Nokia accelerates ERP transformation with SAP and Microsoft

Global telecommunications company Nokia has signed a multi-year agreement with SAP to migrate its ERP environment using RISE with SAP, hosted on Microsoft Azure.

According to SAP, by adopting Rise with SAP, Nokia will take a structured, end-to-end approach to migrating its ERP system, which includes processes, data, applications, and operating models.    

SAP said will operate and manage the SAP S/4HANA software environment in the cloud under the agreement so that Nokia can focus on its business, rather than infrastructure management. 

“This agreement builds on our existing work with SAP and Microsoft and supports Nokia’s ambition to secure how we run our core business operations,” said Nokia IT procurement and vendor management Global Head VP Marek Očkay.

“By applying RISE with SAP Methodology on Microsoft Azure, we are strengthening a structured and future ready path for business growth – one that simplifies our ERP landscape, enables continuous innovation and strengthens our commitment for AI driven processes.”

Driving business transformation

The project builds on Nokia’s existing cloud transformation program, which has already seen the company consolidate multiple ERP systems into a single SAP S/4 HANA software environment. 

Specifically, this has included migrating its finance and logistics functions using SAP S/4HANA alongside applications including SAP Master Data Governance, SAP Extended Warehouse Management and SAP Global Trade Services. Nokia also already operates parts of its SAP landscape on Azure. 

SAP pointed out that AI-enabled functionality that are available in SAP’s cloud applications will be progressively adopted as part of Nokia’s migration journey.

Building a foundation for innovation

“Nokia’s decision reflects a clear commitment to business-led transformation,” said Manos Raptopoulos, SAP Customer Success Global President. 

“Rise with SAP Methodology provides Nokia with a structured road map, integrated toolchain and continuous access to innovation. It enables the company to modernize its ERP landscape while keeping a clean core and building a strong foundation for enterprise AI.”

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will work alongside SAP to support Nokia throughout the migration. 

“This collaboration demonstrates how cloud platforms, enterprise applications and AI can come together to support complex, global business transformations,” said Microsoft Europe North CVP Joacim Damgard.

“By running SAP S/4HANA on Azure within the RISE with SAP journey, Nokia is creating a scalable and secure foundation for continuous innovation.”