Seven Critical AI Questions SAP Must Answer at Sapphire Conference

As SAP Sapphire 2025 nears, all eyes are on how SAP will address the evolving AI landscape. With major announcements like the Business Data Cloud (BDC) launch and expanded Databricks partnership, SAP has positioned itself at the forefront of enterprise AI. However, customers and analysts have burning questions that need answers.

Top 7 AI Questions for SAP

1. Core AI Agent Platform: Can SAP establish itself as a hub for AI agent orchestration? Recent moves like joining Google's A2A protocol and early involvement with Anthropic's MCP show promise, but customers need clarity on interoperability.

2. Relevance of Cloud Software: With debates about the "Death of SaaS," SAP must articulate why cloud solutions like S/4HANA remain vital in an AI-driven world.

3. Messaging Gap: SAP risks outpacing customer readiness. The focus should shift from futuristic "autonomous agents" to practical, results-driven AI applications today.

4. Diverse Customer Views: With 50% of users believing AI is overhyped and 35% expecting industry revolution, SAP must balance hype with tangible, near-term benefits.

5. Data Quality & BDC Impact: Will Business Data Cloud deliver on its promise to simplify data integration for AI? Licensing models and real-world use cases will be critical.

6. Knowledge Graphs & Foundation Models: SAP's investment in knowledge graphs for structured data processing could be a game-changer. More details are needed at Sapphire.

7. Innovation Access: Customers want quick wins and sandbox environments, even without committing to RISE or GROW. Will SAP expand these opportunities?

User Group Insights

• DSAG: Emphasizes education and risk management, demanding AI access for on-premise customers.
• UKISUG: Warns against applying AI to broken processes, stressing data governance.
• ASUG: Urges SAP to use AI tools to streamline cloud migrations, reducing cost and time.

For deeper analysis, check the full interview with SAP's Irfan Khan and the ASUG Talks podcast.

"Every time you customize your ERP system, you should have compelling reasons," says ASUG CEO Geoff Scott, highlighting the need for agility in AI adoption. With Sapphire just days away, SAP has a chance to bridge the gap between AI potential and practical execution.