SAP has paused most hiring and internal travel to free up money for artificial intelligence. An internal email first reported in July and still in effect says new recruitment will focus mainly on core AI roles that support long-term strategy. Other hiring is largely frozen. Internal business travel is also restricted. Exceptions cover customer-facing trips, travel linked to AI development, the company’s “All in on AI” programme, and critical AI training. The company says AI is reshaping the industry and requires significant investment in products, capabilities, and strategic acquisitions. Higher token usage from wider AI deployment inside SAP has raised costs, so the firm is applying tighter spending discipline. Customer-facing work and key AI projects remain fully supported. The measures show how large software companies are balancing AI growth ambitions against rising operational expenses.
SAP has paused most hiring and internal travel to free up money for artificial intelligence. An internal email first reported in July and still in effect says new recruitment will focus mainly on core AI roles that support long-term strategy. Other hiring is largely frozen. Internal business travel is also restricted. Exceptions cover customer-facing trips, travel linked to AI development, the company’s “All in on AI” programme, and critical AI training. The company says AI is reshaping the industry and requires significant investment in products, capabilities, and strategic acquisitions. Higher token usage from wider AI deployment inside SAP has raised costs, so the firm is applying tighter spending discipline. Customer-facing work and key AI projects remain fully supported. The measures show how large software companies are balancing AI growth ambitions against rising operational expenses.