SAP’s cloud-first strategy – with SAP Cloud ERP, the Business Technology Platform (BTP), as well as RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP – is giving cloud transformation in the SAP environment a new dynamic. It becomes clear, at the latest when SAP licence renewals are due: SAP is serious about its cloud-first strategy – especially since cloud and hybrid offerings often provide companies with the best value for money. This increasingly brings the challenge into focus: how can add-ons, custom developments and process logic be successfully migrated to the cloud?
Key decision: SAP Cloud ERP (Private or Public Edition)
The journey to the cloud begins with a key strategic decision: choosing the right ERP system. This decision plays a decisive role in terms of how flexibly processes can be designed and what options are available for integrating add-ons and extensions.
SAP Cloud ERP Public: maximum standardisation, maximum speed
The SAP Cloud ERP Public Edition is SAP’s fully standardised cloud ERP solution. Automatic updates, clear release cycles and a consistently clean core ensure high stability. Extensions are implemented exclusively via SAP BTP – ideal for companies that want to get started quickly and require only limited customisation.
SAP Cloud ERP Private: maximum design flexibility, fully cloud-compliant
SAP Cloud ERP Private combines the flexibility of traditional on-premise systems with the benefits of modern cloud technology. Organisations can continue to implement add-ons and customised extensions directly within the system, in line with the Clean Core guidelines. The ERP system is ideal for companies with complex processes and extensive custom developments.
Both operating options follow the Clean Core approach – although they are significantly different in terms of flexibility, extensibility and integration options.
Clean Core: Clear rules for add-ons in the cloud
In SAP Cloud ERP Public, the Clean Core principle is strictly applied: the SAP core remains untouched, updates and upgrades run automatically, and extensions and add-ons are decoupled and usually delivered via the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP).
This makes the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) the strategic innovation and extension platform for the SAP ecosystem. It enables side-by-side extensions for SAP Cloud ERP Public systems, integrates processes and data across system boundaries, and at the same time provides the technological foundation for AI innovations, automation and analytics.
In SAP Cloud ERP Private, the SAP core also remains untouched, but with more flexibility. Add-ons and custom extensions can be implemented directly within the system, just as with an on-premise system – provided they comply with the Clean Core guidelines.
Our XFT Add-on Suite 4S4 (Release 6.20) will be certified as ‘Conditional Clean Core’ (Level C, S/4HC-ABAP-COND) by SAP after release approval. This confirms that our add-ons, which are based on classic ABAP, are upgradeable and consistently adhere to SAP’s Clean Core guidelines.
Key to success: a clean core-compliant add-on strategy
Specific business requirements – such as industry-specific logic, compliance requirements, internal workflows or specialised reporting needs – can be successfully migrated to the cloud. However, in future this will be done in accordance with the clear principles of the respective SAP Cloud ERP editions, which ensure flexibility, updatability and system stability.
This makes it clear: companies need add-ons that are not only technically compatible, but can also be seamlessly integrated into the relevant cloud architecture, support hybrid scenarios with remaining on-premise systems, and remain updatable in the long term. This is exactly where XFT comes in: XFT solutions are developed in accordance with the clean core standard and operate reliably across all SAP operating models. This means our customers can easily migrate their XFT solutions to SAP Cloud ERP Private – without having to start from zero. Prospects benefit from XFT add-ons that fit seamlessly into any SAP cloud strategy and provide long-term protection for their investments.
100% SAP-compatible: XFT add-ons for the smart upgrading of your SAP Cloud ERP
As a certified SAP Partner, we speak the language of the SAP system and develop XFT add-ons that respect the SAP system logic and fit seamlessly into the SAP system landscape – already available today for on-premise, SAP Cloud ERP Private and, in the future, also for SAP Cloud ERP Public.
XFT add-ons are based on classic ABAP for on-premise and SAP Cloud ERP Private systems as well as SAP BTP ABAP Environment for cloud-native deployment via SAP BTP directly on the customer’s own BTP sub-account. This ensures that XFT add-ons remain available across all of our customers’ system architectures.
The XFT Add-on Suite 4S4 integrates seamlessly with on-premise and SAP Cloud ERP Private systems and supports hybrid scenarios that enable the integration of cloud applications such as SAP SuccessFactors. This protects existing XFT investments: companies that have invested in XFT solutions over the years can easily transfer their customised functionalities to SAP Cloud ERP Private.
At the same time, the XFT Add-on Suite Cloud is being developed; it will be rolled out in stages and will eventually be available for purchase via the SAP Store. It will be deployed via the customer’s own BTP sub-account. This marks the next step towards fully cloud-native extensions.
Preview: XFT PPAP Collaboration coming soon to the SAP Store
From autumn 2026, XFT PPAP Collaboration, a cloud-native add-on designed for a modern, collaborative sampling process, will be available via the SAP Store. A trial version will be made available as early as spring/summer.
Conclusion: Success with SAP Cloud starts with the right add-on strategy
Add-ons can be successfully migrated to the cloud if they are developed in a clean-core-compliant manner and match the architecture of the chosen SAP Cloud ERP Edition. They remain indispensable in the cloud too – wherever the standard SAP system reaches its limits.
Cloud-enabled extensions add value where customised processes, compliance requirements or industry-specific logic are required. XFT add-ons make it possible to retain tried-and-tested, customised processes without compromising the benefits of the cloud. XFT demonstrates that SAP compatibility, flexibility and future-proofing are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary, they form the basis for long-term planning certainty within the SAP ecosystem.
The message is clear: with a carefully considered cloud and add-on strategy, companies can secure a sustainable business lead.
Do you have any questions about your XFT add-on integration?
Our experts are happy to guide you on your journey to SAP Cloud ERP and work with you to develop XFT solutions that are not only tailored to market requirements but also consistently aligned with your specific needs – ensuring your long-term success and a successful digital future.