April 15, 2025

Inside IBM’s Hybrid Cloud & AI Powered Evolution The SAP S4/HANA Journey Part 2

24 minutes

In Part 2 of the latest Let’s Talk Cloud ERP podcast, host Jennifer Frank McGrory continues her chat with Bill Piotrowski and Chris Perry of IBM about IBM’s ambitious transformation journey as it modernizes its global operations with SAP S/4HANA. Over 18 months, IBM executed a complex migration using an innovative Rapid Discovery approach, combining selective data migration, automation, and AI-driven tools to streamline the process.

Led by IBM Consulting, the transition leveraged SNP’s Bluefield methodology, Smart Shift automation for code remediation, and Tricentis for rigorous testing. IBM also partnered with SAP Rise and IBM Power VS Cloud to ensure a scalable and high-performance infrastructure. The discussion highlights the importance of execution rigor, including multiple mock migrations and test cycles to mitigate risks.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into key lessons learned, including the need for a clear business-aligned strategy, automation-driven efficiencies, and strong partnerships. The episode serves as a guide for enterprises looking to modernize their IT landscapes, demonstrating how hybrid cloud, AI, and automation can accelerate transformation. Whether you’re an IT leader or a business executive, this episode provides actionable takeaways for a successful SAP S/4HANA migration and broader digital transformation.

Key Topics of Discussion:

IBM’s Strategy for SAP S/4HANA Migration – How IBM aligned its transformation with its hybrid cloud and AI vision, emphasizing business value and agility.

Rapid Discovery & Selective Data Migration – The innovative approach IBM used to streamline migration, leveraging SNP’s Bluefield methodology and AI-powered automation.

Execution Rigor & Risk Mitigation – The importance of multiple mock migrations, testing cycles (using Tricentis), and automation (Smart Shift) to ensure a smooth transition.

Hybrid Cloud & AI Integration – How IBM optimized its SAP landscape using IBM Power VS Cloud and SAP Rise, enabling scalability and performance improvements.

Key Lessons & Best Practices – Actionable takeaways for enterprises planning an SAP S/4HANA migration, including automation strategies, execution best practices, and strategic partnerships.

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