SAP applications serve as the backbone of many businesses, providing much-needed functionality for operations such as finance, sales, and supply chain management. However, as businesses evolve, so too must their infrastructure. This is where migration to Microsoft Azure comes into play.
Microsoft Azure allows businesses to modernize and extend SAP workload capabilities with complete reliability and optimum performance. Azure ensures superior service levels, business continuity, global scalability, and simplified management for SAP workloads. In this article, you’ll learn how to design and implement an SAP migration to Azure.
Evaluating SAP systems for migration
Before the actual migration process begins, it’s important to evaluate SAP systems to understand infrastructural requirements. This initial assessment identifies the SAP workloads that are compatible with Azure, as well as the ones that need optimization. It includes reviewing the SAP HANA database compatibility, any SAP NetWeaver compatibility issues, virtual machines, networking, storage, and security needs.
Create a detailed migration plan
Creating a detailed migration plan is the next logical step. At this stage, keep in mind the architecture and data center options Azure has to offer. The migration plan should specifically break down each SAP module to be migrated, and the order in which they should be migrated.
The migration approach should consider,
- Operating system
- Size of the SAP system
- Downtime constraints
- Network bandwidth
Designing and Building the Azure environment
Your Azure environment will need to be set up to host the SAP applications. The design and deployment should take into account factors like network design, security, data governance, and resource allocation.
You might want to use Azure Virtual Networks, for example, to provide network isolation for your SAP system. For security, Azure Active Directory could be used to control access.
Migrating the SAP Workloads
The actual migration of the SAP systems is then carried out. This can be done using different methods, such as Azure Site Recovery for an automated migration or using a special tool for SAP HANA migrations – SAP HANA Large Instances.
In the SAP HANA Large Instances method, the SAP HANA database is backed up and restored on Azure. Azure NetApp Files or Azure premium storage is being used as a target.
Post-Migration Processes
Post-migration, you should verify if the system is working as expected. Security checks and performance tests should be done to ensure system performance and stability. You can also make use of Azure’s built-in features for monitoring, scaling, and optimizing the migrated SAP systems.
In summary, the design and implementation of an SAP migration to Azure involves strategically assessing the current SAP system, planning the migration, setting up the Azure environment, carrying out the migration, and then validating the system post-migration.
Please note that a professional who will be taking AZ-120 Planning and Administering Azure for SAP Workloads exam should be proficient in all the topics mentioned in this post, and also have hands-on experience in administering Azure and managing SAP workloads hosted on Azure.
Preparing for the AZ-120 exam requires a comprehensive understanding of Azure services along with SAP architecture and implementations. Always use trusted resources and verified study materials for a thorough understanding of the syllabus matter. The more hands-on experience you have with Azure and SAP, the better you will perform in the actual examination.
Remember, any migration is not only a process but also an opportunity for companies to optimize their operations via new technologies. Migrating SAP systems to Azure is no different and can lead to improved performance, flexibility, and scalability.
Practice Test
True or False: SAP on Azure architecture consists of an Azure VNet with two subnets.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 2) False
Explanation: The Azure architecture for SAP consists of multiple elements, including Azure VNet, Subnets, Virtual Machines, Managed Disks, Network Security Groups, etc.
True or False: SAP HANA system can only be run on compute optimized VM series in Azure.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 2) False
Explanation: Apart from Compute optimized VM series, SAP HANA can also be run on Memory optimized VM series in Azure.
Which of the following services play crucial roles in SAP migration to Azure?
- 1) Azure Migrate
- 2) Azure Site Recovery
- 3) Azure Kubernetes Service
- 4) Azure DevOps
Answer: 1, 2
Explanation: Azure Migrate provides guidance and tools to ease migration. Azure Site Recovery enables running your workloads in Azure as you rebuild your lost infrastructure. AKS and DevOps can be beneficial but are not crucial.
Azure DevOps is necessary for the migration of SAP workloads to Azure.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 2) False
Explanation: Although Azure DevOps can automate, test, and deliver efficient CI/CD pipelines, it’s not necessary for SAP workload migration.
True or False: Azure offers industry-leading security services to protect your SAP systems.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 1) True
Explanation: Azure provides multi-layered security across physical data centers, infrastructure, and operations with Azure security services.
The SAP Data Intelligence, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure Data Factory are used for which purpose in SAP Migration to Azure?
- 1) Establish connectivity
- 2) Increasing security
- 3) Data orchestration
- 4) None of the above
Answer: 3) Data orchestration
Explanation: These tools work together to orchestrate and govern data in the SAP migration process.
True or False: You only need to consider the hardware requirements of your SAP system before migration.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 2) False
Explanation: While hardware requirements are important, software and infrastructure compatibility, business operations continuity, and performance consistency should also be considered.
True or False: During SAP migration, you can merge multiple SAP systems into one.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 1) True
Explanation: This is part of the SAP landscape transformation, which can simplify system structure during migration.
Which of the following certifications is recommended to have before the migration?
- 1) Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- 2) Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- 3) Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
- 4) Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer
Answer: 2) Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Explanation: An Azure Solutions Architect with expert certification can help design robust solutions for SAP on Azure including all aspects of migration.
True or False: Azure Migrate does not support SAP ASCS/SCS instances migration.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 2) False
Explanation: Azure Migrate provides native support for discovery, assessment, and migration of SAP ASCS/SCS instances.
What tool is used for real-time replication of data in SAP migration?
- 1) Azure Migrate
- 2) Azure Site Recovery
- 3) Azure DevOps
- 4) SAP HANA replication
Answer: 4) SAP HANA replication
Explanation: SAP HANA system replication is employed to achieve high availability and disaster recovery.
True or False: During SAP migration, the source system can remain operational.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Answer: 1) True
Explanation: Azure supports several migration strategies, including homogenous and heterogeneous system copy, where the source system can remain operational.
The SAP on Azure Connectivity Checker helps to check prerequisites for the SAP on Azure scenario and validate the network connection from:
- 1) SAP system to Azure.
- 2) Azure to SAP system.
- 3) Both SAP system to Azure and Azure to SAP system.
- 4) None of the above.
Answer: 3) Both SAP system to Azure and Azure to SAP system.
Explanation: The SAP on Azure Connectivity Checker validates Azure network connection, both to and from the SAP system.
Interview Questions
What is SAP Landscape?
SAP Landscape is the arrangement of SAP servers. Ideally, in a SAP environment, a three-system landscape exists. It is Development -> Quality Assurance -> Production.
Can an existing SAP system be migrated to Azure?
Yes, an existing SAP system can be migrated to Azure with the help of Azure Site Recovery (ASR), or other third-party tools such as CloudEndure and Zerto.
What are the main components needed in Azure for an SAP migration?
The main components needed include Azure Virtual Networks, Azure ExpressRoute, Azure Storage, and Azure Virtual Machines (VMs).
What is the significance of Azure ExpressRoute in SAP migration?
Azure ExpressRoute enables the establishment of a private and direct connection with Microsoft’s network, resulting in lower latencies, increased reliability and increased security which is vital for running SAP applications.
What types of storage does Azure offer for an SAP system?
Azure offers a diverse set of storage options including Azure Standard Storage and Premium Storage. For an SAP system, Azure Premium Storage is recommended due to better I/O performance.
What type of Azure VMs are recommended for running SAP?
Azure offers a wide range of VM sizes, but for running SAP, it is recommended to use Azure M-series VMs for large SAP workloads and D-series VM for smaller SAP workloads.
What kind of Azure network bandwidth is needed for SAP on Azure?
The network bandwidth needed for SAP on Azure depends on the specific requirements of the SAP system being migrated. However, as a guideline, Azure recommends a minimum of 5 Gbps bandwidth for SAP systems.
What is the Azure Site Recovery (ASR) and how it is useful in SAP migration?
Azure Site Recovery (ASR) is a disaster recovery service offered by Microsoft Azure. During SAP migration, ASR can be used for non-disruptive testing, and it facilitates workload replication and failover capabilities.
How scalable is SAP on Azure?
Azure provides a scalable environment for SAP applications. Resources can be adjusted according to growth and demand. Azure’s scalability saves money as users only pay for what they use.
What is the significance of Azure Backup in SAP migration?
Azure Backup provides business continuity by protecting SAP applications and data against loss and system failures. It offers scalable backup services with multiple restore options.
What are Azure Managed Disks and why are they recommended for SAP on Azure?
Azure Managed Disks are a storage option that abstracts the underlying storage accounts for better management, higher reliability, and scalability. For SAP on Azure, Managed Disks are recommended due to their ability to handle I/O-intensive workloads and automatic rebalancing capability.
How is security compliance ensured when running SAP on Azure?
Running SAP on Azure adheres to Microsoft’s Trust Center principles ensuring compliance with different certifications and standards like ISO 27001, HIPAA, FedRAMP, SOC 1 and SOC 2.
What Azure service can be used to monitor and manage SAP solutions in the cloud?
Azure provides Azure Monitor and Azure Log Analytics services, which can be used to monitor and manage SAP solutions in the cloud.
What is Azure Traffic Manager and how it helps with SAP solutions deployed in Azure?
Azure Traffic Manager is a DNS-based traffic load balancer that enables high availability by distributing traffic optimally to services across global Azure regions, while providing the responsiveness that is crucial for running SAP solutions.
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