SAP is an interesting workload for cloud computing. In this article, I will discuss the benefits and some parameters of running SAP on AWS (Amazon Web Services). Then, I will focus on SAP on AWS in the subsequent articles.
SAP implementation on-premises was a difficult task in the past. Solution architects and consultants had to work long hours to address key requirements such as High Availability, Scalability. Elasticity, Business Agility, Security, and Elasticity. They also had to keep costs low, which in most cases doesn’t work in your favor.
Implementing SAP on AWS can help you drive agility and innovation in your SAP environment. Let me start by highlighting some of the key benefits of SAP running on cloud.
Benefits
Only OpEx and Lower Overall Cost – This model has no upfront cost and is a running cost model that allows you to only pay for what you actually use. This reduces your overall costs and gives you the opportunity to enjoy cloud’s high scalability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Agility – Provide new SAP systems on demand in minutes, as opposed to days & weeks in an on-premise setup. Get the speed you need in terms of Time-to Market.
Cloud Elasticity – Cloud offers flexibility and elasticity, which are essential requirements for SAP implementations. You can scale up or down as needed to meet your SAP sizing requirements using the virtually unlimited Compute, Storage, and Networking resources that are available in cloud platforms.
Focus on the Core-Business – You can shift your focus to your core company and invest in time and money for its growth by not having to manage the core SAP infrastructure.
Security – Security measures such as firewalls, encryption, multifactor authentication, Virtual Private Network, dedicated links between on-premise and cloud, isolated environments, and dedicated connections between them give you peace of mind regarding the security of SAP systems on the cloud.
Take into account
Customization – If you have SAP modules or applications that integrate with SAP, then they must be considered for cloud feasibility and/or interoperability and integration with other cloud modules.
Compliance – Most cloud platforms comply with industry standards like HIPAA and SOC (1, 2, & 3), ISO 27001 and PCI DSS to name just a few. However, if you have specific security requirements or compliance requirements, you might have to choose the right cloud deployment method or have to restrict SAP’s use of cloud.
Data Confidentiality and Control – The need to have physical access to SAP systems and control them could be a problem when running SAP on cloud. A hybrid model option is possible.
Service Level Agreement (SLA). It is important that you verify the SLA offered by cloud providers to ensure that it meets your needs.
Example of a Traditional SAP Landscape vs. Hybrid SAP (on AWS).
Use Cases
Cloud hosting can be used to host complete or partial production systems. It offers benefits such as real-time sizing, flexibility, and agility.
SAP can be extended to the cloud by being used for non-production tasks like testing, training demos, documentation, and archiving. You will get on-demand access, pay only for what you use, and no upfront costs.
Another important use case is backup and disaster recovery.
SAP legacy systems, temporary SAP implementations for system upgrades or OS/DB migrations are all good uses.
TCO Study for SAP on AWS
VMS AG’s SAP-TCO study found that running SAP applications on AWS can save infrastructure costs up to 69% when compared to running the same system on-premises.
SAP & AWS Alliance
Here are some tips to help you feel more confident when you implement SAP on AWS.
