SAP on Azure is a service that allows enterprises to transition to a cloud environment, keeping their current SAP software or systems intact. Microsoft Azure provides an agile and robust platform for running SAP workloads efficiently and effectively. This article will guide users to understand the foundations of determining the supportability of SAP workloads in Azure.
Prerequisites for SAP on Azure
Before deploying SAP on Azure, it is vital to ensure that the SAP applications, database platforms, operating systems, and Azure VMs are compatible. Below are the primary preconditions:
- SAP Application: Make sure the SAP application software version supports Azure. For example, any SAP application that runs on SAP NetWeaver 7.0 or higher supports Azure.
- Database Platforms: Ensure that the database software supports Azure. Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle Database, and SAP ASE are actively tested and confirmed to support SAP workloads on Azure.
- Virtual machine (VM) sizes: Azure offers a variety of VM sizes. For running SAP workload, this might include general-purpose VMs and compute optimized VMs from Azure M family.
- Operating system: Primarily, Windows Server and Linux distributions (SUSE & Red Hat) are used for running SAP workloads on Azure.
SAP Certified Azure Components
Azure infrastructure for SAP is divided into two core components: “Certified IaaS platforms” and “Certified enhanced Azure services”.
Certified IaaS Platforms
There are various types of certified Azure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platforms for SAP on Azure. These include the following:
| VM Type | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| General Purpose (D, DS, and Dv2 series) | Small to medium sized SAP systems and non-production environments |
| Memory Optimized (E, Es, and Ev3 series) | Large databases and other memory-intensive workloads |
For a detailed list of certified SAP on Azure IaaS VM types, refer to the SAP on Azure planning and deployment checklist in Microsoft documentation.
Certified Enhanced Azure Services
Complimenting the IaaS platforms, there’s a variety of Azure services that enhance the capability of running SAP workloads on Azure. These include:
- Azure Backup: For backup and recovery of SAP systems.
- Azure Site Recovery: For high-availability and disaster recovery.
- Azure Load Balancer: For distributing network traffic.
- Azure Monitor: For monitoring Azure resources and services.
Azure VMs for SAP Workloads
Understanding which virtual machines support SAP workloads is vital to ensure performance and supportability. The list of Azure VMs certified to run SAP includes:
- The Azure Mv2-series: Biggest certified VMs for SAP HANA with up to 12 TB RAM and up to 192 cores of the Intel Xeon Platinum 8280M (Cascade Lake) processor.
- The Azure M-series: Certified for SAP HANA, offering memory size up to 4 TB.
- The Azure E-series and Edv4-series: Ideal for running SAP NetWeaver applications with SQL Server, Oracle Database, SAP ASE, and IBM DB2.
Conclusion
Determining the supportability of SAP workloads in Azure is crucial before initiating the transition. Azure offers a variety of certified IaaS platforms and enhanced services which can be effectively used to host SAP workloads.
While planning a deployment, it is crucial to consult the SAP on Azure planning and deployment checklist, the SAP Notes, and other official Microsoft and SAP documentation. Engaging an Azure certified partner or consultant may also prove helpful in most of the scenario.
Practice Test
Azure provides a comprehensive set of services and infrastructure for running SAP applications.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True.
Explanation: Azure has a robust set of services including compute, storage, networking, databases, analytics, and AI, making it capable of running SAP applications.
SAP HANA Large Instances are not available in Azure?
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False.
Explanation: SAP HANA Large Instances are part of the Azure large instance families specifically designed to run in-memory workloads such as SAP HANA.
Which of the following would you use to automate deployment of SAP workloads in Azure?
- a) Azure Kubernetes Service
- b) Azure Logic Apps
- c) Azure Resource Manager
- d) Azure Media Services
Answer: c) Azure Resource Manager
Explanation: Azure Resource Manager provides Infrastructure as a Code capabilities to automate deployment of complex SAP landscapes.
Virtual machines in Azure are not suitable for running SAP Business Suite applications.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Significant variety of VM types in Azure with features such as premium storage and enhanced networking make them suitable and optimized for running SAP applications.
Can Azure NetApp Files be used for SAP applications?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: Azure NetApp Files offers shared file-based storage that’s required by SAP applications.
Azure does not support automation and scripting of tasks for SAP workflows.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure offers PowerShell and Azure CLI scripting capabilities as well as automation services for repetitive tasks.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for running SAP HANA on Azure (Large Instances)?
- a) Enterprise Agreement
- b) Enrollment in Azure Consumption Commitment
- c) A virtual machine
- d) Dedicated network line
Answer: c) A virtual machine
Explanation: SAP HANA on Azure (Large Instances) go beyond the current virtual machine sizes, providing capabilities to run workloads that require high memory settings.
Azure does not support monitoring and managing of SAP applications?
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure provides several tools such as Azure Monitor and Azure Log Analytics for monitoring and managing SAP applications.
Which of the following is NOT a SAP-certified infrastructure offered by Azure?
- a) SAP HANA (Large Instances)
- b) SAP S/4HANA
- c) SAP Business Suite
- d) SAP Personas
Answer: d) SAP Personas
Explanation: While Azure supports a range of SAP workloads, SAP Personas is not a SAP-certified infrastructure.
You can run SAP applications on Azure without setting up any network virtual appliances?
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Setting up network appliances such as VPN gateway, Azure ExpressRoute, Virtual firewall, and Load balancer is a prerequisite for running SAP applications in Azure.
Interview Questions
What are the key factors to consider when planning for SAP workloads in Azure?
The key factors to consider are network latency, data throughput, compute capacity (number of cores, memory sizes), storage requirements and understanding disaster recovery options.
What is Azure Virtual Machine?
Azure Virtual machine is an on-demand, scalable computing resource provided by Microsoft Azure, which can be used to run SAP workloads.
How is the performance of SAP applications on Azure VMs gauged?
The performance of SAP applications on Azure VMs is gauged using the SAPS (SAP Application Performance Standard) benchmark, which measures how many processing throughput per hour a certain machine running SAP software can deliver.
How is the SAP HANA on Azure (Large Instances) different from running SAP HANA on Azure Virtual Machines?
SAP HANA on Azure (Large Instances) provides bare metal deployments of large SAP HANA instances, while Azure’s Virtual Machines run on a hyper-visor layer, providing isolation through cloud technology.
Can you migrate your existing SAP systems to Azure?
Yes, using tools such as Azure Site Recovery and Database Migration Service, you can migrate your existing SAP systems to Azure.
Is Azure certified to run SAP workloads?
Yes. Azure is certified by SAP to run various SAP workloads including SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA, and other ERP solutions.
Can you scale your SAP workloads in Azure?
Yes, Azure provides a flexible and scalable environment that allows for the adjusting of resources based on your SAP workload requirements.
Which Azure storage option can be used for hosting SAP HANA data and log volumes?
Azure Premium SSD Managed Disks can be used for hosting SAP HANA data and log volumes.
Can Azure NetApp Files be used for SAP workloads?
Yes, Azure NetApp Files is an SAP-certified storage solution that can be used for SAP HANA databases.
Is disaster recovery supported for SAP on Azure?
Yes, Azure Site Recovery can replicate SAP workloads for disaster recovery purposes.
Can SAP Central Services be deployed in Azure?
Yes, SAP Central Services can be deployed on an Azure Virtual Machine.
Which networking option in Azure is recommended for running SAP workloads?
Azure ExpressRoute, a dedicated private network link, is recommended for running heavy SAP workloads.
What Azure service would you use for automating SAP system copy/refresh tasks?
Azure Automation can be used for automating SAP system copy/refresh tasks.
Is Azure Backup suitable for backing up SAP HANA databases?
Yes, Azure Backup is integrated with SAP HANA, enabling a backup and restore solution for SAP HANA databases on Azure.
What is the role of Azure Monitor in managing SAP workloads on Azure?
Azure Monitor helps in obtaining comprehensive visibility of your SAP applications, infrastructure, and network, thereby assisting in detecting, triaging, and diagnosing issues that affect your SAP workloads on Azure.
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