Integration is the backbone of modern business operations, especially for organizations running SAP ecosystems. As SAP accelerates its cloud-first strategy, companies must decide between the traditional SAP PI/PO (Process Integration/Process Orchestration) and the modern SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration), now part of SAP Integration Suite.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll help you explore the core differences, features, and decision factors to select the right integration platform for your digital transformation journey.
SAP PI/PO: The Legacy On-Premise Powerhouse
What is SAP PI/PO?
SAP PI/PO has been the enterprise-standard middleware for over a decade. Primarily designed for on-premise integrations, it allows businesses to connect SAP ERP, CRM, and non-SAP systems within their data center.
Key Features of SAP PI/PO:
- On-premise deployment, fully controlled by customer IT.
- Mature adapters for SAP and third-party systems.
- Advanced Adapter Engine Extended (AAE-XI).
- Business Process Management (BPM) for complex orchestrations.
- Business Rules Management (BRM).
- Integration Repository & Directory for design-time development.
- Tight integration with SAP Solution Manager for monitoring.
Strengths:
- High stability and control over data privacy.
- Suitable for industries with strict data governance.
- Supports complex on-premise legacy integrations.
SAP CPI: The Future-Ready Cloud Integration Suite
What is SAP CPI?
SAP Cloud Platform Integration, now rebranded as SAP Integration Suite, is SAP’s strategic iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) offering. It’s built for hybrid and cloud-centric IT landscapes, offering seamless integration between cloud, on-premise, mobile, and edge systems.
Key Features of SAP CPI:
- Cloud-native, fully managed by SAP on SAP BTP.
- Built-in connectors for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SuccessFactors, Ariba, Concur, and third-party SaaS platforms.
- API-first architecture with SAP API Management.
- Event-driven integration and support for AI/ML-driven automations.
- Embedded security, compliance, and scalability.
- Out-of-the-box integration content via SAP API Business Hub.
Strengths:
- Rapid deployment with minimal infrastructure management.
- Lower upfront CapEx compared to on-premise models.
- Scalable to meet enterprise cloud growth.
- Aligned with SAP’s long-term product vision.
SAP PI/PO vs SAP CPI: Direct Comparison (2025)
| Criteria | SAP PI/PO | SAP CPI (Integration Suite) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premise | Cloud (SAP BTP) |
| Ownership | Customer-managed | SAP-managed |
| Cost Model | CapEx | Subscription-based (OpEx) |
| Scalability | Limited to hardware | Elastic cloud scaling |
| Integration Scope | Primarily on-premise | Hybrid (Cloud, On-premise, SaaS) |
| Monitoring Tools | Solution Manager, PI Monitoring | Cloud Monitoring Dashboard |
| Pre-built Content | Limited | 2500+ packages via SAP API Business Hub |
| API Management | Limited capabilities | Fully integrated |
| AI/ML Support | Minimal | Built-in AI-driven integration recommendations |
| Security | Local firewall protection | SAP global data centers, GDPR, SOC compliance |
| Innovation Roadmap | Maintenance-focused | Continuous innovation |
Adoption Trends in 2025
Adoption Rate (2025)
| Platform | Adoption Rate |
|---|---|
| SAP CPI | 70% |
| SAP PI/PO | 30% |
Transitioning from SAP PI/PO to SAP CPI: Migration Path
SAP recognizes that many enterprises still rely heavily on PI/PO. However, its roadmap clearly focuses on cloud innovation. SAP provides a structured migration path to transition customers to Integration Suite:
Tools & Support:
- Integration Assessment Service to evaluate current landscape.
- Migration Toolkits for converting existing iFlows.
- SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) incentives to support transition.
- Integration Suite Migration Factory services for technical support.
Hybrid Co-Existence:
Many companies adopt a hybrid strategy in 2025 where:
- PI/PO handles legacy on-premise integrations
- CPI handles new cloud and SaaS integrations
This approach enables gradual migration without business disruption.
Decision Framework: Which Platform Fits Your Business?
| Business Scenario | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
| Heavily on-premise SAP ECC landscape | SAP PI/PO (short term) |
| Modern SAP S/4HANA Cloud migration | SAP CPI |
| Multi-cloud and SaaS adoption | SAP CPI |
| Budget-constrained short-term operations | SAP PI/PO |
| Long-term digital transformation | SAP CPI |
The SAP Roadmap for Integration (2025 & Beyond)
- SAP has declared CPI (Integration Suite) as its future-ready integration strategy.
- New innovations in AI-powered integrations, event-driven processes, and pre-built business scenarios are heavily focused on CPI.
- SAP PI/PO remains in maintenance mode with limited new features.
Key SAP statement:
“By 2028, SAP PI/PO customers are encouraged to fully migrate to SAP Integration Suite as part of SAP’s cloud-first integration strategy.”
Conclusion
Both SAP PI/PO and SAP CPI have their unique strengths. However, as organizations evolve towards hybrid and cloud-centric models in 2025, SAP Integration Suite (CPI) emerges as the platform of choice for most modern enterprises.
Quick Recap:
- Choose SAP CPI if you're focused on agility, cloud adoption, and future readiness.
- Stick with SAP PI/PO temporarily if you have substantial on-premise investments and need more time to transition.
The earlier you align with SAP’s integration roadmap, the more competitive your enterprise becomes in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
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