SAP Security β A Holistic View
With 90%+ of Fortune-500 organizations running SAP to manage their mission-critical business processes and considering the much-enhanced risk of cyber-security breach in todayβs volatile and tech-savvy geo-socio-political world, security of your SAP systems deserves much more serious consideration than ever before.
The incidents like hacked websites, successful Denial-of-Service attacks, stolen user data like passwords, bank account number and other sensitive data are on the rise.
Taking a holistic view, this article captures possible ways, remediation to plug in all the possible gaps in various layers. (Right from Operating system level to network level to application level to Cloud and in between). The related SAP products/solutions and the best practices are also addressed in the context of security.
1.Β Protect your IT environment
Internet Transaction Server (ITS) Security
To make SAP system application available for safe access from a web browser, a middleware component called Internet Transaction Server (ITS) is used. The ITS architecture has many built-in security features.
Network Basics (SAP Router, Firewalls and Network Ports)
The basic security tools that SAP uses are Firewalls, Network Ports, SAP Router. SAP Web dispatcher and SAP Router are examples of application level gateways that can be used for filtering SAP network traffic.
Web-AS (Application Server) Security
SSL (Secure Socket Layer), is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and client. SSL authenticates the communication partners(server & client), by determining the variables of the encryption.
2.Β Operating System Security hardening for HANA
SAP pays high attention on the security topic. At least as important as the security of the HANA database is the security of the underlying Operating System. Many hacker attacks are targeted on the Operating System and not directly on the database. Once a hacker gained access and sufficient privileges, he can continue to attack the running database application.
Customized operating system security hardening for HANA include:
- Security hardening settings for HANA
- SUSE/RHEL firewall for HANA
- Minimal OS package selection (The fewer OS packages a HANA system has installed, the less possible security holes it might have)
For any server hardening, following procedure is used β
- Benchmark templates used for hardening
- Hardening parameters considered
- Steps followed for hardening
- Post-hardening test by DB/application team
The above procedures should help SAP customers in securing their servers (mostly on HP UNIX, SUSE Linux, RHEL or Wintel) from threats, known/unknown attacks and vulnerabilities. It also adds one more layer of security at the host level.
3.Β SAP Application (Transaction-level security)
SAP SecurityΒ has always been a fine balancing act of protecting the SAP data and applications from unauthorized use and access and at the same time, allowing users to do the transactions theyβre supposed to.Β A lot of thinking needs to go in designing the SAP authorization matrix taking into account the principle of segregation of duties. (SoD)
The Business Transaction Analysis (Transaction code STAD)Β delivers workload statistics across business transactionsΒ (that is, a userβs transaction that starts when a transaction is called (/nβ¦) and that ends with an update call or when the user leaves the transaction) and jobs. STAD data can be used to monitor, analyse, audit and maintain the security against unauthorized transaction access.
4.Β Β Β SAP GRC
SAP GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) , a key offering from SAP has following sub-modules:
Access control
SAP GRC Access Control application enables reduction of access risk across the enterprise by helping prevent unauthorized access across SAP applications and achieving real-time visibility into access risk.
Process control β
SAP GRC Process Control is an application used to meet production business process and information technology (IT) control monitoring requirements, as well as to serve as an integrated, end-to-end internal control compliance management solution.
Risk Management
- Enterprise-wide risk management framework
- Key risk indicators, automate risk alerts from business applications
5.Β SAP Audit β
AIS (Audit Information System) β
AIS or Audit Information System is an in-built auditing tool in SAP that you can use to analyse security aspects of your SAP system in detail. AIS is designed for business audits and systems audits. It presents its information in the Audit Info Structure.
Besides this, there can be license audit by SAP and or by the auditing firm of your company (like Deloitte/PwC).
Basic Audit
Here the SAP auditors collaborate strongly with a given license compliance manager who is responsible for ensuring that the audit activities correspond with SAPβs procedure and directives. The number of basic audits undertaken is subject to SAPβs yearly planning, and it is worth noting that not all customers are audited annually.
The auditors perform below tasks (though they will vary a bit from organization to organization & from auditor to auditor):
- Analysis of the system landscape to make sure that all relevant systems (production and development) are measured.
- Technical verification of the USMM log files: correctness of the client, price list selection, user types, dialog users vs. technical users, background jobs, installed components, etc.
- Technical verification of the LAW: usersβ combination and their count, etc.
- Analysis of engine measurement β verification of the SAP Notes
- Additional verification of expired users, multiple logons, late logons, workbench development activities, etc.
- Verification of Self Declaration Products, HANA measurement and Business Object.
SAP Enhanced Audit β
Enhanced audit is performed remotely and/or onsite and is addressed to selected customers. Besides the tasks undertaken in βBasic Auditβ, it additionally covers β
- Checking interactions between SAP and non-SAP systems
- Data flow direction
- Details of how data is transferred between systems/users (EDI, iDoc, etc)
6.Β Security in SAP S/4 HANA and SAP BW/4 HANA
SAP S/4 HANAΒ & SAP BW/4 HANA use the same security model as traditional ABAP applications. All the earlier explained components/security solutions are fully applicable in S/4 HANA as well as BW/4 HANA.
But these are increased security challenges posed by its component, SAP Fiori, which brings in mobility. But increased mobility means that data can be transferred over a 4G signal, which is not as secure and is easier to hack into. If a device falls into the wrong hands, due to theft or loss, that person could then gain unlawful access to your system. Its remediation is elaborated next.
7. Security in Fiori
While launching SAP Fiori app, the request is sent from the client to the ABAP front-end server by the SAP Fiori Launchpad via Web Dispatcher. ABAP front-end server authenticates the user when this request is sent. To authenticate the user, the ABAP front-end server uses the authentication and single sign-on (SSO) mechanisms provided by SAP NetWeaver.
Securing SAP Fiori system ensures that the information and processes support your business needs, are secured without any unauthorized access to critical information.
The biggest threat for an SAP app is the risk of an employee losing important data of customers. The good thing about mobile SAP is that most mobile devices are enabled with remote wipe capabilities. And many of the CRM- related functions that organizations are looking to use on mobile phones, are cloud-based, which means the confidential data does not reside on the device itself.
SAP Afaria, one of the most popular mobile SAP security providers, is used by many large organizations to enhance the security in Fiori. It helps to connect mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Afaria canΒ automate electronic file distribution, file and directory management, notifications, and system registry management tasks. Critical security tasks include the regular backing up of data, installing patches and security updates, enforcing security policies and monitoring security violations or threats.
8.Β SAP Analytical Cloud (SAC)
SAP Analytics Cloud (or SAP Cloud for Analytics) is aΒ software as a service (SaaS)Β business intelligence (BI) platform designed byΒ SAP.Β Analytics Cloud is made specifically with the intent of providing all analytics capabilities to all users in one product.
Built natively onΒ SAP HANA Cloud Platform (HCP), SAP Analytics Cloud allows data analysts and business decision makers to visualize, plan and make predictions all from one secure, cloud-based environment. With all the data sources and analytics functions in one product, Analytics Cloud users can work more efficiently. It is seamlessly integrated withΒ Microsoft Office.
SAP Analytical Cloud use the same security model as traditional ABAP applications.
The concept of roles, users, teams, permissions and auditing activities are available to manage security.
9.Β Identity Management
SAP Identity Management is part of a comprehensive SAP security suite and covers the entire identity lifecycle and automation capabilities based on business processes.
It takes a holistic approach towards managing identities & permissions. It ensures that the right users have the right access to the right systems at the right the time. It thereby enables the efficient, secure and compliant execution of business processes.
10.Β IAG β (Identity Access Governance) for Cloud Security
SAP Identity Access Governance (IAG) is aΒ multi-tenantΒ solution built on top ofΒ Β SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)Β and SAPβs proprietary HANA database. It is SAPβs latest innovation forΒ Access Governance for Cloud.
It provides out of the box integration with SAPβs latest cloud applications such asΒ SAP Ariba, SAP Successfactors, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Analytics CloudΒ and other cloud solutions with many more SAP and non-SAP integrations on the roadmap.
11.Β SAP Data Custodian
To allay the fears of data security in SAP systems hosted on Public Cloud, SAP introduced its latest solution called βSAP Data Custodianβ.Β It is an innovative Governance, risk and compliance SaaS solution which can give your organization similar visibility and control of your data in the public cloud that was previously available only on-premise or in a private cloud.
- It allows you localize your data and to restrict access to your cloud resources and SAP applications based on user context including geo-location and citizenship
- Restricts access to your data, including access by employees of the cloud infrastructure providerΒ
- Puts encryption key management control in your hands and provides an additional layer of data protection by segregating your keys from your business data
- Uses tokenization to secure sensitive database fields by replacing sensitive data with format-preserving randomly generated strings of characters or symbols, known as tokens
- With data discovery you can scan for sensitive data categories such as SSN / SIN, national ID number, passport number, IBAN, credit card, email address, ethnicity, et cetera, based on pattern determination and machine learning
12.Β Futuristic approach towards securing ERP systems
Driven by the digital transformation of businesses and its demand for flexible computing resources, the cloud has become the prevalent deployment model for enterprise services and applications introducing complex stakeholder relations and extended attack surfaces.
Mobility (access from smart phones/tablets) & IOT (Internet of things) brought in new challenges of scale (βbillions of devisesβ) and required to cope with their limited computational and storage capabilities asking for the design of specific light-weight security protocols. Sensor integration offered new opportunities for application scenarios, for instance, in distributed supply chains.
Increased capabilities of sensors and gateways now allow to move business logic to the edge, removing the backend bottleneck for performance.
SAP has been investing a lot in drawing, refining its roadmap for security for the future.
It used McKinseyβs 7S strategy concept to review SAP Security Research and adapt supporting factors. Secondly, it assessed technology trends provided by Gartner, Forrester, IDC and others to look into probable security challenges.
As per SAPβs research, todayβs big challenges in cybersecurity emanate around ML (Machine Learning). The trend is ML anywhere! ML itself provides a new attack vector which needs to be secured. In addition, ML is used by attackers and so needs to be used by us to better defend our solutions.
Machine Learning that has the most significant impact on the security and privacy roadmap these days, both providing the power of data to design novel security mechanisms as well as requiring new security and privacy paradigms to counter Machine Learning specific threats.
Deceptive applications is another trend SAP foresees. Applications must be enabled to identify attackers and defend themselves.
Thirdly, still underestimated, SAP foresees the attacks via Open Source or Third-party software. SAP has been adapting its strategy accordingly to tackle those new trends.
Wishing all SAP Customers a Happy, Safe and Compliant SAP experience!
SAP Migrations to AWS Cloud using Cloud Endure Migration Tool
Enterprises migrating SAP workloads to AWS are looking for an as-is migration solution that is readily available. Earlier, enterprises used the traditional method of SAP backup and restore for migration or AWS-native tools such as AWS Server Migration Service to perform this type of migration.Β CloudEndure MigrationΒ is a new AWS-native migration tool for SAP customers looking for assistance with cloud migration services. It is a SaaS service offering from AWS to migrate workloads from any source (physical, virtual, or private/public cloud) to AWS, from one AWS region to another AWS account, and across different AWS accounts. Know more about how CloudEndure enhances our cloud migration services.
Enterprises looking to host a large number of SAP systems onto AWS can use CloudEndure Migration without worrying about compatibility, performance disruption or long cutover windows. You can perform any re-architecture after your systems start running on AWS.
Explore why Sify is ranked among the leading cloud managed services providers globally and our proven expertise in cloud migration services. Click here.
SAP to AWS Cloud Migration Services – Solution Overview
CloudEndure Migration simplifies, expedites and reduces the cost of such migrations by offering a highly automated as-is migration solution. This blog demonstrates how easy it is to set up CloudEndure Migration and the steps involved in migrating SAP systems from source to AWS environment.
Learn more about our cloud migration services and cloud managed services. Click here.
CloudEndure Migration Architecture
The following diagram shows the CloudEndure Migration architecture for migrating SAP systems.
Major steps for this migration are as below:
- Agent Installation
- Continuous Replication
- Testing and Cutover
CloudEndure helps you overcome the following migration challenges effectively:
- Diverse infrastructure and OS type
- Legacy application
- Complex database
- Busy continuously changing workloads
- Machine compatibility issues
- Expensive cloud skills required
- Downtime and performance disruptions
- Tight project timelines and limited budget
Read more about our expertise in cloud migration services. Click here.
SAP to AWS Cloud Migration Services – Use Cases Β
The most common uses cases for CloudEndure Migration are:
- Lift and Shift, then optimize
- Vast majority of Windows/Linux servers when agent can be installed on source machine
- Replicating Block Storage devices like SAN, iSCSI, Physical, EBS, VMDK, VHD
- Replicating full machine/volume
Benefits of AWS Application Migration Services integration
Access to advanced technology
Simplify operations and get better insights with AWS Application Migration Services integration with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudTrail, and other AWS Services.
Minimal downtime during migration
With AWS Application Migration Service, you can maintain normal business operations throughout the replication process. ItΒ continuously replicates source servers, which means little to no performance impact. Continuous replication also makes it easy to conduct non-disruptive tests and shortens cutover windows.
Reduced costs
AWS Application Migration Service reduces overall migration costs as there is no need to invest in multiple migration solutions, specialized cloud development, or application-specific skills. This is because it can be used to lift and shift any application from any source infrastructure that runsΒ supported operating systemsΒ (OS).
Conclusion
This blog discussed how Sify can help its SAP customers migrate to AWS Cloud using CloudEndure tool. Sify would be glad to help your organization as your AWS Managed Services Partner for a tailor-made solution involving seamless cloud migration services experience and for your Cloud Infrastructure management thereafter.
CloudEndure Migration software doesnβt charge anything as a license fee to perform automated migration to AWS. Each free CloudEndure Migration license allows for 90 days of use following agent installation. During this period, you can start the replication of your source machines, launch target machines, conduct unlimited tests, and perform a scheduled cutover to complete your migration.
Automated Recovery of SAP HANA Database using AWS native options
This blog exclusively covers the options available in AWS to recover SAP HANA Database with low cost and without using native HSR tool of SAP. With a focus on low costs, Sify recommends choosing a cloud native solution leveraging EC2 Auto Scaling and AWS EBS snapshots that are not feasible in an on-premises setup.
Solution Overview
The Restore process leveraging Auto Scaling and EBS snapshots works across availability zones in a region. Snapshots provide a fast backup process, independent of the database size. They are stored inΒ Amazon S3Β and replicated across Availability Zones automatically, meaning we can create a new volume out of a snapshot in another Availability Zone. In addition, Amazon EBS snapshots are incremental by default and only the delta changes are stored since the last snapshot. To create a resilient highly available architecture, automation is key. All steps to recover the database must be automated in case something fails or goes wrong.
Autoscaling Architecture
The following diagram shows the Auto Scaling architecture for systems in AWS.
Use Case
EBS Snapshots
Prior to enabling EBS snapshots we must ensure the destination of log backups are written to an EFS folder which is available across Availability Zones.
Create a script prior to the command to be executed for an EBS snapshot. By using the system username and password, we make an entry into the HANA backup catalog to ensure that the database is aware of the snapshot backup. We use the snapshot feature to take a point in time and crash consistent snapshot across multiple EBS volumes without a manual I/O freeze. It is recommended to take the snapshot every 8-12 hours.
Now the log backups are stored in EFS and full backups as EBS snapshots in S3 and both sets are available across AZs. Both storage locations can be accessed across AZs in a region and are independent of an AZ.
EC2 Auto Scaling
Next, we create an Auto Scaling group with a minimum and maximum of one instance. In case of an issue with the instance, the Auto Scaling group will create an alternative instance out of the same AMI as the original instance.
We first create a golden AMI for the Auto Scaling group and the AMI is used in a launch configuration with the desired instance type. With a shell script in the user data, upon launch of the instance, new volumes are created out of the latest EBS snapshot and attached to the instance. We can use the EBS fast snapshot restore feature to reduce the initialization time of the newly created volumes.
If the database is started now (recently), it would have a crash consistent state. In order to restore it to the latest state, we can leverage the log backup stored in EFS which is automatically mounted by the AMI. Additional Care to be taken so that the SAP application server is aware of the new IP of the restored SAP HANA database server.
Benefits
- Better fault tolerance βΒ Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling can detect when an instance is unhealthy, terminate it, and launch an instance to replace it. Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling can also be configured to use multiple Availability Zones. If one Availability Zone becomes unavailable, Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling can launch instances in another one to compensate.
- Better availability βΒ Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling helps in ensuring the application always has the right capacity to handle the current traffic demand.
- Better cost management βΒ Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling can dynamically increase and decrease capacity, as needed. Since AWS has pay for the EC2 instances, billing model can be used to save money, by launching instances only when they are needed and terminating them when they arenβt.
Conclusion
This blog discussed how Sify can help SAP customers to save cost by automating recovery process for HANA database, using native AWS tools. Sify would be glad to help your organization as your AWS Managed Services Partner for a tailor-made SAP on AWS Cloud solution involving seamless cloud migration experience and for your Cloud Infrastructure management thereafter.
Fast-track your SAPβs Cloud Adoption on AWS, with Sify
Cloud computing (which later became known as just Cloud), one of the technology trends since last few years, has become a game-changer. Cloud offered a platform for organizations not just to host their applications but also to maintain it / manage it and charge organizations on a pay-per-usage model. This translated into getting rid of the Capex (Capital expenditure on hardware/servers) and instead, opting for the flexible Opex (Operating Expenses) model which also helped organizations in slashing the manpower budget.
The biggest advantage of Cloud is its scalability β freedom to add/reduce storage/compute/network bandwidth as per the need within an agreed SLA-framework.
The rise of Cloud adoption led to two categories:
- Cloud as a hosting platform
- Cloud-based software/applications
Cloud as a hosting platform
This is more popularly known as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) wherein the service provider offers bundled services of Compute, Storage, Network & Security requirements.
Cloud providers deliver a computing platform, typically including operating system, programming language execution environment, database, and web server. Application developers can develop and run their software solutions on a cloud platform without the cost and complexity of buying and managing the underlying hardware and software layers.
Based on the deployment options, Cloud is classified under Public, Private and Hybrid Cloud, which vary due to security considerations.
Why AWS
With some PaaS providers like AWS, the underlying compute and storage resources scale automatically to match application demand so that the cloud user does not have to allocate resources manually. They use a load balancer which distributes network or application traffic across a cluster of servers. Load balancing improves responsiveness and increases availability of applications.
As per a 2020 IDC study, over 85% of customers report cost reduction by running SAP on AWS.
Get consulting support, training, and services credits to migrate eligible SAP workloads with the AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP).
AWS has been running SAP workloads since 2008, meaningfully longer than any other cloud provider. AWS offers the broadest selection of SAP-certified, cloud-native instance types to give SAP customers the flexibility to support their unique and changing needs.
Whether you choose to lift and shift existing investments to reduce costs, modernize business processes with native AWS services, or transform on S/4HANA, reimagining is possible with SAP on AWS.
When you choose AWS, you will be joining 5,000+ customers who trust the experience, technology, and partner community of AWS to migrate, modernize, and transform their SAP landscapes.
AWS & Sify collaboration
While AWS has been a global leader in Public Cloud services, in India Sify Technologies (one of the pioneers in the ICT domain & Indiaβs first SSAE-16 Cloud certified provider) had designed its own Cloud called βCloudInfinitβ way back in 2013 and since then has been helping diverse organizations in moving their ERP applications, especially SAP workloads to its Cloud, seamlessly.
With Sifyβs cloud@core strategy, customers can enjoy all facets of Cloud with complete visibility and control.
SIFYβs SAP deployment flexibility ON CLOUD
SAP on AWS hybrid cloud solutions
Use Cases
- Lifecycle Distribution: Separate Development and Test Environments
- Workload Distribution
- High Availability Deployments
Business Benefits
- Best of breed performance with Hybrid Cloud configuration
- Efficient integrations with extended ecosystems
- Compliance with data sovereignty
- Business continuity with resilience
- Simplicity with self service
- Operational efficiency with reduced IT administration
- Cost reduction with on-demand bursting to public clouds
Migration methodology
For SAP Migrations from on-premises or from any other Cloud to AWS, depending on various parameters like Prod. database size, available downtime window, source/target operating system/database, connectivity/link speed etc., we have been using various ways for seamless migration briefly explained below.
SAP SYSTEMS monitoring
Once SAP workloads are moved to AWS, Sifyβs Managed Services takes care of every aspect, including monitoring the Operating System, Database, Connectivity, Security, Backup etc. as per the agreed SLAs. It also monitors the mission-critical SAP systems closely as depicted in diagram below.
Conclusion
Cloud, the scalable, flexible and yet robust hosting platform allows you to use your ERP workloads as well as SaaS applications effectively. Going by the increasing number of customers moving to Cloud, it is certain that Cloud is not vaporware, it is here to stay and only to grow bigger and safer by the day! It would also necessitate organizations to chart out a Smart Cloud strategy.
Embrace the Hybrid Cloud with VMC on AWS
According to Gartner, most of the midsize and enterprise customers will be adopting multi or hybrid cloud services. Companies have already realized that in order to move to the public cloud, it is important to structure workload in a hybrid cloud model.
Companies must understand that hybrid IT is not an easy methodology and therefore they must organize their existing IT resources and application workloads both on-premises and in public cloud efficiently to accomplish the goals of hybrid model. Additionally, they must also look for the right skills for different private/public clouds and different sets of tools from respective cloud and hybrid cloud managed services providers.
At Sify, we define some guidelines and structures to right-fit your workloads in the hybrid cloud. Please read on to know how Sify can help customers identify the right cloud (from the set of appropriate private and/or hosted private cloud services) for different sets of workloads.
Learn why we are one of the most trusted providers of hybrid cloud managed services globally. Read about our hybrid cloud managed services offering to know more.
Unique Challenges in Hybrid Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Services
In hybrid cloud, there are some unique challenges that businesses need to address first. Key challenges that need to be addressed while designing solutions on Hybrid Cloud are mentioned herein.
- Generally, it is very difficult to identify the most suitable cloud environment and manage the cost of different clouds.
- Though all cloud environments are powerful in providing features like scalability and elasticity, however the process of managing a hybrid cloud is quite a complex task.
- Security Risks: The threat of data breach or data loss is perhaps the biggest challenge faced during hybrid cloud adoption. Generally, companies prefer on-premises private clouds to protect data locally. However, in order to ensure top-tier security of data and applications on hybrid cloud, companies must draft robust data protection policies and procedures.
How can you migrate your workloads seamlessly to hybrid cloud? Read about our cloud migration services and hybrid cloud managed services offering to know how we can help.
Identify Applications for Hybrid Cloud
It is very important to identify applications for hybrid cloud, and your decision must be based on applicationβs architecture, behavior and user accessibility. Below are some key points to remember while designing an effective hybrid cloud strategy: β
- Consider the compatibility of applications before deciding whether you want to continue running the applications in an on-prem cloud environment or migrate them to Public Cloud.
- Identify the running cost/budget for an application and compare it with different cloud providers to choose the most suitable cloud platform that suits your budgetary outlines and business requirements.
- Pay due attention to licensing requirements before migrating to Public/Private Cloud because a minor loophole in this aspect can have a major impact on the overall business.
- Relook experience of existing IT teams to manage different Private/Public clouds seamlessly.
Not sure how to take the first step? Connect with us to explore our proven capabilities in hybrid cloud services, cloud migration services and hybrid cloud managed services. Click here.
Why VMC on AWS as Hybrid Cloud Choice?
VMware Cloud (also called as VMC) on AWS brings VMwareβs enterprise-class Software-Defined DataΒ CentreΒ software to the AWS Cloud and enables customers to run production applications across VMware vSphere-based private, public, and hybrid cloud environments, with optimized access to AWS services.
AWS is VMwareβs preferred public cloud partner for all vSphere-based workloads.Β The VMware and AWS partnership delivers a faster, easier, and cost-effective path to the hybrid cloud while allowing customers to modernize applications enabling faster time-to-market and increased innovation.
New Amazon EC2 i3en.metal instances for VMware Cloud on AWS, powered by Intel Xeon Scalable processors, deliver high networking throughput and lower latency so you can migrate data centers to the cloud for rapid data centers evacuation, disaster recovery, and application modernization.
VMC on AWS can be the right choice because VMware has been a trusted virtualization platform for many years in the industry and enterprise VMware ensures that all your applications run seamlessly. Plenty of companies are already running on VMware platform and have applications running on it. Below are some key identifiers for VMC on AWS:
- VMware SDDC is running on bare metal, which is delivered, operated, supported by VMware
- On-demand scalability and flexible consumption
- Full operational consistency with on-premises SDDC
- Seamless workload portability and hybrid operations
- Global AWS footprint, reach, and availability
- Native AWS services accessibility
Explore Sifyβs expertise in the hybrid cloud and hybrid cloud managed services space. Click here.
How VMC on AWS Solution Works
VMware Cloud on AWS infrastructure runs on dedicated, single tenant hosts provided by AWS in a single account. Each host is equivalent to an Amazon EC2 I3.metal instance (2 sockets with 18 cores per socket, 512 GiB RAM, and 15.2 TB Raw SSD storage). Each host is capable of running many VMware Virtual Machines (tens to hundreds depending on their compute, memory and storage requirements). Clusters can range from a minimum 3 hosts up to a maximum of 16 hosts per cluster. A single VMware vCenter server is deployed per SDDC environment.
How do We Access AWS Services?
For companies that are using VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC) as a production environment for their business-critical application, it will require connectivity to an AWS account. This is enabled by an AWS elastic network interface which provides a 25Gbps connectivity between VMC and AWS. Applications deployed on VMC can leverage native AWS services for storage, EC2 instances, RDS Databases, load balancing and DNS routing, etc., providing customers with the best of both worlds. These native services can be accessed from applications deployed on VMC and include:
- Simple Storage Service (S3)
- Elastic File Service (EFS)
- Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)
Sifyβs Value Propositions to Help Customer Who are Looking for Hybrid Cloud Services
Sify has been in the Cloud industry since 2012 and has its own cloud for enterprise customers which can be tailored based on the requirement. Over the last few years, Sify has been involved in large enterprise customer requirement understanding, solutions & implementation across Private, Public & Hybrid Clouds.
Sify has dedicated, experienced and certified SMEs involved during solution stage and implementation and to provide operations services which will enable businesses to accelerate the adoption of Hybrid Cloud.
Our approach is to identify potential use cases for Hybrid Cloud options for VMC on AWS and native AWS services during the initial assessment and design phase, and we also suggest the most suitable services that can help customers meet the strategic goals. These services include the following:
- Discovery Workshop
- Assessment
- Build and Migrate
Feel free to contact us to provide your organization with tailored solutions with the required support across the various stages of the setup of VMC & AWS and migration of workloads.
Leveraging CloudEndure in the migration to AWS Cloud
With the increased demand in scalability and flexibility of the infrastructure for organizations to ramp up and speed up the go-to-market approach, it has become necessary to adopt the Public Cloud which can tackle this challenge efficiently. Therefore, businesses are looking for simple, reliable, and rapid migration of on-premises workload to Public Cloud, i.e., public cloud migration services, with minimal disruption. Sify, being an AWS Advanced Partner, has successfully carried out many large cloud migration services for several customers using CloudEndure and the best practices it brings in.
With over two decades of experience in comprehensive IT infrastructure services, Sify consistently ranks high among the leading cloud computing companies in India. Know more about our capabilities in cloud migration services, AWS CDN services and more.
CloudEndure is one of the SaaS cloud migration solution services from AWS to migrate workloads from any source (physical, virtual, or private/public cloud) to AWS, from one AWS region to another AWS account (within the same Account), and across different AWS accounts. It uses block-level continuous replication to replicate data on to the target AWS environment.
To know more about Sifyβs AWS capabilities, including our lightning-fast AWS CDN service and AWS CDN pricing, click here.
To replicate data from source machine to target machine, we need to install an agent on the source machine and should have the required CloudEndure license for migration. The migration license has an expiry date post which the data replication stops.
The Continuous Data Replication task is performed and pushed to the staging area (includes Replication Server, EBS Volume, S3 Storage, Subnets and IP). The CloudEndure Service Manager ensures the co-ordination among the Source Machine, Replication Server and the Target Server.
Explore why Sify is frequently rated high among the leading cloud managed services providers across the globe. Know more about our public, private, multi- and hybrid cloud managed services capabilities.
Three points of contact for CloudEndureβ s components with the external network:
- The CloudEndure Agent needs to communicate with the CloudEndure Service Manager.
- The CloudEndure Agent needs to communicate with the CloudEndure Replication Servers.
- CloudEndure Replication Servers need to communicate with the CloudEndure Service Manager and S3.
CloudEndure helps you overcome below migration challenges effectively:
- Diverse infrastructure and OS type
- Legacy application
- Complex database
- Busy continuously changing workloads
- Machine compatibility issues
- Expensive cloud skills required
- Downtime and performance disruptions
- Tight project timelines and limited budget
Find out how Sifyβs cloud migration services bring the assurance of high rates of success. Know more about our public, private and hybrid cloud managed services and migration capabilities.
Best migration practices for cloud migration services that CloudEndure recommends:
Planning
- Begin by mapping out a migration strategy that identifies clear business motives and use cases for moving to the cloud.
- Migrate in phases/waves or conduct a pilot light migration in which you start with the least business-critical workloads.
- Do not perform any reboots on the source machines prior to a cutover.
- When scheduling your cutover, ensure that you allow enough time for data replication to complete and for all necessary testing to be carried out.
Licensing
- Ensure that you have sufficient migration licenses for your project.
- CloudEndure Migration license is free for 90 days of use following agent installation on the source machine.
- While the use of CloudEndure Migration is free, you will incur charges for any AWS infrastructure that is provisioned during migration and after cutover, such as compute (EC2) and storage (EBS) resources.
Testing
- Check and optimize the network needed for migration.
- Perform a test at least one week before you plan to migrate your source This time frame is intended for identifying potential problems and solving them, before the actual cutover takes place.
- Train the staff early on CloudEndure and mitigate any risk during the testing phase only.
- Ensure connectivity to your target machines (using SSH for Linux or RDP for Windows) and perform acceptance tests for your application.
Successful Implementation
- Cutover the machine on the planned date.
- Carry out the acceptance test for the application migrated and functionality.
- Remove Source machines from the console after the cutover has been completed in order to clean up the staging area, reduce costs, and remove no longer needed replication resources.
Learn more about Sifyβs cloud migration solution services and why we are a leader among cloud managed services providers. Click here.
Use cases
The Most Common uses cases for CloudEndure Migration are:
- Lift and Shift, then optimize
- Vast majority of Windows/Linux server when agent can be installed on source machine
- Replicating Block Storage devices like SAN, iSCSI, Physical, EBS, VMDK, VHD
- Replicating full machine/volume
Conclusion
You must keep these above points in mind while migrating to AWS using CloudEndure to reap the desirable outcomes. Sify would be glad to help your organization as your AWS Managed Services Partner for a tailor-made solution involving seamless, cloud migration experience and for your Cloud Infrastructure management thereafter.
Re-Architect your Network with Sify
Integrate your Cloud, Core, and Edge
With the advent of IoT, pervasive mobility, and growing cloud service adoption, the network has become increasingly distributed, and the need for faster compute and connectivity at the edge has become more pronounced.
As organizations increasingly drive digital transformation initiatives and adopt hybrid multi-cloud, the network must be rearchitected to support new-age topologies. Hence, Network Transformation gains predominance. Network Transformation and re-architecture must play out at all the 3 points of presence of the Network β at the Network Core, Network Management layer, and the Network Edge.
Let us look at the significance of the Transformation at these 3 layers and the contribution that Sify is bringing at each of these points of presence.
Transformation at the Network Core
With Cloud adoption, Data Center is no more the Core of the network. As enterprises are moving their applications to the cloud on consumption-based models for enhanced business productivity, it has become important to secure connectivity to the Cloud and extend the Quality of Service to a hybrid multi-cloud environment. Hence, the transformation of the network at the Core is essential for improved agility, enhanced productivity, and scalability.
Sifyβs Transformation Services at the Core are designed to help customers harness the true potential of cutting-edge cloud, digital, and network technologies. We help our customers accomplish their transformation goals and meet dynamic business requirements capably by providing Cloud Interconnect networks, which enable customers to establish direct connectivity between their private and public cloud infrastructure and fully realize the benefits of hybrid cloud architecture. With our Hyperscale Cloud partnerships and the Cloud Interconnect Networks, combined with expertise to deploy technologies like SDWAN & NFV, we hold a distinct level of expertise in network integration and transformation for a hybrid multi-cloud environment.
Transformation at the Network Management and Control Layer
As networks become more & more complex, organizations nowadays are leveraging multiple network service providers, and they have distributed nature of applications and end-users. This has resulted in a very complex network architecture. Moreover, monitoring and management of these complex and distributed networks and network elements have become very critical. Network Management & Control requires a distinct level of expertise, advanced tools, and automation platforms, and hence makes good business sense to outsource the management to an expert who has the benefit of scale, experience, and toolsets to deliver the same. The customer can in turn focus on his core business.
Empowered with a robust Network Operating Center, Sify offers a wide spectrum of Network Consolidation, Network Transformation, and Operations Outsourcing solutions. Sify can manage customerβs as-is WAN network architecture, provide 24Γ7 monitoring of links, undertake incident management, change management, and can yet ensure unified SLA management across multiple service providers in a single-window provision. Not only this, but Sify also helps customers in network study & assessment and consulting for Network Re-Architecture and Managed Services.
Transformation at the Network Edge
Network Edge is the bridge between an organization and its end customers to deliver enhanced user experience and employee productivity. It is a strategic gateway to connect widely distributed organizations. The traditional networks cannot accommodate the new IoT devices, sensors, and plethora of Edge devices that are connected and managed at the Edge. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt transformation of the network at the edge to meet the requirements of the end devices and make them an integral part of the Enterprise Networks.
Sify Edge Connect Services include advisory services like an assessment of customer requirement with respect to coverage and performance. Further, we ensure end-to-end implementation of customerβs WiFi network, which includes configuring guest access and incorporating employee authentication & access. Our highly secure platform provides insight into user patterns and analytics such as the location of users, applications browsed, etc. Sify also provides deep visibility and control of the performance and usage of applications. In addition, Sify Edge Services include IoT services and aggregation and integration of the same with the Enterprise Network.
While rearchitecting your network, it is important to include aspects connecting the above three points of presence of users and applications. This will help you architect a network that delivers efficiency and is future-ready. However, the majority of organizations lack the necessary skills and expertise to envision and manage such a complex transformation, and that is where Sify Technologies can be your partner in this transformation journey.
What makes Sify the preferable partner for Network Transformation?
Sify is the largest Information and Communications Technology service provider in India, serving 10,000+ businesses across multiple industries with its impeccable Cloud and Data Center services, Network services, Security services, Digital Services, and Application Services. Our industry-wide experience of working with diverse clients, skilled workforce to manage varied network transformation projects, and the Technology Partner ecosystem, makes us the most trusted Network Transformation partner for India Enterprises.
Today, Network Integration, Network Transformation, and Managed Services are the key differentiators. Thatβs where Sify can help businesses achieve their strategic goals. As a strong, capable ICT transformation partner, Sify brings in the integrated skillsets, processes, and tools that are required for a seamless transition in a cost-effective way. Add to this, Sifyβs engineering capabilities are the best in class and help our customers design innovative solutions that are custom-built to suit their business needs.
Embarking on a successful Microsoft Cloud journey with Sify
In the digital age, migration to Cloud has become the top-most priority for businesses across realms. We are seeing major shift in the number of βCloud Hostileβ customers turning into βCloud Friendlyβ & βCloud Readyβ customers and pondering on the best plan to implement the migration successfully.
Know more about Sifyβs offerings in the cloud migration services space.
One of the major reasons behind this trend β besides performance, security, and cost β isΒ agility & flexibilityΒ which help in faster business innovations.Β Organizations have started transforming themselves digitally to drive business value and grow business with enhanced end user experience.
Over the past few years, Microsoft has earned massive popularity among organizations worldwide for being a leading Cloud and cloud managed services provider with β Azure, Microsoft 365 (M365) and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Azure is a highly productive, hybrid, and intelligent Cloud that allows you to leverage the power of cutting-edge digital technologies to build, deploy and manage critical applications as per your companyβs requirements. It also provides Cloud enhanced services like AI/ML, RPA, Analytics tools, and integrated Cloud resources to make your organization more agile and improve top-line performance.
Learn more about Sifyβs capabilities in the Microsoft Azure managed cloud services domain.
Considering the above benefits, many forward-looking businesses are exploring Azure Cloud-powered services and Azure managed cloud services to optimize internal processes and generate new business models. However, this digital aspiration is incomplete without transforming the technology landscape first. A strong technology foundation provided by Microsoft will help you connect your disparate data, processes, users, and applications to accomplish the end objective of organizational excellence.
Achieving all these is not as simple as it may seem initially! Thatβs where, Sifyβs consultative approach and Azure managed cloud services capabilities can help you leverage the true value of Microsoft Services and align your organizational roadmap with the ever-evolving technology landscape.
Explore why Sify ranks high among the leading cloud managed services providers across the globe. Know more about our public, private, multi- and hybrid cloud managed services capabilities.
Azure Migration:Β The most successful path
Different organizations have distinct approach towards Cloud migration and need different types of cloud migration services, and their decisions are governed by business specific priorities and constraints. You must know that Cloud migration services involve significant organizational change management across people, process, and technology. Itβs very important to draft a holistic approach to migrate successfully and realize the benefits of efficiency, agility, and cost.
Sifyβs cloud migration services for Azure
As a trusted partner among cloud managed services providers globally, Sify offers unmatched capabilities in cloud migration services. With Sify as your strategic partner for cloud migration services, you are perfectly positioned to draft, implement, and monitor the overall migration plan in the most successful way. Our team of Cloud experts, Azure certified professionals, cutting-edge toolchains, and partner ecosystem can help you accomplish migration goals successfully. Our cloud migration services can help you across all three phases of migration β assessment, migration, and optimization.
Assessment: This is the first phase of migration journey, which includes assessing and discovering your on-premises apps, data, and infrastructure. Our comprehensive range of cloud migration services and assessment services can help you map dependencies across applications and decide their priority of Azure migration for a seamless journey.
Migration: The actual cloud migration begins in this phase, where you start moving your apps, data and infrastructure β leveraging the best-suited cloud migration services, strategies and tools. Our cloud migration services will help you automate the entire migration journey (depending upon your IT specific needs) and minimize the downtime.
Optimization: Once you have moved to Cloud, it becomes important to monitor your Cloud resources continuously for better performance, enhanced security, and reduced cost. Consistently ranked among the leading cloud managed services providers, our managed services will help you maximize your ROI and leverage unified visibility of Cloud resources for efficient resource utilization and optimization.
Explore how Sifyβs cloud migration services bring the assurance of high rates of success. Know more about our public, private and hybrid cloud managed services and migration capabilities.
Sify + Azure Advantage
- Single window solution provider (Network, Security, Azure IT and Management)
- End-to-end Azure service coverage: Access β Architect β Migrate β Manage β Secure
- Integrated Azure network and security proposition
- Unified Dashboard across Azure IT
- Simplified Execution and single point of ownership
Know moreΒ about transforming your IT Infrastructure with Sifyβs Microsoft Azure managed cloud services capabilities.
Microsoft 365 β Mail migration
With Office 365 becoming the de-facto mode for conducting business, it is important to modernize the underlying infrastructure and platform. It is imperative for enterprises to move their legacy exchange and other mailboxes to Office 365 in order to reap full benefits of their workflow optimizations. Additionally, Office 365 offers the benefit of pay per use pricing for optimizing cost.
So in case, you are exploring the possibilities to conceptualize and implement your cloud migration in the most success-driven manner, Sify can help you embark on a successful Microsoft Cloud journey.
Our Accreditations
- Microsoft Certified Partner for Cloud & Managed Services
- Certified Deployment Partner for deployment of M365 & Azure services
- Express Route Partnership for seamless connectivity with MS Cloud Azure & Microsoft 365
- Certified team for Migration & Deployment of MS SQL workloads
- Certified team for deployment of Hybrid Cloud Platform
Simplify Your Network Transformation
Simplify your Network Transformation with Sify
The business world is witnessing an unprecedented transformation as organizations across verticals are passionate to embrace new technologies. Cloud, Analytics, Automation, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning are some major forces that are enabling enterprises to deliver a top-tier experience to customers. As organizations nowadays are highly reliant on these emerging technologies to achieve organizational excellence, one must acknowledge that all cutting-edge technologies require an intelligent and robust network. There are numerous factors that are fundamentally redefining the ways new-age networks work and function. The emergence of new global trends and multiple new technology trends have compelled organizations to demand more from networks. This blog discusses:
- Major global and technology trends that have paved the way for network transformation.
- New-age network architecture and design for Intelligent Network services
- How Sify can help you in your network transformation journey with a wide range of Intelligent Network Services.
Global Business Trends leading to increased demands from Networks
- Hyperconnected Enterprises:
In the digital age, global organizations rely on a multitude of connections for geographically distributed people, processes, and devices. Also, the increasing adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud has compelled global enterprises to become hyperconnected. For such hyperconnected enterprises, a scalable network is quite critical to deliver top-tier services to customers across the globe through digital technologies. - Digital Business Transformation:
In line with their digital ambition, organizations worldwide are looking to leverage Cloud-native technologies such as analytics, mobility, IoT, AI, and ML to modernize and develop new processes, services, and models for generating new revenue streams. An intelligent and adaptable network can quickly adjust according to evolving requirements, facilitating seamless transformation. - Automation and Robotics:
Several enterprises rely on Automation, Robotics, and Robotic Process Automation to improve operational efficiency, quality of services, and customer satisfaction score. The use of Automation and Robotics in the coming years will continue to surge as companies look to improve quality, workforce productivity, customer satisfaction, and more. This is even more relevant than ever in the pandemic-stricken world. As automation of processes is time-sensitive and mission-critical, enterprises will need round-the-clock availability and reliability from their distributed networks as even a minor lapse in network availability or reliability can potentially hamper the process flow and affect overall efficiencies and customer satisfaction.
Technology Trends powering fundamental Network Transformation
- Applications being modularized and distributed across Clouds: Recently, hybrid Cloud and microservices have gained massive prominence across business verticals. The majority of software applications are being modularized and distributed across public Clouds and network edge. To support applications across such a distributed landscape, the network needs to transform fundamentally. There is a need for Networks to be agile, seamless, secure, and responsive to dynamic application landscapes.
- IoT and M2M integration with mainstream Networks: The exponential rise in the number of IoT devices worldwide highlights the need for smart Machine-to-Machine communication. This means the network must capably provide connectivity to all the IoT devices and integrate them smartly with mainstream networks.
- Pervasive Mobility: Owing to the anywhere data center and anywhere user access, there is a need for a robust network to allow users to access applications on Cloud. As anticipated, mobile users will continue to grow in the years to come and they would need round-the-clock high-performance connectivity to access applications on Cloud from private devices over Wi-Fi or 4G networks. Therefore, to cater to this rapidly growing mobile population, it becomes imperative to strengthen the Edge connectivity to these vast diverse, and distributed user base. Edge Transformation is predicted to be the next big wave in the Networking space. As per Gartner β by 2025, 75% of enterprise-generated data in industrial settings will be created and processed at the edge.
- Immersive video experience: User experience has taken the center stage in the digital era, therefore enterprises are keen to make the video experience more immersive. They have started leveraging the power of digital media technologies, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and immersive 3D environments to ensure a top-tier experience. This is placing greater demands on enterprise networks as video experience is totally dependent on low-latency and high availability infrastructure. Moreover, enterprises also want their networks to provide end-to-end bandwidth and dynamic performance controls to further make the experience more enriching.
New-age network architecture and design for Intelligent Network Services
In response to emerging trends and the fast-changing IT landscape, organizations need to rethink network architecture and design strategies to drive digital transformation. It becomes quite critical to align network capabilities in accordance with the changing business requirements and modern topologies. In this light, some of the expectations from Intelligent Network Services are the following:
- Support the fast-changing set of users, applications, devices, and services and unify them intelligently for top-tier user and application experience
- Seamlessly connect between distributed IT assets and applications in a DC and hybrid multi-cloud environment
- Leverage Software and other functionalities to control, rather than physical access and distributed policy control
- Leverage the cutting-edge technologies and algorithms to collect, assimilate, analyze, and visualize networking information in real time for better visibility and control
To achieve the above objectives, there are 3 broad aspects that the IT leaders must followΒ while designing and architecting the new-age network architecture.
Networking architecture for anywhere Data Center:
Organizations nowadays have their applications and data spread across Data Centers, Clouds, and Edge environments in diverse geographical regions. To meet the requirements of this diverse hybrid ICT landscape, organizations need new networking architecture that is ready for Cloud, meets application connectivity demands, and ensures technology and operational consistency across locations. Therefore, the new-age network must facilitate faster and safer modes of data transfer across Data Centers, Cloud, and Edge devices. This highlights the significance ofΒ Cloud-ready NetworksΒ with DC Interconnects and Cloud Connect capabilities.
Being a trusted ICT company, Sify ensures a Cloud-ready Network, comprising of Data Center Interconnects, Hyperscale Cloud Connects, and Internet Exchanges for carrier neutrality. Our Cloud-ready Network provides you with deterministic and secure connectivity to move applications, middleware, and database workloads between private infrastructure and Cloud for improved application performance.
Hybrid WAN and Application performance-focused Network Architecture:
In the age of hybrid and multi-cloud, it becomes critical for organizations to have a well-thought-out network strategy for distributed workloads, data footprints, applications, services, and microservices. With the rise in multi-cloud adoption, the legacy hub-and-spoke WAN architecture can hold organizations back. The shift from Data Centers towards Cloud has resulted in the more prevalent use of the SLA-defined Internet (in addition to MPLS) as a reliable and pervasive way to establish robust connectivity. Hence, modern-day businesses need a hybrid WAN strategy β the use of internet for business applications along with MPLS. This means the new-age network must enable the hybrid WAN and be smart enough to adapt to theΒ changing application performanceΒ demands in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment, ensuring better performance.
Herein,Β Software Defined NetworkingΒ can enable fundamental network transformation. SDN can help accomplish the goals of network transformation β agility, flexibility, and application centricity β by intelligently controlling the network architecture using software applications.
- Software Defined Networking facilitates flexible network architectures, which can utilize multiple network connectivity options (MPLS/ILL/BB/4G-LTE/Internet) which help leverage a Hybrid WAN strategy for the evolving DC and Cloud landscape
- SD-WAN ensures application awareness and complete visibility of site-wise utilization of various applications, which paves way for better performance, availability, and security.
- SD-WAN leverages the power of Cloud-based monitoring and management platform for centralized, real-time visibility of all resources.
- SD-WAN solutions can be easily integrated with legacy network architectures, which enable phase-wise migration of sites.
Sifyβs SD-WAN platform is hosted in Secure Cloud, and our experts perform all the monitoring and management functions from the state-of-the-art NOC. This helps you maintain distance with different configuration tasks at branch sites and focus on your core business. Our SD-WAN solutions β coupled with end-to-end Managed Network Services β drive efficiencies, reduce cost, and optimize multi-cloud connectivity.
Centralized visibility, control, and insights of the Network:
Organizations need complete visibility and control over network connectivity to make the most of their Cloud investment. They would also want their network to provide intelligent insights that enable data-driven decision-making. An intelligent network can help businesses with automated and effortless orchestration of network resources. However, enabling a network with comprehensive intelligence is not as simple as it seems, because it requires a well-established network management practice with well-integrated toolsets.
Currently, only a few network service providers, such as Sify Technologies, have the assets, capabilities, and expertise to deliver Intelligent Network Services. We ensure centralized management of the network, powered with the capacity of SDN, to bring in the highest level of visibility and control of the entire network landscape. We offer a comprehensive range of Network Management Services on flexible outcome-based models β shared NOC Services, Hybrid NOC Services, and Dedicated NOC Services β from our state-of-the-art Network Operating Center.
Sifyβs network experts ensure 24Γ7 proactive monitoring and management of network connectivity of devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls, and provide comprehensive reporting of various network parameters such as availability, performance, and security.
Conclusion
The emerging business and technology trends have compelled enterprises to empower their network with inherent intelligence built into them. This needs fundamental network transformation and re-architecting from the ground up, to suit evolving DC and Cloud landscape, distributed/mission-critical applications, and network orchestration needs.
Being a strategic network transformation partner, Sify helps you transform your network into a robust and intelligent asset. We provide Intelligent Network Services which include Cloud-ready Networks, Software-defined WAN, and centralized Network Managed Services, to accelerate your digital transformation with the robust foundation of a fast, secure, and future-ready network.
Simplified Cloud Adoption for SAP S/4HANA
Let Sify, your Cloud expert manage your SAP Migration
Every transformation journey begins with adoption of digital technologies on Cloud. Forward-looking organizations worldwide are looking for Cloud-powered solutions to attain the highest level of business agility, scalability, and compliance in the most cost-effective way. Additionally, Cloud-powered solutions facilitate access to new generation technologies, such as IoT, AI, and ML, which help you achieve your transformation goals in an outcome-focused manner.
SAP S/4HANA is a modern business solution suite that fosters intelligent innovations, business process improvement, and IT landscape transformation, without any upfront capital investment in infrastructure, database, hardware, etc. Moreover, it comes with pervasive data modelling capabilities and simplified deployment roadmap options.
Cloud adoption for SAP S/4HANA
Powered with Cloud and Analytics, SAP S/4HANA is undoubtedly a comprehensive, intelligent business suite delivering to organizations, unique insights, and intelligence. However, moving to SAP S/4HANA is not as simple as it may seem initially. It is dependent on your insight and capability to fundamentally examine your business processes, infrastructure, and data. Furthermore, you need to reconsider your business objectives and project priorities to achieve seamless migration to Cloud and realize all its benefits.
To evaluate how SAP S/4HANA can benefit your organization, it is always sensible to assess the consumption and configuration of your existing SAP environment. Subsequently, you need to create a migration to Cloud roadmap for seamless technical deployment, depending on project specific requirements, strategic transformation goals, etc.
Irrespective of the approach you choose, be it New Implementation or System Conversion, there are various advisory tools, such as Business Scenario Recommendations, Readiness Check Tool, etc. that can help you gain the necessary insight and confidence to simplify your move to SAP S/4HANA. After gaining clarity, you should continue forward with your S/4HANA adoption on Cloud in a phase-driven manner.
Five phases of successful SAPΒ S/4HANA Cloud journey
Re-evaluate your current stage and develop a vision:
Before you start your Cloud journey, answer the reasons behind it. You need to evaluate your current IT landscape, analyze your business strategy, consider cross-functional dependencies, and develop a strategic vision before moving to SAP S/4HANA. Herein, Business Scenario Recommendations (BSR) for SAP S/4HANA can help you generate a comprehensive report on how your current system would be impacted and how you should prepare adeptly to derive true value propositions.
Explore the value of SAP S/4HANA:
Once you have evaluated your business landscape, you must start exploring all the value propositions of SAP S/4HANA that can help you transform the overall IT landscape and improve business processes. Mapping key business functions is yet another major area you need to consider while analyzing the values of SAP S/4HANA. SAP Innovation & Optimization Pathfinder can help you analyze all the business improvement opportunities. It also provides rich analysis of innovation recommendations, innovation acceleration, and IT optimization.
Future State Design:
During this phase, you need to start focusing on the technical aspects of your migrating specific parts of your IT landscape or processes to SAP S/4HANA. It is always advisable to define processes and IT landscape that you think are suitable for SAP S/4HANA in order to devise a future-ready migration layout. During this phase, organizations count on different tools such as Readiness Check and Maintenance Planner. Readiness Check highlights the required solution adjustments that are needed for system conversion. Maintenance Planner generates the stack file online from SAP marketplace, which is required to download the SAP S/4HANA software.
Migration and roadmap:
Before the transition begins, you need to outline clearly defined migration strategies to identify, evaluate and select the best migration scenario. To attain seamless transformation and successful SAP S/4HANA migration, you must define the strategy that best suits your vision depending on your current IT stage.
Plan S/4HANA Implementation:
The actual transition begins in this phase, and you must embrace a high-level project management approach to successfully migrate to SAP S/4HANA. As majority of organizations lack technical skill, competence, and expertise to implement such a project, it makes good business sense to collaborate with an expert.
Why Sify for SAP migration, infrastructure, and management?
It is important not to get overwhelmed by the adoption complexity, as finding the right partner will alleviate most of your concerns. Sify has a rich experience and all the state-of-the-art tools required for successfully migrating heterogeneous or homogeneous SAP workloads and managing them.
Sify provides you the option of choosing the most appropriate environment for your SAP workloads. You can host your SAP workloads on HANA grid (which is certified by SAP) on Sifyβs proprietary Cloud β CloudInfinit. You also have the choice of deploying it on a Hyperscaler (AWS, Azure, etc.) with DR on Sifyβs SAP grid or vice versa to leverage the benefits of Hybrid Cloud. Furthermore, we hold a distinct level of specialization in ECC to S/4HANA conversions, implementation and carve out scenarios. Sifyβs integrated play across Network, Cloud and SAP ensures that you get flexibility, agility, and choice for comprehensive coverage of all your SAP needs.