SAP and Databricks Launch Business Data Cloud

SAP SE has announced the launch of SAP Business Data Cloud, a comprehensive data management solution designed to unify enterprise data and enable more effective AI-driven decision-making. Developed in collaboration with Databricks, this new platform integrates SAP’s mission-critical business applications with Databricks' advanced data engineering and AI capabilities, creating a streamlined foundation for enterprise intelligence.

Transforming Enterprise Data Management

SAP Business Data Cloud addresses one of the biggest challenges in enterprise AI—access to high-quality, real-time data. By harmonizing SAP and third-party data sources, organizations can eliminate costly data extraction processes while ensuring accuracy and consistency. The platform enables businesses to govern, analyze, and utilize their data to develop AI-driven applications, enhancing efficiency and innovation.

"By joining forces with SAP, we’re helping organizations bring together all their data—regardless of format or location—to power AI-driven insights and automation," said Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO of Databricks.

A Shift Towards the Data Product Economy

The solution introduces a new approach to data management called the data product economy, where business-ready data products—such as finance, supply chain, and HR datasets—are made instantly accessible for analytics and AI applications. These data products retain their original business context, allowing organizations to conduct real-time analysis without complex data transformation.

For instance, a CFO assessing inflation’s impact on profitability can instantly integrate real-time economic indicators with financial data to generate a comprehensive business forecast.

Empowering AI with Business Context

SAP Business Data Cloud is set to enhance the capabilities of Joule, SAP’s generative AI copilot. By leveraging the SAP Knowledge Graph, Joule will offer deeper cross-functional insights, enabling AI agents to automate workflows and provide more precise decision-making support.

The platform also introduces AI-powered insight apps, which use real-time data products and AI models to deliver predictive analytics across core enterprise functions like finance and human resources.

Future of AI Agents in Business Operations

SAP has also announced a new agent builder capability, allowing businesses to create custom AI agents tailored to their operational needs. These agents, combined with SAP’s existing library of Joule-powered AI assistants, will automate complex processes such as financial claims processing and sales dispute resolution.

Industry Adoption and Impact

Early adopters, including multinational companies like Henkel, recognize SAP Business Data Cloud as a transformative tool. "This platform will help us unlock the value of our data, enabling us to model scenarios and leverage AI for strategic decision-making," said Markus Hartmann, Corporate Vice President at Henkel.

With SAP and Databricks at the helm, the launch of SAP Business Data Cloud signals a major shift in how enterprises manage and utilize data for AI applications. As organizations increasingly rely on AI for competitive advantage, this unified data foundation is set to play a crucial role in driving business innovation.