SAP BW Modernization: A Strategic Move to SAP Business Data Cloud

As organizations embrace digital transformation, modernizing legacy systems like SAP Business Warehouse (SAP BW) becomes a priority. SAP BW Private Cloud Edition (PCE) offers a seamless pathway to modernization, ensuring businesses can safeguard their existing investments while gradually adopting a cloud-based, clean-core strategy. With SAP Business Data Cloud, organizations can extend their SAP BW data capabilities and integrate with next-generation platforms like SAP Datasphere and SAP Databricks.

Why Modernize SAP BW?

Many organizations still rely on SAP BW for enterprise data warehousing. However, with the evolving data landscape, there is an increasing need to modernize data storage, management, and analytics. SAP BW PCE provides a flexible approach by enabling organizations to transition their SAP BW systems to a managed cloud environment at their own pace. This not only reduces hardware maintenance and operational costs but also enhances scalability and future-readiness.

Three-Phase Approach to SAP BW Modernization

SAP BW modernization follows a structured approach that allows businesses to transition gradually while optimizing their data assets.

Phase 1: LAND – Migrate SAP BW to the Cloud

SAP BW PCE Benefits:

• Lift and shift SAP BW to the cloud while maintaining its core capabilities.
• Benefit from SAP-managed data products and insight applications.
• Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating on-premise hardware maintenance.
• Ensure long-term support with mainstream maintenance until 2030 for SAP BW 7.5 and 2040 for SAP BW/4HANA.

Phase 2: EXPAND – Leverage SAP BW Data Products

Unlocking New Use Cases with SAP BW Data Products:

• Direct access to BW data products through SAP Datasphere's object store.
• Enhanced data transformation and modeling capabilities.
• Leverage an open partner ecosystem for AI/ML-driven insights using SAP Databricks.

Phase 3: ADOPT – Transform with Data Products & Insight Apps

Embracing a Clean-Core Strategy:

• Align SAP BW modernization with RISE with SAP for a cloud-first approach.
• Shift from a customer-managed, centralized on-premise data warehouse to a flexible lakehouse architecture.
• Utilize SAP Business Data Cloud’s data products and insight apps to replace legacy SAP BW workflows.

Key Benefits of SAP BW PCE in SAP Business Data Cloud

Strategic Benefits:

• Fully aligned with SAP Business Data Cloud principles.
• Simplifies system conversions and brownfield migrations.
• Reduces custom extension management costs.
• Offers a seamless transition path while maintaining operational continuity.

Technical Benefits:

• Supports code enhancements and modifications.
• Provides a scalable, cloud-based platform.
• Ensures end-to-end integration with SAP BW data products.
• Enables catalog integration for streamlined data governance.

Operational Benefits:

• Leverages hyperscaler infrastructure for resilience and cost efficiency.
• Ensures technical operations are managed by SAP.
• Allows upgrade installations based on customer requests.

Adopting SAP BW PCE: A Flexible Approach

SAP understands that every organization is at a different stage of its SAP BW modernization journey. With SAP BW PCE:

• Customers can move their SAP BW systems to the cloud without incurring extensive migration costs.
• They can transition at their own pace, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• The standard SAP BW PCE offering supports up to 12TB of data, catering to enterprise-scale needs.

Leveraging Data Products and Insight Apps

Getting Started with SAP Business Data Cloud:

• Organizations can start by utilizing SAP BW data products based on their existing InfoProviders.
• Selected use cases, particularly those heavily customized, can be moved to SAP Datasphere.
• In parallel, businesses can explore SAP-managed data products and insight apps to modernize their SAP BW scenarios.

Complete Transition to SAP Business Data Cloud:

• Over time, BW data products will be gradually replaced by SAP-managed data products.
• Organizations can leverage the latest data products and insight apps to create innovative data-driven use cases.
• With full adoption, there will be no need to migrate away from SAP BW PCE, as it will be seamlessly integrated into SAP Business Data Cloud.

Conclusion

SAP BW modernization is not just about moving to the cloud—it’s about reimagining data management and analytics for the future. By adopting SAP BW PCE and integrating with SAP Business Data Cloud, businesses can leverage the full potential of their SAP BW investments while transitioning towards a modern, AI-powered data ecosystem.

For organizations looking to future-proof their SAP BW systems, now is the time to embrace a clean-core approach, optimize operational efficiency, and unlock new data-driven opportunities.