in storage, compute, or AI tooling, SAP Business Data Cloud differentiates itself through deep business context, tight integration with SAP applications, and a Data Fabric approach that unifies semantics, governance, and connectivity. It focuses not just on managing data, but on making it business-ready and process-aware—something general-purpose platforms cannot provide out of the box.
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Ready to take action?
Whether you are running SAP BW today or already working with Datasphere, evaluating SAP Business Data Cloud starts from your current situation. Our approach helps organisations gain clarity on architecture, migration options, costs and timing, so they can make well-founded decisions.
Rogier is here to listen.
Get in touch with him.
Rogier is based in the Netherlands.
Ready to take action?
Whether you are running SAP BW today or already working with Datasphere, evaluating SAP Business Data Cloud starts from your current situation. Our approach helps organisations gain clarity on architecture, migration options, costs and timing, so they can make well-founded decisions.