Cost Optimization Strategies for SAP on AWS

This white paper outlines five essential steps for businesses to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) when migrating SAP workloads to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. It begins by emphasizing the importance of conducting a detailed risk analysis, particularly focusing on infrastructure costs and maintenance. The paper details the calculation of TCO over a five-year plan, highlighting three key cost areas: hardware, software, and infrastructure maintenance and support costs. Each area is broken down into specific components that influence overall expenses, such as governance, operating costs, and continuous development. The document also addresses the challenges associated with technological change and the resistance that may arise within IT departments. Furthermore, it discusses the significance of selecting the appropriate AWS architecture for SAP systems, which directly impacts costs. The paper concludes by presenting strategies for managing technology changes and optimizing infrastructure costs through careful planning and assessment of usage.