SAP’s Business Data Cloud cuts 80% of data management work

SAP has launched Business Data Cloud (BDC) internationally, promising to eliminate 80% of traditional data management work through automated data alignment and synchronization. The platform uses a “zero copy” mechanism that keeps data within SAP environments while integrating with external sources like Databricks, a data analytics platform, positioning SAP to capitalize on the growing demand for data-driven AI innovation.

What you should know: BDC represents SAP’s strategy to create a “flywheel effect” connecting data generation, AI implementation, and business value creation.

• The SaaS-based platform launched in February and integrates both SAP and non-SAP data based on meaning rather than requiring traditional ETL processes.
• Data processed through BDC can fuel AI agent functions and SAP’s digital assistant, Joule.
• The platform operates across multiple cloud environments including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure through SAP’s “BDC Everywhere” strategy.

The big picture: SAP is leveraging its unique position as both an application provider and data repository to compete in the AI-driven enterprise market.

• “Most platforms are well-equipped with machine learning and AI libraries, but they often lack valuable data,” said Irfan Khan, SAP’s president and chief product officer of Data and Analytics.
• “Except for Oracle, SAP is virtually the only company that possesses both an application portfolio that spans all areas of the business and massive amounts of data.”

How it works: BDC automatically handles data integration tasks that typically consume most of data teams’ time and resources.

• The platform can “automatically align and synchronize various data sources without ETL or data pipeline management,” according to Khan.
• This automation allows customers to “reduce the collection, refinement, and quality control tasks that typically account for more than 80% of the overall data management function.”
• Teams can then “focus more time on AI model training and application” instead of data preparation.

In plain English: Traditional data management requires teams to manually extract data from different sources, transform it into a consistent format, and load it into systems (called ETL processes)—like organizing files from multiple filing cabinets into one standardized system. BDC eliminates most of this tedious work by automatically understanding what different data sources mean and connecting them seamlessly, freeing up teams to focus on building AI applications rather than wrestling with data plumbing.

Key partnerships: SAP has integrated BDC with Databricks to expand AI and machine learning capabilities.

• The partnership enables customers to “access a range of machine learning, data science, and AI capabilities within SAP.”
• “Open access is essential because 70% of our customers have non-SAP data,” Khan explained.
• The collaboration creates “a structure that allows data to be freely exchanged” between platforms.

AI integration examples: SAP showcased specific AI agents that demonstrate BDC’s practical applications.

• The company has built various AI agents into its applications, including a “dispute resolution agent” for accounting and a “shipment confirmation agent” for logistics.
• These agents are “organically connected to form a single integrated workflow,” creating comprehensive business automation.

What they’re saying: Khan emphasized the platform’s strong market reception and strategic importance.

• “There are few products that have received as much response as BDC,” Khan noted.
• “Recently, SAP has released various applications that generate high-quality business data, and implementing trustworthy AI based on this is a key strategy.”

Market expansion: SAP plans to accelerate BDC adoption through enhanced features and regional availability.

• The company will focus on “expanding intelligent applications, strengthening partnerships, and improving multilingual support.”
• BDC will become officially available in Korea at the end of July, marking continued international expansion.