White Paper

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications

From UNIX to Linux:

Embracing the Future
of SAP Applications
White Paper
From UNIX to Linux: Embracing the Future of SAP Applications
An Evolution, Not a Migration
From its cloud platform to its digital core, SAP has
embraced open source solutions. That new digital core—
SAP S/4HANA—runs only on the in-memory database SAP
HANA, and SAP HANA in turn runs only on the open source
operating system Linux. So what happens if your data
center uses a different server operating system?
SAP will end support for its traditional business suite in 2025,
meaning the time to plan your move to Linux and SAP S/4HANA
is now. Moving from your tried-and-true UNIX platform might
seem uncomfortable, but by breaking it into three steps, we can
help you transition to Linux and give your SAP applications the
platform they need for success.
Step 1: Understand Your Linux Options
SAP HANA will not run on Microsoft Windows Server, IBM AIX
or Oracle Solaris, so neither will the future of your SAP data
center. That means you need to carefully consider which Linux
distribution is right for you. To support mission-critical systems
2
such as SAP applications, you should be looking for a Linux
distribution that:
Has a history of SAP innovation. Not all Linux distributions
offer the same features. You want a distribution that will
support your SAP applications and, more importantly,
comes from a Linux company that contributes SAP-
supporting features to the code base, so you can benefit
from the next new idea first.
Is recommended by SAP. Select a distribution that SAP has
certified and recommended.
Supports a choice of on-premises, public and private
cloud options. SAP S/4HANA offers multiple deployment
options. You should be able to use one Linux distribution to
support your entire SAP landscape, even if you mix multiple
deployment options.
Enables high availability and optimal performance. Make
sure the Linux OS you select supports high availability that
matches your particular deployment plan. It should also
include features that help you get the most from your SAP
applications.
Facilitates your transition from Windows Server. Even if
your main SAP systems are on UNIX, you almost certainly
have related systems running on Windows Server. Some
Linux distributions offer Active Directory integration and
other features that make it easier to efficiently operate a
mixed data center.
Step 2: Build a Transition Plan
Determine Which Scenario Meets Your Needs
SAP breaks the transition to SAP S/4HANA into three possible
scenarios.
A NEW IMPLEMENTATION
If you’re new to SAP or have decided that you want to start
fresh with SAP S/4HANA, you fall into this category. Your new
implementation of SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA can be on-
premises, in the cloud or a hybrid.
CONVERSION
The conversion scenario fits organizations that already have SAP
deployments they wish to keep. The main task for these orga-
nizations is moving to SAP HANA if they are using a different
“Our six-month study of the best platform for SAP
ERP concluded that the total cost of ownership for an
x86 solution running SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server
for SAP Applications would be 60 to 70 percent
lower than a UNIX solution on proprietary hardware.”
RAJKUMAR MEENA
Senior Manager IT & MIS
ONGC Tripura Power Company
www.suse.com
database. If you fall into this category and are already using the
latest SAP applications, such as Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP) 6, you can use the SAP software update manager to move
easily to SAP S/4HANA.
Note that you might have to update customized code and that
functionality between SAP Business Suite and SAP S/4HANA
is not identical. You might also need to adjust your business
processes to work with SAP S/4HANA and to take advantage
of all it can do.
TRANSFORMATION
This scenario describes a way of transforming gradually and
performing system consolidation and other landscape simplifi-
cation while moving to SAP S/4HANA. You can consolidate all
of a specific function across your enterprise onto SAP S/4HANA,
such as all your financial operations. Or you can move select
processes one by one, taking advantage of SAP S/4HANA in-
novations and leaving behind old processes or systems your
business has outgrown.
Get Your Executives on Board
Regardless of the scenario you fit into, a successful plan will
need alignment and buy-in from your executive team. You need
to explain the strategy to them and agree on scope, timeline,
resources and your overall governance.
Develop Your Business Case
There are many reasons to make the move to SAP S/4HANA and
Linux. Yours might simply be to take advantage of the new capa-
bilities in SAP S/4HANA. Or, like many organizations, you might
be looking to leverage open source to save money. And because
the total cost of ownership of your SAP infrastructure can be
much less with Linux on x86 hardware, you can strengthen the
business case for migration.
To strengthen your business case, you might want to include
examples of organizations that have successfully made the
switch to Linux. You should also consider the less visible costs
associated with your SAP infrastructure, such as those related
to auditing, training and risk mitigation.
Get Approval
You’re almost there. Armed with your business case and an ex-
ecution plan, you can return to your leadership for final approval.
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 You should be able to use one Linux distribution to
support your entire SAP Landscape, whether you
deploy on-premises, in the cloud or both.

www.suse.com

Monitor to Stay on Schedule SAP-Provided Services

and on Budget In addition to SAP Activate, which pro-
Finally, you need to monitor your project vides best practices, guided configura-
to ensure that it remains on schedule and tion tools and proven methodologies, SAP Contact your local SUSE Solutions
also offers Digital Business Services. Get Provider, or call SUSE at:
on budget. SAP’s Model Company ap-
proach and SAP Activate, the innovation value assurance packages that help you
1 800 796 3700 U.S./Canada
adoption framework for SAP S/4HANA, plan and carry out your transition to SAP 1 801 861 4500 Worldwide
can help you do so. It can also help to S/4HANA.
pull in SAP experts to guide you through SUSE
your transition. Choose an SAP-Certified Partner 1800 S. Novell Place
Provo, UT 84606
A number of organizations with experi-
Step 3: Don’t Go It Alone ence in SAP data conversion offer ser- SUSE
vices that range from consulting through Maxfeldstrasse 5
to complete implementation. 90409 Nuremberg
Germany
Hardware Provider Services
Many of the larger hardware vendors
offer transition support and guidance.
Some also have extensive experience with
SAP applications.

It’s useful to have someone by your side

when moving your business-critical sys-
tems. Luckily, you have multiple options.

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