BBC embraces cloud transformation with SAP and Amazon Web Services

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has taken a significant step in its digital transformation journey by migrating its critical IT systems—including finance, human resources, and procurement—to the cloud using RISE with SAP on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This move aims to simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency, allowing the organisation to allocate more resources toward delivering high-quality services to its global audience.

The collaboration builds on the BBC’s longstanding relationship with SAP and reflects the broadcaster’s strategic commitment to modernising its infrastructure. RISE with SAP has enabled the BBC to consolidate its IT ecosystem by replacing multiple contracts for data centres and software licenses with a streamlined, cloud-based model. This approach has cut down on maintenance and support costs while enhancing system resilience and reliability.

According to the BBC’s Chief Technology Officer, Peter O’Kane, this change underscores the broadcaster’s mission to focus its investments on audience-facing services. He indicated that simplified IT operations allow the organisation to remain agile and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of its viewers and listeners.

Experts from SAP and Amazon Web Services emphasised the transformative potential of this partnership. Leila Romane, Managing Director of SAP UK and Ireland, described the collaboration as a foundational moment for the BBC, noting that SAP’s solutions, combined with the security and scalability of AWS, provide an optimal framework for achieving operational excellence. Meanwhile, Tanuja Randery, AWS’s Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted AWS’s proven track record in delivering secure, high-performance cloud services. She explained that this partnership enables the BBC to accelerate its digital transformation goals with confidence.

The BBC’s decision to adopt RISE with SAP aligns with its broader ambition to future-proof its operations against rapidly changing technological and consumer landscapes. By leveraging the agility and scalability of cloud computing, the broadcaster aims to deliver enhanced services while maintaining cost-efficiency.

Further updates to the BBC’s IT systems are expected over the coming months, as the organisation continues to refine its processes and explore additional innovations through its partnerships with SAP and AWS.