Planning Guide for the Connector for SAP Landscape Management
What is System Copy as a Service?
An SAP system copy is not done in an hour. Due to the large amount of data in an SAP system, the individual steps can take a long time to complete. The export and the import do not always run without errors. Often one is held up by troubleshooting. Of course, the target system must be prepared before the actual copy can be performed: Setting up the server, installing the operating system and database software, downloading and copying the installation media. During the export, the source system cannot be used. Therefore, this task must be planned well and in advance.
SAP system copies are necessary, regardless of the basic infrastructure. Particularly in the context of automation, preference should be given to solutions that support all relevant types of SAP system operation.
DB-specific methods: - for DB-homogeneous system copies - no Unicode conversion possible!
Individual steps know exactly where they have to restart the actual copy run in the event of an error. In general, this means that error situations can be handled as needed and with pinpoint accuracy.
The different types of SAP environments must meet different requirements. Training courses, for example, can only be held expediently if the working conditions largely correspond to those on the production system. Companies can simulate real-life situations for testing purposes on the basis of consistent and realistic data alone. Users should also test their own developments and modifications with consistent data that is close to production. A test environment that is as identical as possible to the production system is suitable for testing patches and release upgrades. In development and training systems in particular, it is fundamentally important to anonymize sensitive data in order to comply with data protection rules.
Of course, time savings also mean money savings. In addition, these processes for system copying can be planned, standardized and always run at a high level of process quality using automation tools of this kind. Especially the latter is of great importance in SAP Basis departments (and of course also for service providers). With "Shortcut for SAP Systems", a number of activities in the context of system copies can be carried out and automated. Your SAP Basis administration is thus significantly relieved. Automation also means that SAP Basis Administrators no longer have to work unreasonable hours. The product can be integrated into almost any automation software.
A system copy can be created either with SAP transactions (R3trans, from R4.6C SAPinst) or at file and database level.
On www.sap-corner.de you will also find useful information about SAP basis.
This copy can be used to run tests, perform development, or back up the system.