Does SAP BW/4HANA have a future?

[Johann]

We have recently published a brand-new free learning journey to get familiar with SAP BW/4HANA basics. But does SAP BW/4HANA have even a future?  

Agreed, that’s a provocative question on the one hand side but also valid on the other because of the existing SAP HANA for SQL data warehousing solution and the tremendous growth of SAP Datasphere (next-gen. SAP Data Warehouse Cloud).  

SAP offers three data warehouse solutions. Two of them support only on-premise and private cloud scenarios and these are SAP HANA for SQL data warehousing and SAP BW/4HANA. And the new kid on the block, the SAP Datasphere is a pure public cloud solution although you can no longer speak of a kid when you have a closer look at the well-developed feature scope of it.  

Against the background of SAP`s cloud-oriented strategy focusing SAP Business Technology Platform functionality, you might tend to answer the question with a clear “no“ and add that SAP BW/4HANA`s days are numbered. But as is so often the case, complex questions need to be examined more closely.  

Even though SAP pushes mainly cloud-based developments, it takes two to a tango. With other words, there are still many customers who decide to follow an on-premise or private cloud strategy due to valid reasons. To realize such in the data warehouse area you need to go either with SAP HANA for SQL data warehousing or SAP BW/4HANA.  

Thanks to its long history, it is especially SAP BW/4HANA with its feature scope, tools and business content that is more than mature to support any data warehouse scenario. What some also don`t have on their radar is SAP´s commitment to support SAP BW/4HANA for the next 17 years which appears as an eternity in the IT world. What comes after that or how to keep the chance to jump on the bandwagon any time and to move to the cloud? SAP Datasphere, SAP BW bridge is the safety net for all SAP BW/4HANA customers. It supports the transfer of SAP BW content into a prospective cloud future at any time. 

Saving the best for last! You can now learn SAP BW/4HANA basics in a brand-new free learning journey “Getting Started Building an On-Premise Data Warehouse using SAP BW/4HANA”. Join now and familiarize yourself with all SAP BW/4HANA basics that need to be known to start your journey and become a future SAP BW/4HANA expert. How? Expect further advanced SAP BW/4HANA learning jouneys that will follow in the coming weeks and months.  

Fill the gap through upskilling and enjoy SAP’s learning offerings on the SAP Learning site. This article is created and brought to you by SAP Product Learning CoE experts! 

[meharali1716]

Its Indeed a very good blog thanks for sharing.

[ezzedine_riahi3]

Many SAP products survived ...like  ABAP, IBP.....BW will

[Frank1]

Hi Johann,

SAP BW/4HANA can only used for on-premise and private cloud scenario? what’s the difference between Classic SAP BW and SAP BW/4HANA? What’s the use case regarding between S/4HANA Public cloud and SAP BW/4HANA, or SAP S4HANA public cloud cannot use SAP BW/4HAHA?

Thank you.

[Johann]

Hi Frank,

all of your questions are valid but even very broad. Below you can find some blogs and articles for your reference that might answer your questions:

SAP BW/4HANA vs. SAP BW on HANA

SAP S/4HANA and SAP BW/4HANA: What to Do Where? | SAP Blogs

Best

Johann

[Frank1]

Hi Johann,

Thank you for your valuable information and fast reply.

Best regards

Frank

[dushmanta_das8970]

Hello Johann,

Thank you for the update.

Could you please provide the latest update document for SAP BW/4HANA? The link provided was last updated in August 2019.

Please provide some best points why a user should consider BW/4HANA over other options. Currently, the user is using BW 7.5 and has the following choices for moving forward: BW/4HANA or DWC.

Options:

1. BW 7.5 with Full Use
2. BW/4HANA - Lower costs (SAC, BPC) and no Java portal
3. Sphere - New DWC
4. S/4 - Embedded Analytics
5. Cortex, PBI, 
6. Data platform - Snowflake, ...

Please advise why a user should choose BW/4HANA.

Thank you.

[former_member856863]

It would be great if we can get some context on above queries mentioned by Dushmanta Das

[Johann]

Hi Dushmanta,

that sounds more like a PoC to me that can not be answered in my opinion without taking into consideration and balance all factors that might have an effect on the final decision. This has to be done by a dedicated team of consultants and stakeholders that have access to this information.

We plan to publish a new learning journey in Q3/Q4 on learning.sap.com that should give at least a high-level guidance to some extend for choosing a data modeling solution covering also SAP BW/4HANA and SAP Datasphere: Explore data modeling solutions with SAP.

Best

[dushmanta_das8970]

Hello Jojann

Thank you for your response.

I understand that the decision-making process regarding data modeling solutions requires a comprehensive evaluation considering various factors. While I appreciate your input, I was wondering if you could provide some high-level insights or key benefits of choosing BW/4HANA over other options based on your knowledge and experience. This would help in understanding the potential advantages of BW/4HANA for our specific requirements.

I'm looking forward to accessing the new learning journey on learning.sap.com in Q3/Q4, which you mentioned. In the meantime, if there are any additional guidance available that can assist in making an informed decision, please let me know.

Thank you again for your assistance.

Best regards,"

[RolandKramer]

Hello johann

SAP BW/4 has a bright future, also with the upcoming Version SAP BW/4 2023 in Q3/2023

why SAP BW/4HANA?

SAP BW/4 HANA 2021 – 3rd Generation in Sync with SAP S/4

Best Regards Roland

[Johann]

Fantastic!

[zili_zhou]

Many customers have this doubt. Thanks for offering a blog to explain.

Rome wasn't built in a day. So is for BW. 

[satishs79]

Thanks for the good blog