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SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP)

SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP)

SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is the cloud-based technology platform by SAP for the development, integration and extension of enterprise applications. It forms a flexible basis for companies to use data from different sources, optimize business processes with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation and quickly provide innovative cloud applications.

Marc Bernhardt

Productmanager at FIS

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What is SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP)?

SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is a cloud platform used by companies as a central technology platform for designing their IT systems more individually and consistently.

To put it simply: SAP BTP enables the enhancement, integration and development of applications as well as the use of advanced technologies, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Analytics, via a standardized platform. As a result, companies can flexibly adjust their existing software landscapes to new requirements without changing their core systems. The clean core ensures that the core system remains lean, clean and future-proof.

SAP Business Technology Platform is the successor of the previous SAP Cloud Platform solution. The renaming into “Business Technology Platform (BTP)” underlines the enhanced focus on business processes, data management and new innovations such as AI.

FIS basics workshop: SAP BTP

The ideal initial access to SAP Business Technology Platform: Understand structure, fields of application and relevant components of SAP BTP – from the integration into the SAP ecosystem, account structures and authorizations to core areas such as development, integration, automation, analytics and AI.

Your benefits:

  • Secure basic orientation
  • Scalable system architecture
  • Reduced training efforts
  • Quick access to expert knowledge
Get yourself informed and inquire workshop

Important features of SAP BTP at a glance:

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) bundles most advanced technologies in order to optimize business processes, accelerate innovations and enable data-driven decisions. It unites integration, application development, data management and intelligent services in a scalable and cloud-based environment and, consequently, creates sustainable added value for companies of any size.

Database and data management

SAP BTP provides high-performance in-memory databases and flexible data management tools that enable the efficient storage, processing and analysis of big datasets. In this way, real-time insights can be gained and business processes controlled on a data basis. At the same time, it supports the secure management of structured and unstructured data across different systems.

Application development & automation

The platform enables the fast development and provision of tailor-made applications using advanced development frameworks and low–code/no–code approaches. Automation functions reduce manual tasks and increase efficiency in all business areas. In this way, processes can be intelligently orchestrated and flexibly adjusted to new requirements.

Integration

SAP BTP enables the seamless integration of applications, data and systems into SAP S/4HANA.
It ensures the seamless connection between on-premise and cloud systems as well as third-party  solutions. As a consequence, data and processes can be combined in a consistent and smooth way throughout the company. The integrated interface landscape enables quick, scalable and secure integration solutions.

Artificial intelligence

SAP BTP supports the automation of complex decisions using embedded AI services and provides precise analyses from big datasets. Intelligent algorithms recognize patterns, forecasts and optimization potentials in real time. This enables companies to develop innovative services and sustainably increase competitiveness.

SAP BTP with FIS

SAP Business Technology Platform: The foundation for innovation

Make your SAP landscape future-proof

To the product

How is the SAP BTP architecture structured?

SAP BTP is designed as a multi-cloud platform and runs on different infrastructures (e.g. AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud).

The BTP architecture enables companies to clearly organize and manage their resources and applications:

BTP cockpit

The SAP BTP Cockpit is the web-based dashboard for managing the platform. Administrators can use this central cockpit to manage all subaccounts, users, security settings and service instances. The SAP BTP Cockpit gives an overview of current applications, utilization, access authorizations and cost control.

Global account

Every company gets a global account as topmost level. The central management, payroll and assignment of resources are made via the BTP global account. Authorizations (entitlements) for services are defined here as well.

Subaccounts

Subaccounts for different areas can be configured below the global account, e.g. according to project, department, environment (dev/test/prod) or region. Each BTP subaccount is a logically separated unit with individual settings, services and applications. The fine graduation facilitates the management of complex IT landscapes and the compliance with different requirements.

What does SAP BTP include?

SAP describes BTP as a business technology platform because it bundles numerous services in one platform. They can be divided into different categories covering all essential IT areas.

The core of SAP BTP consists of solutions for data management, integration, application development & automation as well as intelligent technologies. The following is an overview of SAP BTP services and components:

Data management is a central element of BTP. Companies can use it to group and manage all company data.

Typical services of data management:

  • Databases: high-performance DB engines such as HANA Cloud for transactional and analytic processing, if required also integrated NoSQL/file solutions for big data.
  • Data orchestration: SAP Data Intelligence for combining and pipelining data from various sources (SAP and non-SAP).
  • Master data management: tools for centrally maintaining master data and ensuring data quality.
  • Data integration: BTP permits the integration of data from third-party applications or external sources and the connection with SAP data. Data records from different systems can be analyzed in a shared environment using standardized interfaces (e.g. OData/REST APIs) and connectors.

SAP BTP attaches great importance to security as well as data protection standards and complies with international standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 (information security), ISO 27017 & 27018 (cloud security), ISO 27018 (protection of person-related data), ISO 22301 (business continuity), BSI C5 (security standard for cloud services), as well as SOC 1 & 2.

SAP BTP enables the agile development of cloud native applications while maintaining a clean core. Through the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP) or the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP), scalable services can efficiently be provided on Cloud Foundry and Kyma runtimes or in the ABAP environment. A seamless extension architecture for S/4HANA landscapes is implemented by means of native integration via SAP BTP services and high-performing data retention in the HANA cloud.

  • Cloud Foundry environment: The Cloud Foundry environment is used to develop cloud-native applications with languages such as Java or Node.js and is particularly suitable for side-by-side extensions and individual business apps.
  • Kyma environment: The Kyma environment is a Kubernetes-based runtime for the development and the operation of containerized microservices and serverless functions. It supports cloud-native extensions through integrated Eventing module, service mesh and API management.
  • ABAP environment: The ABAP environment provides a cloud-optimized ABAP runtime and is used for clean core-compliant extensions of SAP S/4HANA, in particular with the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model.

In addition, SAP Build environments enable a quick low–code development of applications and process automations

To the SAP Build solution

SAP Integration Suite is a high-performance Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) acting as a central link for heterogeneous IT landscapes. It enables the seamless connection of SAP and non-SAP applications, irrespective of whether they are operated in the cloud or on premise. The suite offers a modular functional scope for the efficient orchestration of complex business processes:

  • Cloud integration: the core module for process-controlled data exchange and the design of integration flows.
  • API management: for the secure provision, control and monitoring of interfaces along their entire lifecycle.
  • Open connectors: over 160 pre-built connectors for common third-party applications (e.g. CRM or storage systems).
  • Event Mesh: enables an advanced and event-driven communication in real time to support decoupled architectures.
  • Integration Advisor: uses AI-supported proposals for mappings and documentations, which massively reduces development times.
To the SAP Integration Suite solution

The foundation for AI in the SAP ecosystem

SAP BTP is the technological foundation for AI innovations in the SAP environment. With SAP AI Foundation, the platform provides infrastructure, AI models and development tools to develop, operate and scale AI applications.

At the same time, it is possible to use SAP Embedded AI Services. For this purpose, the user is provided with AI functions that can directly be integrated into existing SAP applications.

In addition, the SAP Joule AI copilot is a central component of the SAP AI strategy and can directly be used in different SAP applications. Here, Joule acts as a kind of intelligent orchestrator who combines information from different SAP systems and business processes. Via natural language, users can call analyses, trigger processes or receive recommended actions.

These modules make SAP BTP the central platform on which companies can develop AI-supported innovations in the entire SAP ecosystem and integrate them into their business processes.

To the SAP Business AI solutions

What benefits are provided by SAP BTP?

The implementation of SAP Business Technology Platform provides numerous benefits for companies and their IT infrastructures. IT managers and CEOs in particular appreciate BTP as an enabler for digital transformation and innovation.

These are the most important benefits of the platform at a glance:

Stable and upgradeable SAP systems

as extensions are implemented outside the core (clean core through side-by-side extension).

Faster implementation of new applications and ideas

as low-code user departments can develop apps much more quickly.

High flexibility in infrastructure

because applications can be operated on different cloud providers (multi-cloud).

Safe and easy access for users

due to central and standardized identity and access management.

Well-founded decisions in real time

as current data can directly be analyzed.

More efficient business processes

because recurring processes can be automated and orchestrated.

Seamless connection to existing SAP systems,

which enables the use of data and processes without much integration effort.

Full transparency and control of applications and services

through central management on one platform.

What are SAP BTP application examples?

SAP BTP is already used by many companies to improve specific business processes or create new solutions. Some typical application examples and use cases of the platform:

  • Central company portal

    SAP Build Work Zone can be used to bundle and provide business applications such as SAP Fiori apps. Employees, partners or vendors have access to different apps via a single and secure portal – be it for HR services, reporting or purchase order. Advantage: Access is made via the cloud without directly opening the internal network, which increases security and convenience.

  • Integration of cloud and on-premise systems

    Companies use SAP BTP to connect distributed systems. Integration Suite, for instance, can be used to synchronize an SAP HCM on-premise system with SuccessFactors Cloud or to integrate a CRM system, such as Salesforce, with the SAP back end. Complex B2B integrations (e.g. EDI with vendors) can be implemented as well. As a result, consistent processes are created across system boundaries and data does not have to be transferred manually between IT systems.

  • Workflow optimization

    Companies use SAP Build Process Automation to digitize approval processes and other workflows. A purchase order release, for instance, can be automated: everything runs electronically and transparently from request and several approval levels to posting in ERP. This accelerates processes and reduces errors in comparison with paper-based standard processes.

  • Self-service portals for customers/vendors

    On BTP, web portals can be developed that can be used, for instance, by customers to view orders or by vendors to enter invoices. These portals have secure access to the required back-end data (e.g. from SAP S/4HANA) without the partners needing direct access to the internal system. This considerably improves the communication and cooperation along the supply chain.

  • Chatbots and digital assistants

    Companies use BTP to develop chatbot solutions that answer questions in the IT support or customer service departments in natural language for instance. SAP Joule Studio enables the training of such chatbots and their integration in websites, Microsoft Teams etc. The bots use AI to understand requests and execute suitable answers or actions (e.g. the creation of a ticket), which reduces the workload of support teams and increases service speed.

  • Mobile apps with offline function

    SAP BTP Mobile Services enables companies to develop mobile applications for iOS and Android that can be used by field sales representatives for instance. Scenario: A technician receives their work orders via a mobile app, can enter data on site and send confirmations to the SAP system – also offline if there is no network coverage. The Mobile Services app manages synchronization, tool management and the security of these apps. As a result, data is directly entered where it is generated and processes are accelerated.

  • Extensions for SAP S/4HANA (clean core approach)

    During the transition to S/4HANA, many companies rely on BTP to provide necessary additional functions outside the ERP standard version. Example: a specialized planning application or an add-on for production developed via BTP and integrated with the core ERP. This side-by-side extension runs on BTP, has secure access to S/4HANA via OData/API and can be further developed individually. Advantage: The S/4HANA system remains unchanged (clean core) while specific requirements can still be complied with as BTP application.

  • Integration of third-party applications

    Many companies use both SAP and other software (e.g. ServiceNow, Google Workspace, etc.). SAP BTP enables the integration of such third-party applications via open interfaces and embed them in shared workflows. A support case created in ServiceNow, for instance, can automatically request data from the SAP system or trigger a process there – enabled by the API management and orchestration functions of BTP.

Conclusion

SAP Business Technology Platform has been established as a strategic platform for companies that wish to make their IT landscapes sustainable. As a business technology platform, SAP BTP unites data, cloud services, integration and innovation in one environment. For decision-makers, it offers the chance to design business processes more flexibly, build new applications more quickly and fully exhaust the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence – all that without endangering the stability of existing systems.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is the direct successor of the previous SAP Cloud Platform solution. SAP renamed and extended Cloud Platform 2021. In addition to the previous functions (for development and integration), BTP now also includes new areas such as data management, analytics and AI services. In short: Cloud Platform was the predecessor name while SAP BTP today represents the more advanced and more comprehensive platform.

SAP S/4HANA is an ERP system or a business suite for the execution of business processes (finance, logistics, etc.) whereas SAP BTP is a technology platform. BTP complements S/4HANA by providing an environment to integrate or extend S/4HANA or to link it to additional applications. One can imagine S/4HANA as the core for standard business processes and BTP as the “Swiss army knife” all around which can be used to build additional functions, connect external systems or implement innovative scenarios (AI, apps, IoT). Important: BTP does not replace S/4HANA but complements it: as part of the clean core strategy in particular, changes to the S/4 standard version are avoided and implemented via BTP instead.

SAP BTP ABAP Environment – code name “steampunk” – is a runtime on Business Technology Platform allowing the execution of ABAP code in the cloud. It addresses customers and developers who wish to extend their SAP systems (e.g. S/4HANA or other on-premise ERP systems) by adding individual logics but do not want to develop these extensions themselves in the core system any longer. Within the ABAP environment, you can write cloud applications in the familiar ABAP language, fully separated from the ERP core. These extensions access ERP via OData/APIs. Steampunk provides ABAP developers with the cloud benefits (e.g. easier provision, latest ABAP version, clean core) without having to do without ABAP.

The SAP BTP cockpit is the central admin user interface of Business Technology Platform. Administrators manage all aspects of their BTP accounts via this cockpit: creation of subaccounts, assignment of entitlements (service authorizations), user and rights management, starting/stopping of applications, monitoring of logs and use etc. Broadly speaking: the BTP cockpit provides you with an overview of your entire BTP landscape. It offers a dashboard you can use to view, for instance, which services run in which subaccount, which apps are deployed and how high the resource consumption is. For all those operating or using BTP, the cockpit is the first point of contact for administering and monitoring the platform.

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