Retreading of the E2E processes

In SAP environments, a number of drastic technology changes are due in the medium term. They primarily concern the migration of all databases (AnyDB) to Hana, the migration of existing SAP applications to S/4, but also, for example, the integration of existing data silos with SAP Data Hub. Two examples show how the modernization can be done easily and quickly.

One of the key innovation projects in the SAP environment is the integration of existing data silos with SAP Data Hub. It is an all-one orchestration solution for coordinating data that can identify, refine, enrich, and manage every data form and type and every data volume across the entire distributed data landscape.

For example, interactive analytics of assets from data sources such as traditional storage, Hadoop, and Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) are also supported.

This creates the basis for gaining new and better insights. And the seamless integration with Hana makes it possible to effectively use the Big Data insights and actionable information obtained in the context of business processes.

SAP Data Hub and OpenShift

The distributed runtime engine of the Data Hub and also the data pipeline engine are deployed as container images. Management is done using Kubernetes.

Using container technology reduces the complexity of deployments and makes it easier to install, maintain and update applications.

In addition, containerization ensures scalability. Data Hub supports both on-prem and cloud or hybrid-based deployment.

So SAP Data Hub means containerizing services and using Kubernetes clusters. And this is where the Red Hat OpenShift Kubernetes container platform, which is certified for SAP Data Hub, comes into play.

Unlike simple or isolated Kubernetes services, OpenShift provides a container infrastructure solution including lifecycle management, automation, security and high scalability.

With these functionalities, OpenShift meets the requirements for productive use of containers on a larger scale; at Deutsche Bank, for example, tens of thousands of containers are in productive operation.

Kubernetes and Big Data

Data Hub on OpenShift creates an integrated solution that links Kubernetes with actionable Big Data insights. The solution combination is the basis for on-demand in-memory Big Data analytics, simplified management of large-scale Big Data analytics, and easier 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 guidelines, security and open interfaces that provide additional business functionalities. Application Programming Interfaces (API) play a crucial role in these open hybrid scenarios.

API management solutions, such as those offered enterprise-ready by Red Hat, are open, modular, highly scalable, and compatible with SAP Cloud APIs and with virtually all third-party IT systems.

The "Power of Open Source" comes into play especially in hybrid cloud scenarios, because the service offering from the cloud is growing every day and companies have the freedom of choice to incorporate those cloud functionalities and services that best meet their requirements.

A characteristic of the API economy is that every company is equally a consumer and producer of functionality, data and services.

SAP customers, for example, could offer IoT data collected through a Red Hat Intelligent Gateway via an API, opening up new revenue streams. Some companies across industries now generate a significant portion of their revenue through APIs.

And SAP users should not ignore this development either. The well thought-out, professionally managed use of APIs always pays off for them: both in terms of implementing innovative business models and generating additional revenue.

But how should companies tackle SAP modernization? The neutral and independent Red Hat Migration Assessment for SAP Landscapes recommended by SAP, which is based on the KPI Analyzer App powered by West Trax, should be mentioned here.

It has been extended to include analysis of specific system and interface KPIs, which allows Red Hat and its partners to provide concrete recommendations for action, including in terms of suitable infrastructures and integration options.

The app makes it possible to obtain all relevant facts about the current status at process level of the productive systems as well as in-house developments, background jobs and S/4 Hana compatibility within just one day.

It supplements the existing SAP on-board resources with, for example, detailed drill downs into clients, company codes and locations, as well as an industry benchmark with over 1700 comparative analyses from 15 different industries. It also includes concrete housekeeping details and quick wins.

Subsequent migration costs and times can thus be reduced by up to around 60 percent. However, 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 Open Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure.