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SAP BW 7.5: Time to explore new approaches to data architecture

SAP Business Warehouse version 7.5, or SAP BW 7.5 for short, has been a reliable companion for many companies for years. However, with any technology, there comes a point when it no longer fits with the present – let alone the future. That point has now arrived for BW 7.5: support is due to end in 2027, with an extension available until 2030 at the latest. And by then at the latest, it will be clear: the days of SAP BW 7.5 are slowly but surely drawing to a close.

So anyone still relying on BW 7.5 today faces the question: what comes next? Modern data strategies demand more: cloud capability, openness to AI applications, flexible data models and a platform that can keep pace with the speed of day-to-day business.

Two paths, one goal: future-proof data platforms

The bad news: unfortunately, a simple technical migration is not enough here. What is needed is a strategic decision regarding the future direction and a smooth roll-out of the new system. The good news: there are two robust solutions to choose from that pave the way to the future. On the one hand, we have the Business Data Cloud, the successor solution from SAP.
Then there is Microsoft Fabric, an open, highly customisable platform. Both platforms promise scalability, flexibility and future-proofing. However, their approaches differ. It is therefore important to weigh up which system is the better fit for your organisation’s specific requirements.

SAP Business Data Cloud: The familiar path with embedded business semantics

For those deeply immersed in the SAP ecosystem, the Business Data Cloud represents a logical next step. The combination of SAP Datasphere, SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Databricks enables the reuse of existing business logic and metadata. This is a significant advantage for companies with complex SAP models. The built-in planning functionality also makes it easier to bridge the gap between analysis and control. And the close integration with S/4HANA and the associated applications minimises the effort required for interfaces: pre-delivered, ready-to-use data products from SAP – ‘Business Content’, so to speak – also provide a quick start. In short: anyone who knows and values the world of SAP will find a system here that feels familiar whilst also being at the cutting edge of technology.

Microsoft Fabric: Open architecture with a wealth of possibilities

This platform deliberately focuses on openness and modularity. Whether it’s ERP data, cloud-native sources or external tools: everything should be able to be integrated flexibly and scalably. Anyone who needs to manage a diverse mix of data will find plenty of freedom and technical possibilities here. Technologically, Microsoft Fabric offers a wide range of tools. These allow data not only to be analysed, but also to be used for machine learning and automated processes.

However, those coming from the SAP world will need to adapt. Business logic and semantics, which were automatically provided in BW or SAP Datasphere, are missing here. This means that models and associated semantics must be built from scratch. For companies without in-depth SAP expertise and data proficiency, this can be challenging

So what now?

Choosing the right platform is not simply a matter of selecting a tool. It’s about the architecture, the strategic direction and the question: Which platform best suits my company’s objectives and resources? Here at scc, we help to clarify precisely this issue. As part of a technology- and platform-independent assessment, we take a holistic view of your data strategy, without focusing on any single provider such as SAP or Microsoft. The central question is: Which measures and objectives are sensible, feasible and sustainable for your company? Building on this, we develop a sound basis for decision-making that is tailored to your objectives and requirements. And, of course, we don’t just support you through the decision-making process. If you wish, we can also take charge of the implementation directly.

Strategieberatung bei scc

Once the decision has been made, implementation follows

Once the decision has been made, the real work begins. But don’t worry: with our #asccelerate process model, we guide you step by step through the implementation. The model follows a clearly structured process comprising six phases: Discover, Prepare, Explore, Realise, Deploy and Run.

For each phase, roles, responsibilities and specific deliverables are clearly defined on both our side and the client’s. This creates transparency, provides direction and establishes clear commitments. In addition, we bring a range of tried-and-tested ‘accelerators’ – that is, tools, methods and templates – to help get the project off the ground not only smoothly but also efficiently.

2027 is coming closer – and with it the question of what comes next after SAP BW 7.5. In a series of events we are planning for this autumn in Linz, Vienna and Graz, we will be bringing customers and interested parties together with experts from the scc Group. Together, we will discuss options openly, outline specific paths forward and share practical experience.
So if you’re still unsure about what your path might look like, this is the perfect opportunity to get some guidance.

We’ll be announcing the exact dates, as well as specific details on the duration and programme of the events, shortly.
Stay tuned!

Whether it’s SAP Business Data Cloud or Microsoft Fabric: both platforms have potential. The key factor, however, is which of the two is a better fit for your business. And that’s exactly what we’ll work out together.

Clemens Stadler, Line of Business Manager Analytics & Planning

The future is here!

A sense of crisis? Not with us. Because one thing is clear to us: moving away from SAP BW 7.5 presents companies with the chance to rethink their own data strategy. Those who make a conscious decision today will opt for a data platform that makes data fully usable, thereby unlocking new and perhaps even unimagined business potential.

Whether you choose SAP Business Data Cloud or Microsoft Fabric, with the right strategy, a strong partner and a clear implementation plan, nothing stands in the way of transformation. Let’s work together to build your new data architecture!

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