A range of far-reaching technological changes to SAP environments are lined up for the medium term. They relate primarily to the migration of all databases (AnyDB) to Hana; the migration of existing SAP applications to S/4; and, for instance, the integration of existing data silos into SAP Data Hub. Two examples will illustrate how to quickly and easily modernize SAP with Red Hat.
One of the central innovation projects in the SAP environment is the integration of existing data silos with SAP Data Hub. It is an all-in-one data coordination orchestration solution that identifies, refines, enriches, and manages any form, type, and volume of data across the distributed data landscape. For example, interactive analyses of data sources, such as traditional storage, Hadoop, and Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), are also supported.
This creates the foundation for gaining new and better insights. Along with that, seamless integration with Hana makes it possible to effectively leverage big data insights and actionable information received in the context of business processes.
SAP Data Hub and Red Hat OpenShift
SAP Data Hub’s distributed runtime engine and the data pipeline engine are provided as container images. Management is carried out by means of Kubernetes. Use of container technology reduces the complexity of deployments and facilitates the installation, maintenance, and updating of applications.
In addition, containerization ensures scalability. SAP Data Hub supports on-premise and cloud- and hybrid-based deployments, and thus encompasses the containerization of services and use of Kubernetes clusters.
This is also where the Kubernetes container platform Red Hat OpenShift, which is certified for SAP Data Hub, comes into play.
Unlike simple or isolated Kubernetes services, OpenShift offers a container infrastructure solution that includes lifecycle management, automation, security, and high scalability. OpenShift meets the requirements for the productive use of containers on a larger scale. At Deutsche Bank, tens of thousands of containers are in live operation.
Kubernetes and big data
Data Hub on OpenShift is a new integrated solution that links Kubernetes with actionable big data insights. The two solutions in combination form the basis for requirements-based, in-memory big data analysis, the streamlined management of large-scale big data analyses, and the simplified integration of SAP Data Hub and Hana.
The main criteria for a professionally designed and managed hybrid IT landscape are scalability, seamless integration, compliance with corporate policies, security, and open interfaces that provide additional business functions. APIs play a key role in open hybrid scenarios.
Red Hat’s enterprise-ready API management solutions are open, modular, highly scalable, and compatible with SAP Cloud APIs and with virtually all third-party IT systems. The power of open source is particularly important in hybrid cloud scenarios, as the range of cloud services grows daily and businesses have the freedom to choose which cloud functionality and services best meet their needs.
A characteristic feature of the API economy is that every company is both a consumer and a producer of functions, data, and services. SAP customers could offer IoT data captured by way of a Red Hat Intelligent Gateway via an API, thus opening up new revenue streams.
A number of companies across many industries now generate a significant portion of their revenue via APIs – and SAP users should not ignore this development either. The intelligent, professionally managed use of APIs always pays off for them, in terms of implementing innovative business models and generating additional sales.
What approach should companies take for SAP modernization?
One example worth mentioning is the neutral, independent Red Hat migration assessment for SAP landscapes recommended by SAP, which is based on the KPI Analyzer App powered by West Trax.
It has been upgraded to include an analysis of specific system and interface KPIs, allowing Red Hat and its partners to provide detailed recommendations for action, also with regard to suitable infrastructures and integration options.
The app lets users obtain all relevant facts about the current status on the process level of production systems as well as in-house developments, background jobs, and S/4 Hana compatibility all within 1 day.
It complements the existing SAP standard resources with detailed drilldowns into clients, company codes, and locations, as well as an industry benchmark with over 1,700 comparative analyses from across 15 different industries.
It also contains practical housekeeping information and quick wins. This makes it possible to reduce subsequent migration costs and times by up to as much as 60 percent. The added value lies in the combination of the assessment with the analysis of suitable architectures and technologies for innovation planning based on Red Hat’s open hybrid cloud infrastructure.
This is the third part of a series! To read the first part, click here. To read the next part, click here.
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