Now that you've seen AI capabilities in action, you're probably wondering: "How do I actually get access to these features?" The answer comes down to understanding two types of AI packages: Base AI and Premium AI.
Base AI: Always On, Always Included
What it is:
Base AI is the foundational AI available in every SAP Cloud subscription at no extra cost. Think of it as your everyday AI—the capabilities that make work simpler and more intuitive for everyone.
What you get:
Joule's core capabilities - Navigate, search, and complete simple tasks using natural language.
Basic transactional functions - Create, read, update, or delete records across your applications.
Unlimited access - Every user in your organization can use these features without restrictions.
Who it's for:
Everyone. Base AI is universally accessible across your entire organization.
The key point:
You're already entitled to Base AI. No purchase required, no AI units needed, no limits on usage. It's built into your SAP Cloud subscriptions.
Premium AI: Advanced Capabilities for Specific Needs
What it's:
Premium AI unlocks advanced, domain-specific capabilities that go beyond everyday assistance. These are features that deliver deeper business value through enhanced analytics, automation, and intelligence.
What you get:
Joule Premium packages - Advanced AI capabilities organized by business area (Finance, Supply Chain, HCM, CX, Spend Management).
Specialized tools - AI for consultants, developers, and specific use cases like document grounding.
Agents - Autonomous AI workers that handle complex, multi-step business tasks.
Continuous updates - New features automatically added to packages as they're released.
Who it's for:
Users who need advanced AI for their specific roles or business processes. You decide who gets access and can adjust assignments as needs change.
How it works:
Premium AI is powered by AI units —SAP's virtual currency for advanced AI features. You purchase AI units annually, and they're consumed based on usage. Some features use a fixed monthly amount per assigned user, while others are consumption-based (pay per request or record).
Premium AI is powered by AI units—SAP's virtual currency for advanced AI features. You purchase AI units annually, and they're consumed based on usage. Some features use a fixed monthly amount per assigned user, while others are consumption-based (pay per request or record).
Let’s take a deeper look at how Premium AI allows substantial flexibility in scaling consumption to meet demand across two different but not exclusive scenarios:
- Per user per month packages which scale with the number of users, and features that a customer needs:
- Enhanced Joule capabilities like analytical capabilities, in addition to supporting agentic capabilities.
- A predictable number of AI Units charged per assigned user each month which can be adjusted at any time.
As new features are added in each of the solution areas, the packages automatically update giving users assigned to this package automatic access.
- Consumption-based Capabilities that scale with the capacity of the service that customers need to use.
Consumption-based capabilities can be used for specific features that aren't part of the per user per month packages. These capabilities enable advanced AI services across the organization on demand.
They consume AI Units based on the usage of each feature per request or per record. Usage is tracked centrally in SAP for Me and is deducted from available AI Units based on the actual consumption of each AI feature.
The Key Difference
| Base AI | Premium AI |
|---|---|
| Free and unlimited | Requires AI units |
| Everyday AI for everyone | Advanced AI for specific needs |
| Included in subscriptions | Purchased separately |
| Simple navigation and tasks | Complex analysis and automation |
| Always accessible | Assigned to specific users |
AI Foundation - Build Your Own
Beyond packaged capabilities, AI Foundation gives you the platform to create custom AI solutions tailored to your unique business needs. Built on SAP BTP, it provides AI lifecycle management tools, business data services, and access to leading language models—the same foundation SAP uses to build its own AI features.
AI Foundation is unlocked through SAP BTP Enterprise Agreement credits, giving you the flexibility to innovate at your own pace.
Which Package Do You Need?
Start with Base AI - It's already included and provides immediate value to everyone.
Add Premium AI when you need:
Advanced analytics and predictive insights.
Automated complex workflows.
Domain-specific intelligence for specialized roles.
Agentic capabilities that work autonomously.
Explore AI Foundation when you want to:
Build custom AI solutions.
Extend packaged capabilities.
Integrate with your proprietary data and processes.