Key 2025 Considerations for SAP Business Technology Platform
Explore critical licensing, pricing, and planning factors when adopting SAP BTP. Gain clarity on options, costs, and business alignment. Contact us for insights.
SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a versatile platform-as-a-service (PaaS) designed to build, extend and integrate SAP and third-party ecosystems. Offered under both subscription and consumption-based models, BTP supports innovation while connecting data, applications, and processes in the cloud.
This article explores the platforms’ solution areas, pricing options and critical factors to consider when designing or expanding your BTP landscape.
Core Solution Areas
BTP comprises five main solution domains. To illustrate their use, we apply a multi-national supermarket example:
| Solution | Products | Description | Supermarket Use Case |
| Application Development & Automation | SAP Build CodeSAP Build AppSAP Build Process Automation | Simplifies app development with multi-language support and automates workflow to reduce manual effort. | Automate shift management and replenish stock based on real time demand. |
| Extended Planning & Analysis | Financial planningSupply Chain planningWorkforce planningSales Planning | Enables unified, real-time planning across departments for faster and more informed decision making. | Forecast inventory demand and align staffing accordingly. |
| Data & Analytics | SAP Business Data CloudSAP HANA CloudSAP Master Data Governance | Delivers analytics, visualization, and machine learning for data-driven outcomes. | Redesign store layout using ML to promote frequently purchased item groupings. |
| Integration | SAP Integration Suite | Ensures seamless data flow across SAP and third-party systems. | Integrate loyalty programs with mobile apps for a consistent customer experience. |
| Artificial Intelligence | SAP AI ServicesSAP AI CoreSAP AI Launchpad | Offers tailored AI tools to enhance efficiency, customer experience and operational insights. | Implement dynamic pricing and personalised product recommendations. |
Pricing Models: What to know
When adopting SAP BTP, understanding the pricing structure is essential. There are two primary models:
1. Consumption-Based Model
- BTPEA (SAP BTP Enterprise Agreement):
Pre-paid cloud credits used flexibly across services. Offers predictable annual costs and mid-term adjustment options
- PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go):
No minimum commitments. Suitable for small-scale or pilot deployments, offering monthly billing based on actual usage
đź’ˇ Many customers start with PAYG to assess demand, then migrate to BTPEA for volume discounts and cost control.
| Feature | BTPEA / CPEA | PAYG |
| Commitment | Annual upfront spend (non-refundable credits) | No minimum commitment |
| Flexibility | High—switch services on/off | High—ideal for experimentation |
| Billing | Annual with end-of-year overage charges | Monthly based on actual consumption |
| Use Case Fit | Medium-to-large scale or strategic planning projects | SMEs, pilots, short-term innovation |
2. Subscription-Based Licensing
- Fixed capacity at a set price for the contract term.
- Less flexibility to turn services off or reallocate spend mid-contract.
- Best for stable workloads with predictable requirements.
RISE with SAP: BTP Access via Bundled ERP Deals
Some SAP BTP entitlements are included in RISE with SAP contracts. The edition selected (e.g., Premium Plus) dictates access levels.
| Feature | RISE with SAP |
| Access | Predefined BTP tools bundled with ERP |
| Flexibility | Medium—depends on edition selected |
| Billing | Unified ERP + BTP subscription |
| Best Fit | Organisations transitioning to S/4HANA |
Refer to our article Choosing the Right RISE with SAP Deal for edition comparisons.
Concept adapted from SAP documentation
Evaluating SAP Integration Suite and SAP Build
Choosing the right purchasing option often depends on service usage and team structure.
SAP Integration Suite
Ideal for automating workflows between SAP and third-party apps.
Tip: For businesses with low or infrequent usage, PAYG may offer better cost efficiency.
SAP Build
- SAP Build Code supports professional developers with advanced tooling and lifecycle management.
- SAP Build Apps offers low-code tools for business users to build applications with minimal technical skill.
💠Ask: Will your team use these tools continuously—or only for specific projects? This will guide whether subscription or consumption is more cost-effective.
Other Considerations
- Forecast Accurately:
Avoid locked-in costs by understanding your usage patterns. Tools like BTP Cockpit help monitor service consumption. - AI Services Strategy:
Choose between prebuilt tools (AI Services) and advanced ML flexibility (AI Core) based on your data maturity and business needs. - Data Focus Areas:
- SAP HANA Cloud: Suitable for real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, and enterprise-scale reporting.
- SAP Datasphere: Ideal for SMEs prioritising access to inventory and sales data without the need for real-time insights.
- Cloud-First Strategy:
Key capabilities like workflow, analytics, and automation are increasingly delivered via BTP, not ECC. Staying on ECC means missing out on SAP’s latest innovations.
Final Thought
SAP BTP offers enormous potential—but only if aligned with your organisation’s goals, usage patterns, and digital roadmap. The right licensing model can provide flexibility and savings, while the wrong one can lead to overspend and underuse.
đź“© If you are considering SAP BTP or reviewing your current cloud setup, contact our team. We specialise in SAP transition services, licence optimisation, and benchmarking proposals.
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.
