RISE with SAP is designed to support mid-to-large scale businesses transitioning from on-premise ERP Systems to cloud infrastructure. Delivered under a single contract, it offers bundled services, tools and access models that vary depending on the edition selected.

However, many organizations underestimate the complexity of choosing the right plan – particularly when considering entitlements, cost implications and licensing alignment with existing landscapes.

This article outlines the key differences between the RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition tiers – Base, Premium or Premium Plus – so you can evaluate which version aligns with your business objectives and future cloud strategy.

Understanding the value of FUEs

SAP uses Full Use Equivalent (FUEs) to standardise license conversion between its on-premise (Named User Licenses) and cloud licensing models. This approach simplifies conversions to the subscription model but also introduces new variables in entitlement calculations.

Here is an example of the ratios corresponding to FUE amount for different User Types:

Comparing RISE Editions: Base, Premium, Premium Plus

Each RISE tier offers varying degrees of access to key SAP services. Below is a simplified comparison:

These differences can materially impact the value and suitability of your selected plan.

Key Entitlement Examples

SAP Build Apps

Ideal for rapid, low-code development, this service is available in Premium and Premium Plus editions. Allocation scales by FUE count:

• Up to 4,000 FUEs: 1–2 Base Packages
• 4,001+ FUEs: 3 Base Packages + 25 active users
• 12,001+ FUEs: 3 Base Packages + 75 active users
• 25,000+ FUEs: 3 Base Packages + 225 active users

SAP Datasphere

As of 2025, integrated into SAP Business Data Cloud. Only available to Premium and Premium Plus customers, with monthly entitlements scaling from 1,700 to 6,800 Capacity Units (C.U.s) depending on FUE tier.

SAP AI Unit and Joule

• AI Unit capacity is exclusive to Premium Plus unless specified otherwise.
• Joule, SAP’s AI assistant, is included in all editions but C.U. entitlement scales sharply with FUEs.                                                                                                                         

Excess usage triggers additional licensing costs.

Strategic Considerations

When selecting a RISE with SAP deal, consider:

• Your FUE baseline and growth forecast – Determines the scalability of bundled services.
• Cloud strategy maturity – Certain tools (e.g. SAP Build, Datasphere, AI) are only available in higher tiers.
• Cost vs value – Over-licensing leads to waste; under-licensing leads to gaps and added cost.
• Order form clarity – Critical services like CPEA Vouchers and SAP AI Unit may only be accessible if explicitly included.

Our Advice

Choosing the correct RISE with SAP deal involves more than comparing service lists—it requires aligning entitlements with your operational needs, cloud roadmap, and licensing model.

At ITAA, we support clients with:

• Detailed license requirement mapping
• RISE entitlement analysis
• Contract restructuring and optimisation
• Negotiation support and audit defence

Considering a RISE with SAP deal?

Our independent experts help you maximise entitlements, avoid hidden costs, and ensure long-term licensing compliance.

📩 Contact ITAA to book an initial review or tailored RISE workshop.

Download the Guide

Get the full entitlement breakdown for RISE with SAP. Compare service limits, FUE scaling, and edition-specific rights. Download ITAA’s expert guide.

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About the Author

Ed Thompson, Associate Consultant

Ed is an Associate Consultant at ITAA, specializing in SAP solutions and digital transformation. With a first-class BSc in Business Management (Business Analytics) from Swansea University and experience in marketing and negotiation, he combines business acumen with analytical expertise. Ed is passionate about optimizing workflows, driving efficiency, and delivering SAP solutions.