SAP and Amazon Web Services Help BBC Simplify its IT Systems in Cost Effective Move to the Cloud
SAP and AWS are collaborating to enhance the BBC’s IT infrastructure by moving key systems to the cloud.
On November 27, SAP (NYSE:SAP) announced that the BBC has continued its relationship with SAP to transform its IT systems, including finance, HR and procurement. The BBC will use RISE with SAP on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The BBC, a globally recognized public broadcaster, has undertaken a strategic shift towards modernizing its IT systems to optimize performance, increase scalability, and reduce operational costs. At the heart of this initiative is the adoption of SAP solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS), enabling the organization to streamline its operations and improve efficiency.
As part of the BBC’s continued digital transformation journey, the move to the cloud will mean it’s simpler and more cost effective for the BBC to run its IT systems – helping it focus investment on high-quality services for audiences.
RISE with SAP has successfully replaced the BBC’s previous model of separate contracts for use of data centres and software licenses – each of which had annual maintenance, support fees and services. The organisations will roll out further updates over the coming months.
BBC’s Chief Technology Officer, Peter O’Kane, noted that migrating to SAP systems on AWS provides the organization with the tools needed to modernize its IT infrastructure. He emphasized the value of adopting a flexible and secure cloud environment that aligns with the BBC’s long-term strategy for digital transformation.
Peter O’Kane, BBC Chief Technology Officer, says: “We want to make sure we’re investing the most we can in services for audiences. By simplifying our IT services, we can focus on running our business and ensure we’re meeting the needs of our viewers and listeners.”
“This marks a key moment in the BBC’s aim to streamline its business operations”, added Leila Romane, Managing Director of SAP UK and Ireland. “We are delighted to partner with the BBC and our solutions, backed by the security and availability of the AWS Cloud, means the BBC has the ideal foundation to deliver on its promise to serve all audiences.”
Tanuja Randery, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) at AWS, said: “We’re delighted that the BBC has chosen to move its critical SAP business systems to run on AWS. Our proven track record in delivering high-performance, secure, and scalable cloud services aligns perfectly with the BBC’s needs and enables them to improve performance, increase resilience and reliability, and accelerate their digital transformation journey with confidence.”
The BBC’s decision to embrace SAP and AWS solutions reflects its commitment to keeping pace with the digital transformation shaping industries worldwide. With AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure, the broadcaster aims to consolidate its systems, replacing legacy platforms with cloud-based alternatives. This move is intended to provide the flexibility required to manage fluctuating workloads while ensuring data security and compliance.
SAP’s portfolio plays a critical role in this transformation. The implementation of SAP S/4HANA simplifies processes and fosters real-time decision-making by integrating data from across the organization. This aligns with the BBC’s objective of delivering value to its audience while maintaining operational transparency. By leveraging SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), the broadcaster can unify data and build custom applications to address its unique needs.
The partnership between SAP and AWS underscores the importance of collaboration in driving technological advancement. AWS’s expertise in scalable cloud solutions complements SAP’s advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, creating an ecosystem tailored to the BBC’s requirements. This collaboration is designed to not only improve cost efficiency but also enhance the broadcaster’s ability to innovate rapidly in a competitive media landscape.
SAP and AWS Empowering Organizations
SAP and AWS have established themselves as pivotal players in supporting organizations undergoing digital transformations. For enterprises like the BBC, these technologies represent an opportunity to reimagine operations and create a foundation for future growth. By moving critical systems to the cloud, companies can focus on delivering core services while minimizing disruptions.
The adoption of SAP and AWS solutions marks a pivotal moment for the BBC as it works to stay ahead in a dynamic media environment. The integration of cloud technologies into its operations signifies a broader trend among enterprises seeking to reduce costs while improving service delivery.
As organizations across industries increasingly turn to cloud-based solutions, partnerships like that of SAP and AWS demonstrate how technology can be leveraged to foster innovation and adaptability. For the BBC, this step is part of a broader effort to align with its audience’s expectations in an age of rapid digital transformation.
By prioritizing flexibility, security, and efficiency, the BBC exemplifies how technology partnerships can enable organizations to meet the demands of a modern, connected world. The collaboration between SAP and AWS continues to illustrate how strategic alliances can help businesses unlock new opportunities while addressing complex operational challenges.