Massive scale with zero disruption: How Microsoft modernized to S/4HANA in record time with SNP
MicrosoftMicrosoft migrates 70+ TB to SAP S/4HANA in 24 hours
Modernizing large SAP environments often involves a difficult trade-off between speed, risk, and business continuity. For Microsoft, maintaining uninterrupted operations while transitioning to SAP S/4HANA was essential. Together with SNP, the company used a selective data migration approach to complete the transformation over a single weekend.
Challenge: Transforming a mission-critical system without disruption
After nearly three decades on SAP ECC, Microsoft faced a pivotal moment: How to migrate its massive 70+ TB SAP ECC/BRIM system to S/4HANA with minimal business disruption. The explosive growth of its cloud services and the increasing importance of its SAP Billing and Revenue Innovation Management (BRIM) system which is used for everything from Xbox subscriptions to enterprise agreements, demanded a modern, agile ERP platform. The legacy system, while stable, could no longer support the pace and complexity of a global tech leader.
Solution: Selective data migration (Bluefield®) at scale
To meet this challenge, Microsoft chose SNP, a trusted partner with deep expertise in complex SAP transformations. SNP’s Bluefield approach for selective data migration allowed Microsoft to move only essential data, transforming it in real time.
This method was crucial for completing the migration in a single weekend, shutting down Friday PST and going live by Monday NZST.
Microsoft also adopted a rigorous, iterative testing strategy. SNP’s tool Kyano Validate was used to validate trillions of fields post-go-live and, according to Microsoft, proved to be one of the best verification tools in the SAP space. Multiple full-scale migrations were conducted in a sandbox environment identical to production, enabling teams to refine the process and ensure readiness. A dual landscape was maintained throughout to safeguard operations.
SNP’s automated streamlined process helped Microsoft preload static data and reduce the cutover time to just 24 hours. The migration also served as a strategic cleanup opportunity by eliminating obsolete customizations, applying “clean core” principles, and resolving legacy issues like non-ISO compliant currencies.
At the SAPinsider Awards in Las Vegas, Microsoft was honored with the ERP Transformation Project of the Year award — with SNP as their migration partner of choice.
Collaboration: A blueprint for enterprise ERP evolution
The success of this transformation was rooted in close collaboration between Microsoft and SNP. SNP’s Kyano software platform for end-to-end enterprise data management and migrations allowed Microsoft’s seamless transition to S/4HANA, delivering a scalable, future-ready platform aligned with Microsoft’s innovation goals.
“This partnership didn’t just modernize infrastructure, it redefined how large enterprises can approach transitioning from legacy SAP systems to S/4HANA. The project delivered the benefits of a re-implementation (clean data, simplified systems, and reduced technical debt) without the extended timelines or costs of a traditional greenfield deployment." – Steele Arbeeny, CTO of SNP.
Key takeaways
- Minimize risk with a selective data migration: Focus on essential data to reduce downtime and complexity.
- De-risk transitions through sandbox testing: Simulate full-scale migrations to validate processes and train teams.
- Use modernization as a strategic reset: Clean up legacy systems, streamline operations, and prepare for future growth.
Key facts
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Project type
SAP ECC/BRIM migration to S/4HANA
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Data volume
Over 70 TB
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Downtime
24 hours
We couldn’t afford a long downtime or a misstep. Our BRIM system touches nearly every revenue stream and failure wasn’t an option.
Frederic Huet
Partner Group Engineering Manager – SAP Architect at Microsoft
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, that develops, licenses, and supports software, services, and hardware, including the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, Xbox gaming, and the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
