SAP HANA functionalities

Excerpt from Practical Guide to SAP HANA and Big Data Analytics by Stefan Hartmann and Dominique Alfermann.

This section introduces the SAP HANA related add-ons and features that are the most relevant for designing an SAP HANA-based BI architecture. This specifically excludes data provisioning tools, analytical tools and frontends, which are discussed separately in the following sections.

2.1.1 SAP HANA 2.0

In December 2016, SAP released SAP HANA 2.0—the digital foundation to build the next-generation of analytics applications. In the following  section, we highlight selected innovations and new features of this version.

First, let’s start with the migration path. With SAP HANA 1.0 SPS 10 or higher, an upgrade to SAP HANA 2.0 SPS 00 can be performed directly. When migrating from SPS 12, you can test SAP HANA 2.0 SPS 00 with the capture and replay function before migrating. If you run SAP HANA 1.0 SPS 9 or older, you need to upgrade to SAP HANA 1.0 SPS 12 first.

One of the new features in SAP HANA 2.0 is the Active/Active (readenabled) option, where a secondary SAP HANA system (which is synchronized with the primary through logs) is utilized to take over readintensive processes. Whereas read and write operations are executed only on the primary SAP HANA system, the second one acts autonomously in answering queries (read operations).

Active/Active (read-enabled) option—SAP S/4HANA case A good example of an SAP S/4HANA system (see Section 2.2.1) which uses the Active / Active read-enabled option can be found at: https://blogs.sap.com/2017/06/22/making-use-of-an- active active-read-only-hana-database-in-s4-hana/

Furthermore, and especially against the background of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, data security and authorization management (e. g. on LDAP groups) has improved. New encryption features have been released (e. g. full native data at rest encryption, enhanced encryption key management).

Workload management helps SAP HANA 2.0 to better avoid system overload situations. Requests can be automatically rejected from the database when a threshold is exceeded.
With regard to data integration features, the Smart data integration (SDI), Smart data quality, and Smart data access components have been enhanced. For instance, SDI now allows virtual procedures (e. g. via BAPI) to perform read/write operations with ABAP-based systems.

Keep reading!

In this book written for SAP BI, big data, and IT architects, the authors expertly provide clear recommendations for building modern analytics architectures running on SAP HANA technologies. Explore integration with big data frameworks and predictive analytics components. Obtain the tools you need to assess possible architecture scenarios and get guidelines for choosing the best option for your organization. Know your options for on-premise, in the cloud, and hybrid solutions. Readers will be guided through SAP BW/4HANA and SAP HANA native data warehouse scenarios, as well as field-tested integration options with big data platforms. Explore migration options and architecture best practices. Consider organizational and procedural changes resulting from the move to a new, up-to-date analytics architecture that supports your data-driven or data-informed organization. By using practical examples, tips, and screenshots, this book explores:

– SAP HANA and SAP BW/4HANA architecture concepts
– Predictive Analytics and Big Data component integration
– Recommendations for a sustainable, future-proof analytics solutions
– Organizational impact and change management

Author Dominique Alfermann has been working in various lead and architectural roles in SAP Analytics projects for the last 6 years. In these roles, he has led development and delivery teams, and has frequently consulted clients on major architectural decisions in the SAP analytics area. Most recently, he has started consulting on cutting-edge hybrid Big Data and SAP analytics projects in architectural and lead roles.

Author Dr. Stefan Hartmann has been successfully leading and executing (SAP) Analytics transformation programs for more than 15 years. He is a highly qualified architect, and also works as a program manager. In recent years, he has designed and built innovative, leading-edge analytical applications utilizing both core SAP components and trendsetting technologies such as Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain. Dr. Hartmann is recognized for his expert knowledge in designing modern, future-ready analytics solutions which bring the best of various technological worlds together.