Translated from German to English - www.onlinedoctranslator.

com

WHITEPAPER

The path to SAP Datasphere: Recommendations

for action for SAP BW customers

A joint white paper from SAP and IBsolution

Contents*

1 Introduction: New requirements for data warehousing .......................................... ...................................3

2 From data warehousing to data mesh................................................... ................................................ ....5

3 The SAP strategy: Business Data Fabric .......................................... ................................................ .......8th

4 SAP Datasphere ................................................ ................................................ ...................................11

Features and added value ................................................ ................................................ ..................13

Feedback from the market................................................ ................................................ ................19

5 The (progress) step from SAP BW 7.x to SAP Datasphere................................... ...................................................20

Greenfield approach ................................................ ................................................ ..........................20

Replacement of SAP BW 7.x by SAP Datasphere and SAP BW Bridge .................................... .......21

Hybrid scenarios ................................................ ................................................ ...................................21

5.3.1 Hybrid scenario with SAP BW/4HANA and SAP Datasphere .......................................... .........21

5.3.2 Hybrid scenario with SAP BW/4HANA, SAP BW Bridge and SAP Datasphere ...................22

All roads lead to SAP Datasphere ............................................ ................................................22

6 Conclusion ................................................. ................................................ ................................................ ...24

* We would like to thank Karsten Ruf, Senior Director Sol ut ion Management at SAP,
for his support in creating the white paper.

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1 Introduction: New requirements for data warehousing
The success of companies depends on the ability to quickly and comprehensively gain insights
from data and generate added business value. In this way, companies create a reliable basis
for business decisions. The data warehouse has so far represented an important core piece in
every business intelligence architecture and functions as a central basis for the integration of
data. A weak point in the classic data warehouse approach was often the lack of flexibility
when it came to building new data models or changing existing data models adapt business
processes. Without appropriate self-service options for the specialist areas, these tasks fell
exclusively to IT, which thus became a bottleneck and took a very long time to process. In
many cases, this constellation has led to the specialist departments setting up their own
shadow IT in order to, in a sense, bypass IT

model.

AlsoA current blog post from BARC Research I deal with this problem: “Companies often
struggle with significant challenges in the effective provision and use of their data. In most
companies, data and analytics are implemented and responsible for by central teams. However,
these have comparatively little domain expertise, which affects the quality of the results. They
also have limited scalability, including agility and

Flex ibi lit ät le iden. “

In view of increasing requirements and

innovative technologies, companies are
required to redesign and expand their data
warehouse strategy in order to adapt it to
the changing framework conditions. The IT
landscapes are becoming increasingly
complex. There are equally SAP and non-
SAP systems that are provided either on-
premise or from the cloud.

to connect and integrate. The specialist areas want access to data to occur in real time if
possible.

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This white paper explains whySAP Datasphere is the recommended solution for SAP BW
customers to move their advanced data management to the cloud. This step is not about a 1:1
replacement of SAP Business Warehouse (BW). Rather, SAP Datasphere offers additional
functions and new possibilities with which companies can establish modern data
warehousing or data management. With the help of SAP Datasphere, for example, business
users are able to quickly convert data into insights and derive appropriate measures from
them - a crucial competitive advantage for Anhalt trending growth and increasing
productivity.

This white paper is the updated new edition of the

White paper s “The path to the SAP Data Warehouse Cloud – recommendations for action for
SAP BW customers”. In March 2023, SAP Datasphere became the next generation and
further development of the previous product SAP Data Warehouse Cloud (DWC).
ge launched t. Compared to SAP DWC, SAP Datasphere once again significantly expands
the scope of services. The associated realignment from the classic data warehouse
approach to oneData mesh concept as well as its implementation in the form of a
(business) data fabric are described in detail later in the white paper.

The whitepaper also explains how companies can switch from their on-premise BW system to
SAP Datasphere. I'll also look at the rollersSAP BW Bridge e received. This integral part of SAP
Datasphere protects the investments that companies have made in their SAP BW system in the
past by allowing certain elements to be transferred to SAP Datasphere.

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2 From data warehousing to data mesh
SAP Datasphere supports the change from classic data warehousing to a data mesh approach
and thus meets the requirements of companies that want to become data-driven organizations.
Companies face the challenge of using data effectively for decision-making as well as for
process improvements and innovations. Dat a Mesh is a decentralized approach to sharing,
using and managing data. Data responsibility is shifted to the specialist areas. The concept

promises to solve some of the most pressing challenges companies face in designing and
using their data landscape.

Today's reality in companies is multi-cloud

landscapes and significantly more
complex IT architectures than in today's
world
Past . In the past, data from the ERP
system was mainly used for analytics,
Reporting and Planning used, the relevant
information is now widely distributed in
different systems at different providers
and hyperscalers. That's where it comes
from

Data federation in particular is becoming increasingly important. In this way, the data can
remain where it is and complex ETL processes for data provision can be reduced.

As a unified solution for data integration, data categorization, semantic modeling, data
warehousing, data federation and data virtualization, SAP Datasphere creates the basis for
implementing the data Mesh principles in a data set
Fabric architecture. This concept enables companies to provide meaningful data to every
data consumer.

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The data mesh concept is based on four fundamental principles:

• Decentralized data owner ship

In the Data Mesh, the data ownership is decentralized so that the individual business
areas (domains) take responsibility for their own data. This promotes responsibility,
encourages innovation and reduces the risk of data silos. The data is made available
for operational use in non-domain systems and for analytical purposes.

• Data as a product
The data provided by the domains is treated as a product. The idea behind this is that
both parties are responsible for data quality
Business areas because they know their data best. In this context, aspects such as
discoverability, security, comprehensibility and trustworthiness are relevant. As
valuable assets, the data products contribute to creating added business value and
promoting growth.

• Self-Serv i ce data plat form

To manage their data products autonomously, domain teams need access to a highly
abstract infrastructure that can address the complexity and friction of deployment data
management and management can be reduced or even eliminated. Therefore, a self-
service
A data platform must be provided that includes suitable tools to provide the best
possible support to data producers in creating, maintaining and operating their
data products.

• Federated data governance

In order for the independent data products to work together smoothly, a certain
standardization is required. In the sense of
To ensure uniform use of the self-service data platform, the decentralized domain
and central platform teams agree on certain universal guidelines. These apply to all
data products and your e
Interface and create an interoperable data ecosystem.

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With its four principles, Data Mesh enables the optimization of the
customer-specific data & analytics landscape to best support business goals and overcome
the disadvantages of centralized data management structures.

In summary, Dat a Mesh represents a paradigm shift and paves the way to a domain-controlled
data architecture. Each company division is responsible for the definition, quality and creation
of data from its own domain. With i Data Mesh, the principles of product management are
transferred to data management. The goal is for business areas to market usable data as a
product.

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3 The SAP strategy: Business Data Fabric
How can companies achieve a uniform view of the distributed systems?
to produce existing data and information? SAP is promoting this here“Give Data Purpose”
strategy . With the help of the various solutions from SAP's Data & Analytics portfolio,
companies are able to combine all their data sources and make reliable decisions based on
them to make data-supported insights. In this context, SAP Data asphere plays a crucial role.
Due to its innovative functions that go far beyond classic data warehousing, SAP Datasphere
ensures that companies increase their agility, their business ability and their time-to-value
improve. SAP Datasphere can be used as a standalone solution or as a supplement to SAP's
data warehouse portfolio.

SA P Da tasp he replaytim “G ive Da ta P ur po se” approach from SA P an important role.

In addition, SAP D atasphere forms the technological basis for establishing a decentralized data
architecture in the company. The SAP approach to the Business Data Fabric is based on the data
mesh concept and enables companies to provide every data consumer with meaningful data -
with the business context intact t and existing logic.

A data fabric makes it possible to seamlessly integrate data and use it in different systems,
applications and platforms. It provides a unified view of company data and enables
organizations to use their data ef ficiently

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use, analyze and gain valuable insights from it. From an organizational perspective, the
data fabric approach is the ideal infrastructure to optimize processes throughout the
company.

The business data factory goes one step further than the traditional data factory approach. Not
only does it simplify complex data landscapes and provide meaningful data to data users, but it
also maintains the business logic and application context of the data. With a business data
fabric, the entire business context that is lost when data is extracted and replicated no longer
needs to be recreated. This allows stakeholders and data consumers to make informed
decisions very quickly and safely because the data is always available to them

are fully available – regardless of where they are stored.

SAP Datasphere is SAP's strategic product for data management. This is where most
innovations are implemented. SAP’s approach is “c loud first”, but not “c loud on ly”. This
means that an on-premise solution for data warehousing will still be available.SAP BW/4HANA
stay in important
Exists in SAP's data warehousing port fol io. That's what she doesguaranteed maintenance until
2040 clearly. Further developments in the area of SAP BW/4HANA focus primarily on hybrid
scenarios with SAP Data asphere (see Chapter 5). This ensures that

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that each company can complete its path to C loud according to its own requirements and at
its own pace.

With SAP Datasphere, users are able to take advantage of the advantages of the cloud without
having to move huge amounts of data to the cloud. Numerous connectors enable virtual
access to the data. SAP Data asphere brings together all of a company's data sources in one
solution, ensuring security,
Reliability and semantic richness of the information are maintained. SAP Data asphere is also
integrated into the public domain solutionSAP Business Technology P lat form integrates, the
central platform for SAP cloud products.This ensures, among other things, access to innovative
technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

For companies that are currently using SAP BW 7.x systems, the clear recommendation is to
switch to SAP Data sphere - with help if necessarySAP BW Bridge (see Chapter 5). The SAP BW
Bridge offers a tool-supported way to complete the step from an on-premise BW system to the
public domain. In this way, companies not only benefit from the advantages of SAP Datasphere,
but also protect investments they have made in the past in SAP BW, because certain parts I have
it transferred from SAP BW to SAP Data asphere.

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4 SAP Datasphere

SAP Datasphere is a comprehensive data management solution that is based on the SAP
Business Technology Platform and helps companies exploit the full potential of their data.
Companies are able to implement a uniform data architecture that brings together data from
SAP systems and third-party systems. Strategic partnerships with companies such as Col libra,
Confluent, Databricks, DataRobot and Google Cloud also contribute to this. SAP Datasphere
simplifies the data landscapes in companies by using SAP tools and partner tools to access all
data assets - while maintaining the business context and logic remain.

SAP Data Tasphe is a unified solution for data integration, data cataloging, semantic modeling, data warehousing,
data foederati on and data virt u alization.

SAP Dat asphere is the successor product to the SAP Data Warehouse Cloud. The functions of
the SAP Data Warehouse Cloud were retained and expanded to include semantic modeling
functions, a new data catalog and application and data integration. This makes SAP Dat asphere
a unified solution for data integration, data categorization, semantic

Modeling, data warehousing, data federation and data virtualization. It offers companies the
opportunity to collect data from various sources

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process and integrate. It doesn't matter whether the data is structured or available to us
structured and whether it comes from SAP or non-SAP systems
come. SAP Datasphere uses advanced analytics tools and machine learning algorithms to
transform data into actionable insights that serve as the basis for business decisions.

The added value of S AP D atas phere

The extensive connectivity options are an essential feature of SAP Datasphere. There are a large
number of predefined connectors available out-of-the-box. The connectivity in turn forms the
prerequisite for the topics of data federation and data integration. SAP Datasphere also fully
covers these requirements. The solution offers virtual, direct access to the data without having
to be replicated in all cases. This ensures short

processing times and ensures that users can use the data almost in real time. At the same
time, the flexibility in the direction of data remains the same
Integration preserved, for example if a lot of logic for data processing
it requires it or direct access is out of the question for performance reasons. The existing data
model does not need to be explicitly adapted.

In addition, there are other factors with which SAP Datasphere best supports modern data
management approaches. The business layer enables the business area to model business
scenarios without the underlying ones

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Knowing data models. He is wearing itthe increasing demands of the specialist area in terms of
self-services Invoice. The business catalog included a central metadata repository with
descriptions of the existing data models, metrics and information used in the company.

Many companies have so far primarily perceived SAP Datasphere as a data warehousing
solution and are not yet aware of the wide range of features for comprehensive data
management. This is an essential insight from the numerous conversations that IBsolut i on's
experts have with their customers. An innovation that is particularly popular is the analysis
model in the data builder. With it, it is no longer necessary to use the business builder to define
key figures. A main focus of companies with regard to SAP Datasphere is on data modeling. In
addition, the connection to SAP is successful.

Systems likeSAP S/4HANA usually easy and problem-free.

Features and added value

Compared to the on-premise BW systems, SAP Data asphere offers additional functionalities
and innovative options with which the step from classic data warehousing to decentralized data
management is successful. This enables companies to generate a wide range of added value for
their business. The SAP Datasphere is about more than just a 1:1 transfer of the existing SAP BW
system to the public cloud.

The most important features of SAP Data phere are at a glance

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SAP Datasphere offers a number of features that were hardly or not at all present in SAP
BW, offers significantly more comfort and supports modern approaches to data
architecture.

• Openness
Multi-Cloud support and open interfaces with a selection of different modeling
environments, analysis tools and programming languages (SQL, Python, Jupyter
notebook, etc.) – for business - Analysts, data scientists and developers.

• Modern data exchange

The SAP Data Marketplace manages the scalable and decentralized cross-tenant data
exchange for data providers and users. By using Intelligent Lookup, I can compare
incomplete data sets for company-specific use.

• Se lf -Serv i ce -Col labor at ion

Independent virtual work environments to promote collaboration and enable data
sharing between IT, business areas and projects - connecting global and local data.

• E2E Ana lytics & Planning:

Simplifying planning and analysis by reducing modeling effort while using a single data
source for analysis and planning across the entire company

• C loud-based data replication:

Data virtualization, replication and orchestration of SAP and third-party
solutions in the cloud and with on-premise solutions

• Efficient semantic modeling:

Empowering users with self-service modeling, governance and IT control. Users can
connect, securely share, and perform analytics on their own data without affecting
other users

• Data governance:
Integration of metadata and crawling with SAP sources while maintaining tight
integration with third-party providers

• Further use and expansion of investments:

Leverage SAP BW data structures, transformations, customizations, and capabilities to
quickly move SAP BW investments to the public cloud

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In addition, SAP Datasphere also includes features that were already available in SAP
BW:

• SAP connectivity
Out-of-the-box understanding of SAP data with semantic business context from SAP
applications

• Out-of-the-Box use cases:

Prefabricated data models, semantic views of SAP ERP data (CDS Views and Service
APIs) and transformation using SAP's business know-how and partner knowledge the
SAP ecosystem

One of its most defining features is the fact that SAP Datasphere was designed for both IT and
business departments and brings both departments closer together. IT can use it to manage
data in real time, giving them reliable insights without delays. Business users have the
opportunity to constantly interpret and link data themselves, derive insights from it and pass on
information immediately - without manual processes or data duplication.

Basic know-how for data modeling is now increasingly available in specialist areas. With the
business layer of the SAP Datasphere, users receive a tool that takes into account their desire to
act more independently when modeling. At the same time, the IT department is relieved of the
burden by no longer having to implement every requirement from the specialist areas due to
self-service. The clear and intuitive user interfaces also support users from the specialist area to
work more independently.

The s Space - Konz ep tv on SAP Data sphere

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The space concept offers the specialist area the opportunity to model and connect data in a
controlled environment without unnecessary data movements and thus creating a shadow. IT is
created. In addition, the spaces can be shared with other specialist departments at any time.
The business layer can be used independently of the data layer. This means that changes to the
data sources do not affect the specialist area. He can access the data as before. A central
catalog that includes all available models, including the stored KPIs, ensures that users work on
a uniform basis and not different models le exists for the same key figures in the company.

With SAP Dat asphere, companies benefit from flexible connection options to the source
systems. Predefined connectors for various SAP and non-SAP systems make integration easier.
In addition, the connection options are continually being expanded. Connectors for other
systems are regularly added. By making data available out-of-the-box, the process of how data
is made available is significantly simplified. In addition to the business content from SAP
Datasphere, there is also extensive content from SAP

available to partners. This offer is also constantly being expanded.

The S AP D ata Marketplace makes it easier to integrate external data.

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With the help of the SAP Data Marketplace, it is possible to easily provide market data and
information from data providers and third parties. The Data Marketplace supports data
providers and users in exchanging data and reduces the effort for data integration. In this way,
it covers various use cases that are required by external data integration i on and harmonization
to cross-company collaboration between business partners.

Companies repeatedly report the challenge of not having a central point for managing
metadata such as data models, analytical applications, KPIs, etc. is available. At the same
time, there is a lack of precise documentation and version management (up-to-dateness) of
the existing models, key figures and analyses. In addition, access to this metadata is difficult
to manage and is easy to provide to all end users, for example as part of self-service BI not
he can follow. This often leads to data models and analyzes being created twice and
business indicators being interpreted differently.

The D ata Ca tal og in SA PD atasp here

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SAP Datasphere supports extensive data governance functions using a central catalog. This
catalog is the central place in the company to manage, document and share data with other
end users. For this purpose, the respective data and analysis objects are administered in the
form of assets in the catalog. Here the metadata can be extracted from the different source
systems. This is followed by classification and supplementation with other important
information such as the business background, current status, etc. After completing these
activities, the assets will be published. For the

To find and reuse the assets, the end user has extensive search and filter functions available
in an innovative interface. In addition, business terminology and definitions can be
documented in the glossary, which significantly contributes to a better and uniform
understanding of the terms and assets used carries .

The architecture of SAP Data sphere: a shared data base for trustworthy companies

Through public cloud deployment, companies can concentrate completely on their business.
You don't have to worry about the operation and maintenance of SAP Datasphere yourself.
Cloud technology means less effort for companies in terms of infrastructure. You also benefit
from
regular updates and always have immediate access to innovations that are implemented in
every new release of SAP Datasphere every two weeks.

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 Feedback from the market

IBsolution is working closely with numerous companies that use SAP BW to evaluate the
potential of SAP Datasphere and possible implementation scenarios and architectures. As one
of the most important
Companies consider the various connectivity options that allow them to connect SAP and non-
SAP systems on-premise and from the cloud.

In addition, the specialist areas in particular appreciate the self-service

Functionalities and the space concept, which enables users to constantly create new data
models or adapt existing data models for new or changed business processes. The ease of
loading additional data and exchanging the models with other specialist departments are also
seen as advantages. SAP Datasphere offers these options in an IT-controlled environment with
an integrated authorization concept and central metadata repository. The basis of the concept is
a central IT space, which represents the central data warehouse layer. The respective spaces for
the specialist departments can be generated from this. This allows me to avoid a problem that
has often arisen in the past: the creation of a shadow IT in the

Specialist departments in lungs.

With SAP Datasphere, it is becoming common practice for the business areas to model their own
functions using self-service functions, while IT provides the resources required for this, such as
data sources l and connections are provided. That's how I leave it
For example, you can expand the data model with additional master data via CSV
upload. Here I mainly work in the data builder.

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5 The (progress) step from SAP BW 7.x to SAP Data sphere
If companies that use SAP BW see the public cloud as an option for their data warehousing and
data management, they are faced with the question of how to move from their SAP BW system
to SAP Datasphere. Basically, there are four options available: the greenfield approach, the
replacement of SAP BW 7. x by SAP Datasphere via shell or remote conversion into the SAP BW
Bridge, the hybrid ide scenario with SAP BW/4HANA and SAP Datasphere as well as the hybrid
scenario with SAP BW/4HANA, SAP BW Bridge and SAP Datasphere.

Greenfield -Ans at z

The Greenfield approach is the path to SAP Datasphere for companies that are already using
SAP BW systems. On the other hand, he also represents
existing SAP BW customers a possible option to access SAP Datasphere. In this case, the
decision for Greenfield means cutting off old ties and completely rebuilding the data objects
and models in SAP Datasphere. The Greenfield approach is suitable, for example, if companies
have a historically developed, complex SAP BW system and want to optimize their data model.

Greenfield offers the advantage that companies can focus on modernizing and simplifying
their data landscapes, while remodeling the innovative functions of SAP Data asphere to the
full extent and can rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. If
proven SAP BW functions, for example the connection to the LIS -

Extractors that are to be used, I recommend the SAP BW Bridge in the greenfield approach. In
this way, proven SAP BW functionalities can be combined with modern cloud architecture and
the business warehouse can be taken to the next level. While the data models are being set up
in SAP Datasphere, parallel operation of SAP Datasphere and SAP BW is required. As soon as the
rebuild is completed, the SAP BW system can be shut down.

Licensing issues can also play a role in the decision to make a full switch to SAP Datasphere.
With the switch from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, companies no longer automatically have
the right to use SAP BW on-premise. So you still have to have a certain number of on-premise
licenses, which causes additional costs and leads to additional administrative work.

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 Replacement of SAP BW 7. x by SAP Datasphere and SAP BW Bridge

If companies are on the release of SAP BW 7. 3 or newer, they can convert their data from the
SAP BW tool into the SAP BW bridge with the support of a shell or remote conversion. As an
integral part of SAP Datasphere, the SAP BW Bridge makes the staging layers from the on-
premise BW system available in the cloud.

Companies that have invested heavily in their on-premise BW system in the past in order to
optimally adapt their data warehouse to their own processes protect themselves with the help
of SAP BW bridges the investments you make because certain parts can be transferred from
SAP BW to SAP Datasphere. The SAP BW Bridge not only makes it possible to migrate classic
BW objects. It also offers the possibility of using the ABAP-based source systems via extractors
- and of adopting the data flows that are based on them. Companies can continue to use their
existing SAP BW knowledge and at the same time build new know-how for SAP Datasphere.
The SAP BW Bridge means a bridge between SAP BW and SAP Datasphere in order to profitably
connect the old and the new world.

The SAP BW artifacts and queries are converted into corresponding SAP Datasphere artifacts.
The entity importer automatically creates a new analytic model in the data builder, which is
based on the SAP BW artifacts, queries and composite providers in the SAP BW bridge ier t. After
the shell or remote conversion and the entity import have been completed, the existing SAP BW
system can be switched off.

Hybrid scenarios

5.3.1 Hybrid scenario with SAP BW/4HANA and SAP Datasphere

A hybrid scenario with SAP Datasphere only works with SAP BW/4HANA as an existing
SAP BW release. Various arguments – from the size of the
Existing SAP BW/4HANA systems through to functional limitations that currently exist in SAP
Datasphere - can speak against moving the entire business warehouse into the cloud. The
hybrid approach offers the possibility of continuing to use the existing data models from SAP
BW/4HANA without having to convert the data and of implementing new use cases directly in
SAP Datasphere.
With the help of the SAP BW/4HANA Model Transfer, the analytic queries, information objects
and composite providers are transferred from the remotely connected SAP BW/4HANA
system to SAP Datasphere and the corresponding artifacts in Dat a Bui lder and in
Business Bui lder generated.

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5.3.2 Hybrid scenario with SAP BW/4HANA, SAP BW Bridge and SAP Datasphere

The starting point in this scenario is also SAP BW/4HANA, SAP Datasphere and additionally the
SAP BW Bridge. Step by step, the data and data models are transferred from SAP BW/4HANA to
the SAP BW Bridge using the shell or remote conversion. Every company can proceed at its own
pace.
With the help of the synchronization option between SAP BW/4HANA as the source system and
the SAP BW Bridge as the target system, it is possible to keep the data models synchronous, bi
s their transfer to the SAP BW Bridge and SAP Datasphere is completely completed. Since the
SAP BW/4HANA system is no longer needed, it can be switched off.

All roads lead to SAP Data asphere

The fact that not all functions from SAP BW are currently available in SAP Datasphere could
currently stand in the way of a complete switch to SAP Datasphere. Given the continuous
development of SAP Datasphere and the bi-weekly update cycle, existing technical restrictions
are becoming more and more eliminated over time. This means that with each new release of
SAP Datasphere, additional functionalities are provided until finally, from a functional
perspective, there is no longer a need for one On-premise BW system exists.

In addition to functional limitations, depending on the company and industry, there may
currently be other reasons and factors that prevent a complete change of the data warehouse
to the cloud. These include, for example, certain regulatory requirements for certain
industries and sectors or divergent guidelines for different geographical regions in which
companies operate. It is also conceivable that companies are just beginning to develop their C
loud strategy for the future, and for this reason the move to SAP Datasphere comes too early.

The SAP portfolio offers every company the opportunity to take the step into the public cloud
at their own pace. SAP BW/4HANA has one
Maintenance guarantee until 2040 and is also available as a private cloud edition. This means
that companies are also able to outsource the administrative effort and obtain the software via
a subscription model instead of a license model. If required, SAP BW/4HANA can also be used
on-premise.

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In principle, migration to SAP BW/4HANA is a necessary intermediate step on the way to SAP
Datasphere. However, companies that are currently moving towards SAP BW/4HANA can
continue with the conversion without hesitation, as from there the path continues towards SAP
Data asphere and not into a dead end ends.

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6 Conclusion

The principles of Data Mesh are becoming increasingly important for the future of data
management. Likewise, flexible bus ines data a factory architectures equipped with extensive
federation options are becoming increasingly important. As
SAP's strategic data management product, SAP Datasphere is one of the leading solutions in
this area. It has certain unique characteristics that are important for companies as value drivers.
This means: If you want to benefit from these advantages, you should tackle the journey from
your existing on-premise BW system to SAP Datasphere. For many companies there is also a
need for action due to the fact that maintenance for SAP BW 7. 40 and older releases has
already expired at the end of 2020. Here they areCurrent dates for the end of maintenance of
the various SAP BW versions in the overview .

SAP Datasphere offers the possibility of

organizing central and local data using
spaces so that the specialist areas can
manage their data themselves. The data
modeling is state-of-the-art and an explicit
business layer ensures additional flexibility
when creating and adapting data models.
Also with regard to the connection of data
sources from SAP and non-SAP systems -
both on -

Premise as well as loud-based – SAP Datasphere is convincing. The business context of the data is
retained. The close integration with the data is also maintainedSAP Ana l yt ics C loud an
important argument for SAP Datasphere.

The move to SAP Dat asphere also has an impact on the areas of analytics, planning and
add-ons. Planning tasks can then no longer be carried out in SAP Business
Planning and Consol idation (BPC) and should therefore be transferred to SAP Analytics Cloud
for Planning. The add-ons for SAP BW are largely incorporated into SAP S/4HANA as a
functionality.

The SAP BW Bridge makes it much easier for companies to follow the SAP strategy in data
management towards Cloud and SAP Datasphere. The business content of SAP BW/4HANA is
provided with The SAP BW Bridge is delivered, so that a narrow

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Integration with SAP S/4HANA and ABAP-based systems is guaranteed. The relocation of SAP
BW functionalities to SAP Data asphere can be done step by step until all SAP BW features are
also available in SAP Data asphere. Companies benefit from the SAP BW Bridge as a useful tool
for connecting the on-premise and the cloud worlds.

Switching to SAP Data asphere is the ideal time to tidy up the data landscape and get rid of
objects that are no longer needed. For customer-specific developments, it may be necessary to
evaluate whether they are supported in the SAP BW Bridge or whether they can be recreated
in SAP Dat asphere. Furthermore, the SAP BW authorizations play an important role. It must be
checked whether special authorization scenarios can be replicated in SAP Datasphere or not -
this applies to SAP BW/4HANA and to SAP BW.

As part of the SAP Business Technology Platform Free Tier Model, companies have the
opportunity to test SAP Datasphere in their production environment for 90 days and familiarize
themselves with the features. When you subsequently switch to the paid version, all work from
the test phase will be taken over and can continue to be used.

As an experienced and competent SAP partner with comprehensive data & analytics expertise,
IBsolut ion currently accompanies and supports various companies that are starting their
journey from on-premise -BW system to SAP Datasphere have started. Experience so far shows
that the simplified and innovative way of data modeling is perceived as one of the greatest
strengths of SAP Datasphere. Users rate it as more intuitive than in SAP BW. Other arguments
include the self-service approach and the use of SAP Datasphere in addition to SAP BW. This
variant represents a useful transitional solution as long as functions from SAP BW are not yet
available in SAP Data asphere. On the one hand, companies can already gain experience with
SAP Datasphere, but on the other hand they can also continue to use existing SAP BW content.

For companies that want to make their way towards SAP Datasphere, IBsolu ti on offers first
steps in a comprehensive assessment of the existing SAP BW system. Using a special software
tool, the IBsolution experts carry out a thorough inventory and cleanup of the SAP BW
system, for example Orphaned objects are identified and unnecessary elements are
identified. The assessment brings companies into an ideal position

Starting position for a smooth transition to SAP Datasphere.

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Your contact person :

And rea s Ma yer

Sales Exe cutive
and rea s . may er@ibsolution . c om
+ 49 (0) 71 31 271 1 - 3 000