Milestone: New EPOS Version 26.1

The new features and enhancements apply to the apps, the framework, and the EPOS server. There is a major new development specifically regarding the apps, which can be used to automate a wide range of SAP Basis tasks and activities: They can now also be used for RISE for SAP deployments, which represents a milestone in EPOS development. Two apps are now, so to speak, „RISE for SAP ready“; more will follow. Ultimately, Empirius has set itself the goal of making the EPOS SAP Basis automation suite available for all offered SAP operating models—including on-premises, hybrid, cloud, and, of course, RISE for SAP.

Greater Security in and for SAP Basis

First, the Certificate Management app for managing SAP and non-SAP certificates now bears the „RISE ready“ label; second, the brand-new app called SAP User Admin for managing passwords for SAP users and technical users. Both apps fall under the category of „security.“ They ensure secure system operation. They also ensure that SAP Basis teams can safely use all data and status information from an SAP system landscape to perform their tasks, based on software systems and established best-practice processes.

The Certificate Management app displays, both in an overview (dashboard) and in detail, all SAP and non-SAP certificates that need to be replaced as of time X. In addition, a workflow intelligently guides users through the entire process—from certificate requests to implementation and the deletion of certificates that are no longer needed. New features in the Certificate Management app, in addition to „RISE Readiness,“ include the replacement of certificates on ABAP and Java systems, as well as the replacement of PSEs—even if they are protected by a PIN. It is also possible to automatically replace individual certificates or multiple certificates „all at once.“ A scheduler is available for periodic jobs.

Certificate management is becoming an increasingly important part of SAP Basis teams’ work because the validity periods of certificates are becoming significantly shorter. At the same time, the number of certificates that need to be replaced is increasing, and with it the complexity—which is reduced by specialized software.

New SAP User Admin App: Manage Everything from One Place

Another highlight: As mentioned earlier, with Release 26.1, Empirius is introducing a brand-new app focused on identity management and security. It is „RISE ready“ right out of the box and is called the SAP User Admin App. With this app, SAP Basis teams can centrally block or add individual users or entire user groups with just a few mouse clicks—instead of having to access each user individually.

Users are often granted system access even though they are no longer employed by the company. Or users—such as consultants—may need to regain access to the SAP system. The SAP User Admin App also allows you to set password expiration dates from a central location.

Both the Certificate Management app and the SAP User Admin app include mechanisms that automatically establish connections to SAP systems—whether on-premise or not. Both apps generally use valid, SAP-compliant RFC connections.

In addition, two other EPOS apps are being further developed to enhance „RISE Readiness.“ First, the BlueCopy app for automated system backups, and second, the SAP Security Notes app for handling and managing SAP security notes. The necessary ABAP developments (such as access to SAP function modules) for BlueCopy have already been implemented.

Seamless Integration of Non-SAP Services

Further developments and optimizations were also implemented in the EPOS Framework in EPOS Version 26.1. These enhancements result in increased productivity and greater versatility.

Through the „integration of non-SAP services,“ SAP Basis teams now have the option to incorporate, map, and manage SAP-related non-SAP components in EPOS. These include, for example, web servers, content servers, and monitoring systems. Incidentally, with this functional enhancement, Empirius is introducing so-called „extensions“ for the first time.

Another new feature in version 26.1 is a redesign of the main menu with an optimized layout of the individual menu items. In addition, the EPOS server configuration can now be managed using a configuration editor.

Other new features in EPOS version 26.1 relate to the EPOS server and EPOS Maintenance, for example: First, for security reasons, „HTTPS only“ is now the only permitted protocol in the EPOS WebGUI. Additionally, OpenSSL—also a security feature—is no longer the customer’s responsibility but rather that of Empirius. The vendor will handle this going forward, which means that Empirius is responsible for installing OpenSSL.

Empirius at the DSAG Annual Convention, Exhibitor Area: Booth E11, Hall 2.1

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