Paul Vatter
Since the introduction of BW (on | 4) HANA, users have had access to so-called "mixed case scenarios" in addition to "classic" BW data modelling. But what exactly does this mean?
What is a Mixed Scenario?
The term "Mixed Scenario" describes an architecture in which a system based on SAP BW on HANA is extended to include the full capabilities of the HANA platform, without foregoing the familiar on-board features of BW. The user can leave BW virtually in the direction of HANA and return virtually later if required (possible in either direction). Classic BW objects are combined with HANA-natively modelled objects. The data does not physically leave BW, while the native HANA modelling enables various advantageous functions. Thus, the toolbox of the "classic" BW is expanded by a powerful toolset.
External HANA views offer extensive functionalities, surpassing the analytical possibilities of BW (e.g. in concrete comparison to the composite provider). In parallel, HANA brings the following additional advantages and options, among others:
- Virtual characteristics and key figures based on HANA Calculation Views that can be reused in BW
- No persistence required for data transformation and calculation (calculation takes place "on the fly")
- BW-on-HANA transformations
- Predictive Analytics Library, text analysis tools and "geospatial" functions
- Optimal performance and scalability for large data warehouses
- Better parallelisation within the HANA database
However, this in no way renders SAP BW obsolete - as already mentioned: the scenarios are possible in both directions. Without latency and physical data replication, data can be consumed in HANA and vice versa in BW. This means that all the advantages of BW can also be used:
- BW Semantics (e.g. with BW InfoObjects) or with the authorisations of the BW
- Optional persistence of the data
- Consolidation of data for further processing (e.g. planning)
- Transport mechanisms
The best of both worlds
The Mixed Scenarios of SAP BW on HANA thus stand for a solution that offers the best of both worlds. This results in more functionality, while agility and flexibility in development are fully preserved.
Users benefit from the openness of the system with simplified data integration and comprehensive access to external systems. Equally advantageous are the possibilities for virtual access to data from different layers and the simplification of data flows - all in all, optimal conditions for significantly shorter development times.
A look at the SAP roadmap and current developments raises the prospect thatSAP BW/4HANAas the new SAP top product will offer even more advantages and options in the future. This suggests an expansion of the existing strengths of BW and HANA - including a continuation of the existing design principles:
- Simplification:Reduction of development efforts
- Openness:Easy access to information for all users
- Modern interfaces:New UX for all users
- Performance:Real-time access to large amounts of data
The Mixed Scenarios presented primarily reflect the openness factor. The expanded horizon with regard to the modelling possibilities with SAP BW on HANA and consequently also with SAP BW/4 HANA should be particularly emphasised.
Would you like to delve deeper into this topic? We will be happy to inform you personally and individually about all aspects. Further details and technical insights with practical examples (incl. system demos) are also available in the recordings of our"Webinar Series: SAP Business Warehouse (BW)".
