Move from SAP BW 7.X To SAP DataSphere

In an era where data-driven decision-making is paramount, organizations must continually evaluate and optimize their data warehousing solutions. Many enterprises have long relied on SAP Business Warehouse (BW) 7.X as their core platform for business intelligence and analytics. However, the rapidly evolving technological landscape and increasing data complexities necessitate a reassessment of existing systems. SAP Datasphere emerges as a compelling next-generation solution, offering cloud-native capabilities designed to address the challenges of modern data management and analysis. This article examines the strategic advantages of migrating from SAP BW 7.X to SAP Datasphere, highlighting the potential for enhanced operational efficiency, scalability, and analytical power. We will explore how this transition can position organizations to better leverage their data assets and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly data-centric business environment.

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This diagram illustrates the technical architecture of an SAP Business Warehouse (SAP BW) system and its integration with various data sources and front-end tools. Let me break it down in a technical manner:

1. Top Layer - User Interface: Planning tools: BPC (Business Planning and Consolidation) and SAC (SAP Analytics Cloud) SAP Business Intelligence tools: BW Portal, BOBJ (Business Objects), SAC, and Analysis for Office 3rd Party BI: Integration with any third-party business intelligence tools
2. SAP BW Core: BW Queries: Used for creating analytical queries on the data warehouse MultiProviders / InfoSet / InfoObject / Composite Provider: These are various types of data models used in SAP BW for organizing and presenting data Infocube / DSO/ ADSO / InfoObject / PSA: Different types of storage objects in SAP BW Infocube: Multidimensional data storage DSO/ADSO: DataStore Objects for flat or normalized data storage InfoObject: Master data and hierarchy storage PSA: Persistent Staging Area for raw data DTP / Transformations: Data Transfer Process and data transformation logic DataSources: Define the structure of incoming data
3. Data Sources: Files: Flat file imports SAPI (SAP Application Programming Interface): For extracting data from SAP ERP systems ODP (Operational Data Provisioning): A framework for real-time data replication DB Connect: Direct database connection for non-SAP sources External Systems: Integration with other external data sources
4. Source Systems: ECC: SAP's legacy ERP system S/4HANA: SAP's next-generation ERP system

This architecture showcases SAP BW's capability to integrate data from various sources, transform and store it in different types of data objects, and then make it available for analysis through multiple front-end tools. The system is designed to handle large volumes of data and complex analytical scenarios, providing a comprehensive business intelligence solution.

?The above diagram represents the Future Customer Landscape or Target Landscape for SAP's data analytics and business intelligence solution, centered around SAP Datasphere. Let me explain it in a technical manner:

?1. User Interface Layer:

?? - SAP Analytics Cloud: Offers Planning and Analytics capabilities

?? - SAP Business Intelligence: Includes Analysis for Office and BOBJ (BusinessObjects) with JDBC connectivity

?? - 3rd Party BI tools: Supporting any third-party tools via JDBC or OData protocols

?2. Core Platform - SAP Datasphere:

?? - Native SAP Datasphere:

???? - Datasphere Artifacts: Native objects for data modeling

???? - OAuth Clients: For secure authentication and authorization

???? - Data Builder / Business Builder / Views: Tools for creating data models and business views

???? - Local Tables and Remote Tables: For data storage and virtualization

?? - Open SQL Schema: Allows SQL-based access to data models

?3. BW Bridge:

?? - Provides backward compatibility with SAP BW objects:

???? - HANA Composite Provider

???? - ADSO / InfoProvider

???? - DTP / Transformations

???? - DataSources

?4. Data Ingestion and Connectivity:

?? - Flat Files: Ingested via SFTP

?? - DB Connect Systems: For connecting to various databases

?? - Data Provisioning Agent: A central component for data acquisition

?? - Cloud Connector: For secure connectivity to on-premise systems

?? - SAP HANA: Direct connection to SAP HANA databases

?? - S/4HANA and ECC Sources: Connected via ODP (Operational Data Provisioning)

?5. Key Technologies:

?? - JDBC: Java Database Connectivity for BI tool connections

?? - OData: Open protocol for data access

?? - SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol for file ingestion

?? - ODP: Operational Data Provisioning for real-time data replication from SAP systems

?This architecture showcases SAP Datasphere as a central, cloud-based data platform that integrates various data sources, provides powerful data modeling and analytics capabilities, and supports a wide range of front-end tools. It emphasizes:

1. Cloud-native architecture with SAP Datasphere at its core

2. Flexibility in data storage and processing (local and remote tables)

3. Backward compatibility with SAP BW through the BW Bridge

4. Support for multiple data ingestion methods and sources

5. Integration with both SAP and non-SAP analytics tools

6. Use of modern protocols (OAuth, JDBC, OData) for security and interoperability

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This target landscape aims to provide a more agile, scalable, and cloud-ready solution compared to traditional SAP BW implementations, while still maintaining compatibility with existing SAP ecosystems.

This image compares the "As Is Landscape" of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) with the "Target Landscape" centered on SAP Datasphere. Here's a technical summary:

As Is Landscape:

1. User Interface: Includes Planning tools (BPC, SAC), SAP Business Intelligence (BW Portal, BOBJ, SAC, Analysis for Office), and 3rd Party BI tools.

2. Core: SAP BW with components like BW Queries, MultiProviders, Infocubes, DSO/ADSO, DTP/Transformations, and DataSources.

3. Data Sources: Files, SAPI for ECC, ODP for S/4HANA, DB Connect, and External Systems.

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Target Landscape:

1. User Interface: SAP Analytics Cloud (Planning, Analytics), SAP Business Intelligence (Analysis for Office, BOBJ with JDBC), and 3rd Party BI (via JDBC/OData).

2. Core: SAP Datasphere, featuring Native Datasphere artifacts, Open SQL Schema, Data/Business Builder, Local/Remote Tables, and a BW Bridge for compatibility.

3. Data Ingestion: Flat Files (SFTP), DB Connect Systems, Data Provisioning Agent, Cloud Connector for on-premise systems.

4. Data Sources: SAP HANA, S/4HANA, ECC (via ODP).

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Key Differences:

1. Shift from on-premise BW to cloud-based Datasphere.

2. Enhanced connectivity options in the target landscape.

3. Introduction of SAP Analytics Cloud for planning and analytics.

4. Improved data virtualization capabilities with remote tables.

5. Maintained backward compatibility through BW Bridge.

?This transition represents a move towards a more flexible, cloud-native architecture while preserving integration with existing SAP ecosystems.

??The above image illustrates the transition from a traditional SAP BW 7.x system to the modern SAP Datasphere environment.

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The "As Is Landscape" shows the current state:

- A layered architecture with planning tools, SAP Business Intelligence, and third-party BI at the top

- SAP BW at the core, handling queries, data modeling, and transformations

- Various data sources at the bottom, including files, ECC, S/4HANA, and external systems

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The "Target Landscape" represents the future state with SAP Datasphere:

- An updated user interface layer featuring SAP Analytics Cloud

- SAP Datasphere as the central platform, with native features and a BW Bridge for compatibility

- Enhanced data ingestion capabilities, including a Data Provisioning Agent and Cloud Connector

- Continued support for various SAP and non-SAP data sources

?Key changes include:

1. Moving from on-premise to cloud-based architecture

2. Introducing more flexible data modeling and access methods

3. Improving connectivity options

4. Maintaining backward compatibility while offering new capabilities

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This diagram effectively showcases the evolution of SAP's data warehousing and analytics solution, emphasizing the shift towards a more agile, cloud-native approach while preserving existing investments.

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"Prepare Phase in source systems"

For transitioning from SAP BW/4HANA or BW on any DB to a new system, likely SAP Datasphere. It details a series of steps and activities to be performed:

1. Update/Upgrade system to a supported release state

2. Evaluate Add-Ons, Interfaces, Scenarios, and Processes

3. Run Sizing Report using BW Bridge option

4. Perform Data Volume Reduction and Housekeeping Activities

5. Install SAP BW Note Analyzer

6. Install/update cloud connector

7. Install Transport-Enabled Correction Instructions (TCIs)

8. Make Custom Code Adjustments and Optimizations

9. Evaluate impact on frontend tools, ensure SAP Analytics Cloud is in place

10. Check supported source systems

11. Install Pre-check Tool in sender system using Note Analyzer

12. Install SLT 2.0 Add-on DMIS (for Remote Conversion)

13. SAP Readiness Check

14. Custom Code Check Report????????????????

15. Object Selection Pre-Check?????????????????????????????

16. SAP Note Analyzer

17. DMIS Add-on Installation?????????????????????????????????

18. Sizing Report

19. Code scans

20. Housekeeping Activities

21. ABAP Test Analyzer

22. Cloud connector installation

23. Install & TCI

?The above comprehensive checklist ensures that the source system is properly prepared for the transition, addressing technical, performance, and compatibility aspects.

This image provides a visual representation of the "Understanding the SAP BW Bridge" concept, which aims to facilitate the transition from the existing "As Is Landscape" to the desired "Target Landscape" within an SAP environment.

?The key elements depicted in the image are:

?1. As Is Landscape:?? - This layer includes the current planning tools (BPC, SAC) and SAP Business Intelligence components (BW Portal, SAC, Analysis for Office), as well as any third-party BI tools.

?2. Target Landscape: ?? - This layer showcases the target state, which includes SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Business Intelligence, and the potential integration of third-party BI tools.

?3. SAP Datasphere: ?? - This section represents the central data hub, encompassing the Native SAP Datasphere, Open Std. Schema, Data Builder/Business Builder/Views, and the integration of flat files, ODP, and HANA.

?4. BW Bridge:

?? - This component serves as the bridge that connects the As Is Landscape to the Target Landscape, enabling a seamless transition.

?? - It includes various integration points, such as ABAP/Transformations, ODP, ECC, and external systems integration.

?The image highlights the interconnectivity and data flow between these different layers, emphasizing the importance of the BW Bridge in facilitating a smooth migration from the existing landscape to the desired target state within the SAP ecosystem.??

"System Preparation Overview"

The key points are:

?1. Prepare Phase for the SAP Datasphere, BW Bridge:

?? - Ensure the SAP BW Modeling Tools version 1.24 Patch 2 (or higher) is installed.

?? - Check the availability of Cloud Data Centers.

?? - Verify the Target SAP Datasphere release.

?? - Perform proper sizing for the BW Bridge tenant.

?? - Check the BW source system release.

?? - Provision the SAP BW Bridge tenant.

?? - Prepare BW Modeling Tools and ABAP Development Tools.

?? - Set up the Communication System in the SAP BW bridge cockpit.

?? - Prepare Connectivity for SAP BW Bridge and check the prerequisites.

?? - Create the Source System in the BW Modeling Tools.?

2. The required tools for this preparation are:

?? - BW Modeling Tools

?? - ABAP Development Tools

?? - Connectivity for SAP BW Bridge

?? - Set up the Communication System

?? - Provisioning SAP BW Bridge tenant

?The image emphasizes the importance of completing these preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition to the SAP Datasphere and the successful implementation of the SAP BW Bridge.?

SAP BW Bridge – System Requirements

Basic requirements that need to be checked at the start of a system conversion from SAP BW or SAP BW/4HANA to the SAP Datasphere and SAP BW Bridge. The key points are:

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1. SAP Note 3117800 provides general information about SAP Datasphere and SAP BW Bridge.

2. SAP Note 3141688 contains systematic instructions on how to prepare the system for a conversion.

3. The required items to be checked include:

?? - BW Modeling Tools

?? - SAP BW bridge tenant sizing via SAP Note 2296290

?? - SAP BW Source System Supportability

?? - Provision the SAP BW Bridge Tenant

?? - DMIS Add-on for Remote Conversion

?? - Custom Code Check

?? - SAP BW Bridge Transfer Cockpit

?? - SAP BW Note Analyzer?

This information outlines the important preparatory steps and resources that need to be reviewed and addressed before undertaking the system conversion to the SAP Datasphere and SAP BW Bridge.

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Conclusion:

?The journey from SAP BW 7.x to SAP Datasphere represents more than just a technological upgrade—it's a strategic shift towards a more flexible, scalable, and future-ready analytics ecosystem. While the migration process may seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. By embracing SAP Datasphere, organizations can unlock new levels of data integration, real-time analytics, and cloud-native capabilities that were previously out of reach.

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As we've explored, this transition offers numerous advantages, from improved performance and reduced IT complexity to enhanced data governance and advanced AI-powered insights. Moreover, the ability to seamlessly integrate with both SAP and non-SAP environments ensures that your investment is future-proofed against evolving business needs.