Was kostet eine SAP Sandbox zur Miete?

At IDES24, an SAP sandbox with S/4HANA 2025 as a private tenant under an annual contract costs approximately €15,493 net per year. The one-time setup fee for the tenant is approximately €178. A dedicated SAP system costs approximately €36,754 per year for the Server Light version. For the Server Pro version, it costs approximately €74,936 per year. The one-time setup fee for a server is approximately €4,014. As of October 7, 2026. Older versions are less expensive. Your quote is binding. Prices are converted from U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

SAP Client or Server: Which SAP Sandbox Do You Need?

Oct. 7

Posted by Wlad

SAP Sandbox Explained Simply

Anyone who rents an SAP test system will come across two terms everywhere: client and server. There’s a simple question behind this. Do you share an SAP system with others and get a separate, self-contained area within it? Or do you get a complete SAP system all to yourself? This article explains the difference without technical jargon, shows when each option is sufficient, and provides calculations based on current prices.

In short: An SAP client is a self-contained environment within an SAP system, with its own data and settings. In most cases, a private client is sufficient for an SAP sandbox: training, customizing, development, and interface testing are all conducted there. You only need your own SAP system (server) when something affects the entire system—such as additional software, direct database access, or program code that no other customer is allowed to see. IDES24 offers both: the private tenant starting at around €15,493 per year and your own system as Server Light or Server Pro (S/4HANA 2025, annual contract, net). Based on cost alone, the Server Pro option for S/4HANA 2025 is only worthwhile for 164 or more users.

Go to the Sandbox Check (2 minutes) First, let’s understand: What is a tenant?

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The Basis

What is a client in SAP?

A client is a self-contained unit within an SAP system. It has its own master data, its own documents, and its own settings (Customizing). Each client has a three-digit number, such as 100. You enter this number when logging in, along with your username and password.

The easiest way to think of an SAP system is as an apartment building. Each client is an apartment: its own door, its own key, its own furnishings. Your neighbor can’t see what happens inside your apartment. However, the heating system, the roof, and the plumbing belong to the building and apply to all apartments.

The SAP System as an Apartment Building
In the picture	In SAP	What's Included
Apartment	Client	Your master data, documents, and settings. Experts say: client-specific.
House	SAP System (Server)	Program code, database, system settings, and installed add-on software. Client-independent; applies to all clients.
Room in a shared apartment	Public Individual Access	Many users share a single tenant. In theory, data could be overwritten.
Rent an Apartment	Private Client	You'll have your own private space, but you'll be sharing the house with other guests.
Rent a House	In-house SAP system	The entire system is available exclusively to you, including the heating and the roof.

Why are there clients in SAP in the first place?

Client instances allow you to manage multiple organizationally and technically separate units within a single SAP installation. Companies use this, for example, to keep Customizing, testing, and training separate from one another in their own client instances. For a rented SAP sandbox, this means that multiple customers can share a single SAP system, each in their own client instance. That is why a private client instance is significantly less expensive than an entire system.

Choices When Renting

Why does the SAP Sandbox involve a client or server?

Because when you rent, you choose how much of the property you own outright: a room in a shared apartment, your own apartment, or the entire house. In this context, “server” does not refer to a device in your office, but rather to a complete SAP system in a data center that is used exclusively by your company. Providers also refer to this as a dedicated SAP server.

An Overview of Three Ways to Access the SAP Sandbox

Room in a shared apartment

Public Individual Access

Public Shared User

You share a tenant with many other users.

Fits: Individuals Learning SAP
Change it yourself: Your own data sets. Your settings are shared with everyone.
Reservation: Monthly subscription, directly online

My Own Apartment

Private Client

Your own, separate client on an SAP system shared by multiple customers.

Fits: Teams, Training, Customization, Development, Interface Testing
Change it yourself: Everything is in your tenant; nothing is system-wide
Reservation: For subscriptions of one quarter or longer; try it for free for 3 days beforehand

The whole house

In-house SAP system

Dedicated Server: Server Light or Server Pro

A complete SAP system dedicated exclusively to your company. Includes 2 clients; expandable.

Fits: Custom program code, database access, add-ons, many users
Change it yourself: System-wide tasks as well: with Server Pro, you handle much of it yourself (SAP_ALL); with Server Light, our technical team takes care of it
Reservation: Starting with one quarter

The rule of thumb: Anything that applies only to your apartment goes into the client. Anything that applies to the entire building requires its own SAP system.

Public individual access is intended for individuals; for more information, see the page "SAP Test Systems for Individuals." This article discusses the choice between a private client and a dedicated SAP system that companies, educational institutions, and software vendors must make.

Making Decisions Without Technology

Client or In-House SAP System: Which Option Is Right for Your Project?

You don't need to know what a transaction is. It's enough to know what you plan to do with the SAP Sandbox.

Typical projects and the model suitable for each. As of October 7, 2026.
Your Project	That's enough	Why
Train Employees or Course Participants in SAP	Private Client	A training session only requires data and settings within its own area.
Try out SAP processes or demonstrate them to customers	Private Client	Sample data and settings are located in the client.
Preparing for an SAP Implementation or Migration	Private Client	Most customizations take effect only within the client, where they can be tested safely.
Integrating Your Own Software with SAP (Interface Test)	Private Client	OData and technical users operate within the client.
Develop your own ABAP programs that no one else is allowed to see	Server Light	Program code is stored in SAP across client boundaries; other developers in the system could see it.
Install additional software or activate an industry-specific solution	Server Light	Installation and activation affect the entire system.
Read data directly from the database (BI, ETL)	Server Light	Database access applies system-wide.
Create and manage many users yourself	Server Pro	Only Server Pro includes SAP_ALL and its own user management; it supports up to 500 users.

Do you have multiple teams, courses, or clients that shouldn't be able to see each other? Then you'll need multiple tenants: either individual private tenants or a separate system with two tenants. The check will calculate which option is more cost-effective.

Check it now in two minutes

The Typical Case

What can a private client do in the SAP Sandbox?

More than most people expect. It's possible:

Customize SAP to fit your processes and create your own master data
Developing Your Own Programs in ABAP Using Your Own Developer User
Integrate your own software, including permanent and automated integration for moderate volumes (OData via HTTPS; we can set up your own RFC connections after review for an additional fee)
Secure Authentication for APIs: Technical Users, OAuth 2.0, Custom TLS Certificates
Create and assign your own roles after a one-time, fee-based setup
99% uptime as specified in the contract (excluding maintenance windows), plus daily backups retained for 14 days
Try it for free for three days before you decide

This covers training, demos, customization, development, and most integration tests. The limit is reached when a setting affects not just your apartment, but the entire building.

Sandbox Check

Renting an SAP Sandbox: Is one client enough, or do you need your own system?

Enter what you plan to do with the SAP test system. You'll see right away whether one client is enough and how much each option costs. No login required; prices are current.

SAP Version

Duration

Users (any person with their own SAP login; for training sessions, participants and instructors)

Developer (programs in ABAP; otherwise 0)

How many separate environments (tenants) do you need?

One per team, course, or client that the others shouldn't see. If in doubt: 1.

Which of these applies to you?

If a point doesn't make sense to you, leave it blank. These points apply almost exclusively to IT departments and developers. What the points mean

The program code (ABAP) we write ourselves must not be visible to anyone else A reporting or data tool should access the SAP database directly (BI, ETL, SQL) We want to install additional software from SAP (an add-on for which we have our own license) We want to activate an SAP industry solution, such as SAP Utilities We need to change settings that apply to the entire SAP system (system parameters) We need external operating system commands (SM69) We want to be able to roll back the entire system to an earlier state if necessary (the client also has a daily backup). Our developers want to be able to import shipments themselves at any time, without having to go through the IT team. Our administrators want to create user accounts themselves, without involving the help desk

A private client is sufficient for your data. None of your requirements necessitate a separate SAP system.

Recommendation

Private Client

Your area on a shared SAP system. Includes 5 users per client (4 end users, 1 developer)

1.291 €

per month

15,493 € per
178 € one-time setup fee
0 additional users included

Server Light

Your own SAP system, just for you. Includes 2 clients; expandable. Includes 5 users

3.063 €

per month

36,754 € per
4,014 € one-time setup fee
0 additional users included

Server Pro

Your very own SAP system, just for you. Includes 2 clients; expandable. Up to 500 users included

6.245 €

per month

74,936 € per
4,014 € one-time setup fee
up to 500 users included

Create a quote as a PDF Try Mandant for 3 days free

Please select the version, term, and user again in the quote. Prices are net, converted from U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate. Monthly payments are available for a 2% surcharge. Your quote is binding.

The Border

When Do You Need Your Own SAP System? Nine Reasons

If any of these points apply, you’ll generally need your own SAP system. If it says “through our IT team,” it can be done there as well—just not on your own. If none of them apply, the price is the deciding factor.

What is possible in the SAP Sandbox for each variant. Server Light and Server Pro are separate SAP systems. As of October 7, 2026.
Requirement	Private Client	Server Light	Server Pro
Protect Your Own Program Code (ABAP) from Other Customers	No, program code is shared across all SAP clients.	Yes, you are the only one on the system	Yes, you are the only one on the system
Read data directly from the database, for example, for reporting or data tools (BI, ETL, SQL)	No, database access applies system-wide.	Yes, a separate database user via VPN	Yes, a separate database user via VPN
Installing Additional Software from SAP (Add-ons)	no	Yes, with your own license: You provide the media, and we verify and install it.	Yes, with your own license—even on your own
Enable industry solutions, such as SAP Utilities for energy providers	No, the activation applies system-wide.	Yes, we'll activate it for free (without sample data).	Yes, we'll activate it for free (without sample data).
Change settings that apply to the entire system (for experts: profile parameters)	no	Yes, about our technical team	Yes, with SAP_ALL
Use external operating system commands (for experts: SM69)	no	Yes, activation by our technical team	Yes, after activation
Restore the entire system to a previous state, if desired	No, that would reset all clients on the system.	Yes, for a fee	Yes, for a fee
Import your own custom developments at any time (transport orders)	About Our Technical Team	About Our Technical Team	Yes, even
Create, edit, and delete users yourself (manage your own users)	No, our help desk creates additional users; they can set up their own roles after a one-time setup.	No, our help desk creates additional users; they can set up their own roles after a one-time setup.	Yes, custom user management (SAP_ALL)

When new requirements arise, our technical team provides consulting services. We'll let you know the cost up front.

The importance of protecting your own program code is often underestimated. In SAP, ABAP code is stored system-wide across all clients. On a shared system, therefore, anyone who also has a developer user account there could view and copy your programs. The private client isolates your client-specific data and your Customizing settings. If protecting your source code is a key requirement, having your own SAP system is the best solution: there, you are the only user.

The Bill

At what point does having your own SAP system become more cost-effective than using a shared instance?

Limit 1: the number of users

A private subscription includes 5 users. Each additional user costs up to €535 per year.

For larger quantities, the price drops to €375 per user per year.

The Server Pro includes up to 500 users. For S/4HANA 2025, the Server Pro on an annual contract therefore costs less than a client with additional users starting at 164 users. These calculations are based on recurring costs, excluding the one-time setup fee. For other versions, the limit is 164 users (S/4HANA 2023), 158 (2022), 112 (2021), and 85 (ECC 6.0).

Limit 2: Two Clients

Two private tenants with a total of 10 users cost €30,986 per year for S/4HANA 2025. A Server Light with two clients and 5 users costs €36,754—about 19 percent more. For this additional fee, you have the entire SAP system to yourself. The table above shows what you can do yourself and what our technical team will handle for you.

Private ClientServer LightServer ProChecking your entry

The graph reflects the information you entered in the Sandbox Check above: version, runtime, and number of clients.

Prices

How much does it cost to rent an SAP test system (SAP Sandbox)?

S/4HANA 2025 under an annual contract, net. Converted from U.S. dollars. As of October 7, 2026. Older versions are less expensive. Monthly amounts are one-twelfth of the annual price; for monthly payments, a 2% surcharge is added to the recurring system fee.
System	per year	per month	Facilities	Included
Private Client	15.493 €	1.291 €	178 €	1 client, 5 users
Server Light	36.754 €	3.063 €	4.014 €	Includes 2 clients (expandable), 5 users
Server Pro	74.936 €	6.245 €	4.014 €	Includes 2 clients (expandable), up to 500 users, SAP_ALL

For subscription terms of two years or more, setup is not required for private clients or Server Pro. All versions and subscription terms are listed on the pricing page.

Calculated honestly

What are the drawbacks of having your own SAP system?

The price. With S/4HANA 2025 on an annual contract, the Server Light costs as much as 2.4 clients, and the Server Pro costs as much as 4.8 clients.
The setup fee. A one-time fee of 4,014 € instead of 178 €.
The Commitment. An annual contract for a dedicated system is automatically renewed for 12 months; the notice period is 90 days. For clients with quarterly or annual contracts, the notice periods are 3 months and 30 days, respectively.
Permissions for Server Light. Our help desk continues to create additional users, and our technical team implements system-wide settings and transports. You can only manage users yourself and import transports on your own with Server Pro.

If one client is sufficient, we recommend that client. You can still switch to your own system later; you can transfer your developments and customizations using a transport request.

For Context

Client system or in-house system? Three typical scenarios

A training provider trains 20 participants

Including the trainer, that’s 21 users—meaning 17 additional users on a single tenant. With S/4HANA 2025, this costs €24,588 per year. Having your own system with Server Pro is only worthwhile if you have 164 or more users.

A software developer is testing its interface

The connection is made via OData, and a technical user is required. A private client is sufficient for this. The situation is different if you create your own ABAP code in the system that no one else is allowed to see. In that case, Server Light is the best solution.

A tool should access the database directly

ETL and BI tools that use direct SQL access require a separate SAP system, because database access affects the entire system. On your own system, you will be assigned a dedicated database user, and the connection is established via VPN.

Your SAP Sandbox: Get a Quote in Two Minutes or Try It First

Select the version, term, and user, then download the quote as a PDF. No phone call and no waiting. The shortest term is one quarter. A three-business-day free trial period begins upon signing; we typically set up your system within ten business days. If the client no longer meets your needs later on, you can switch to your own system.

Would you rather try it out first? You can test the private client version for three days for free. If one client is enough, we'll let you know.

Create a Quote Yourself Try Mandant for 3 days free

Glossary

SAP Client, Server, Sandbox: A Brief Explanation of the Terms

SAP Client: A self-contained unit within an SAP system with its own master data, documents, and settings. Each client has a three-digit number that you enter when logging in. In English SAP terminology, it is called a "client."
Client-dependent and client-independent: Master data, documents, and most of the customizing settings are client-specific: They apply only within your own client. Program code (ABAP), system settings, and installed add-on software are system-wide: They apply to all clients in the system.
SAP System: A complete SAP installation: applications, database, and all clients on it. When renting, a separate SAP system is often referred to as a server or a dedicated SAP server.
Public Shared User: A " Access " for one person on a tenant shared by many users. Intended for individuals who are learning SAP.
Private Client: Your own, separate client on an SAP system shared by multiple customers. Other customers cannot see your data during normal operations.
In-house SAP system (server): An SAP system used exclusively by your company. At IDES24, it’s called Server Light or Server Pro and includes two clients; additional clients can be added.
SAP Sandbox: An SAP system for learning, testing, and development, separate from the live environment. Errors have no consequences there.
Customizing: The settings used to customize SAP for a specific company, such as company codes or document types. Most of these settings are client-specific, while some—such as the factory calendar—apply to the entire system.
ABAP: The programming language used to develop SAP applications. ABAP programs are stored in the system on a cross-client basis: They are available in all clients, and other developers on the system can view them.
Interface (OData, RFC): Ways in which other software exchanges data with SAP. OData runs over HTTPS.
BI and ETL: Tools that extract data from SAP and prepare it for reports and analyses.
Shipping Order: A package in which SAP collects changes to developments and settings so that they can be transferred to another SAP system or another client. Master data and documents are not included.
Add-on: Additional software that is installed in an SAP system and then applies to all clients.
SAP_ALL: An SAP authorization profile that grants a user all authorizations. At IDES24, SAP_ALL is available only with Server Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about SAP clients, the sandbox, and your own system

What is a client in SAP?

A client is a self-contained unit within an SAP system, with its own master data, documents, and settings (Customizing). Each client has a three-digit number that you enter when logging in. Multiple clients share an SAP system and operate separately from one another, each with its own data. Program code and system-wide settings, however, apply to all clients in the system.

Why do people talk about "clients" or "servers" when referring to an SAP sandbox?

Because when you rent a system, you can choose whether to share an SAP system with other customers or have one all to yourself. With a private tenant, you get a separate area on a shared system. With a server—that is, your own SAP system—you have exclusive use of the entire installation. This determines what you can do in the system and how much it costs.

What is an SAP sandbox?

An SAP sandbox is an SAP system designed for learning, testing, and development, separate from the live production environment. At IDES24, you can rent one that is fully set up and typically includes sample data. You access it via the Internet, using a web browser or SAP GUI. You can rent a shared single-user account, a private client, or your own SAP system.

What types of SAP sandboxes are there?

IDES24 offers three options: public individual access, where many users share a single client; a private client with its own separate area on a shared SAP system; and your own SAP system (Server Light or Server Pro), which includes two clients and is expandable. For learning purposes, individual access is usually sufficient for individuals. Companies typically start with the private client.

What is the difference between a private SAP tenant and a dedicated SAP system?

A private client is your own, separate environment on a shared SAP system. Your data and Customizing settings are stored in your client, while system-wide settings are managed centrally. A standalone SAP system, also known as a dedicated SAP server, is used exclusively by your company. It contains two clients; additional clients can be added, and system-wide settings are also possible.

How many clients have their own SAP system?

With IDES24, Server Light and Server Pro each include two tenants. Additional tenants can be added; the price for this is listed in your quote. A private tenant is exactly one tenant; to add a second one, you must purchase an additional tenant.

At what number of users does it make sense to have your own SAP system instead of a client?

For S/4HANA 2025, IDES24’s Server Pro plan with an annual contract costs less than a private tenant with additional users starting at 164 users, because the Server Pro plan includes up to 500 users. These calculations are based on recurring costs, excluding the one-time setup fee. For other versions, the limit is 164 users (S/4HANA 2023), 158 (2022), 112 (2021), and 85 users (ECC 6.0). Below these limits, the tenant is the more cost-effective choice, as long as you do not need system-wide functions.

How much does it cost to rent an SAP sandbox?

At IDES24, an SAP sandbox with S/4HANA 2025 as a private tenant under an annual contract costs approximately €15,493 net per year.

The one-time setup fee for the client is approximately 178 €.

A standalone SAP system in the "Server Light" configuration costs approximately €36,754 per year.

The Server Pro plan costs about €74,936 per year.

The one-time cost of setting up a server is approximately €4,014.

As of October 7, 2026. Older versions are less expensive. Your quote is binding.

Prices are converted from U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

What is the difference between Server Light and Server Pro?

Both are standalone SAP systems with two clients; additional clients can be added. The Server Light plan starts with 5 users. Our help desk creates additional users, and our technical team implements system-wide settings and transports. The Server Pro plan offers more performance, supports up to 500 users, and includes SAP_ALL: Your administrators manage users and roles themselves and install transports on their own.

Can I test the SAP Sandbox beforehand?

You can test the private client version for three days free of charge. Once the contract is signed, you also have a three-business-day free trial period: If you withdraw in writing during this period, no fees will be charged. We will evaluate requests to test your own SAP system on a case-by-case basis.

Can I switch from the client's system to my own SAP system later?

Yes. Your in-house developments and customizations can be exported as transport requests and imported into your own system. Master data and documents are not included in this process. We’ll coordinate the process, effort, and terms with you on a case-by-case basis. If you’re unsure, start with the client.

How long am I bound by the contract for my own SAP system?

The shortest contract term is one quarter. An annual or multi-year contract for your own SAP system is automatically extended by 12 months unless it is terminated 90 days before expiration. For private clients with quarterly or annual contracts, the extension is 3 months, and the notice period is 30 days. Your contract always takes precedence.

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Wlad

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