SAP HANA Cloud: Database rethought

Many companies are split in two with regard to their database strategy: On the one hand, they pursue a cloud-first strategy in their overall IT alignment. Cloud-based solutions have a strategic priority over on-premise installations. On the other hand, companies have made massive investments in their on-premise data storage in the past, which they would like to continue to use in the future.

Database as a service

Anyone in such a situation should take a closer look at SAP HANA Cloud. SAP’s database-as-a-service product (DBaaS) enables hybrid database scenarios in which an existing on-premise HANA landscape is seamlessly extended into the cloud. For the user it no longer matters where the data is physically located. The SAP HANA cloud not only brings together data from applications that are provided in different ways, but also integrates SAP and non-SAP solutions equally.

Combined strengths of HANA and cloud technology

Companies benefit significantly from the combination of classic HANA database technology and a native cloud approach. No high up-front investment is required to get started. Other strengths are the high flexibility of use – capacities can be increased or decreased as required at short notice – and the rapid functional development of the product through the regular roll-out of new versions.

SAP HANA cloud reduces the overall complexity of the data landscape, since data is stored where it originates. Data from cloud solutions therefore does not have to be replicated in an on-premise database before users can access it. In addition, companies are free to choose the cloud infrastructure for operating SAP HANA cloud. SAP’s DBaaS solution is available for the popular Hyperscaler AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

As part of a flexible pricing model, companies can book so-called capacity units for a specific period of time. They only pay for what they actually use. The required resources can be adjusted according to demand. Thanks to self-service functionalities, SAP HANA cloud capacities can be expanded or reduced practically at the push of a button. A free trial version is available on the product website.

Important basis for other SAP cloud solutions

SAP HANA cloud takes on a kind of dual role. Companies can use it stand-alone, i.e. as a database for their own applications. At the same time, SAP HANA Cloud also forms the central foundation of SAP's end-to-end portfolio in the areas of data management and analysis. SAP Data Warehouse Cloud already runs on SAP HANA Cloud. The integration of SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Data Intelligence, which is the successor of SAP Data Hub, is currently being intensively pursued. The combination of these components will create a solution that covers the entire data value chain – from data transfer to data analysis by the end user – from a single source. With SAP HANA Cloud, companies are therefore prepared for future, unchecked data growth.