Migration
Migration in SAP usually means moving a system to a new database or platform, most importantly migrating to SAP HANA as part of an S/4HANA move, but also OS/DB migrations. It is a specialised, well-tooled process with real risk if done casually.
After migration, validate data completeness and integrity, confirm the system starts and performs, and check integrations reconnect.
- For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the database migration and (for…
- Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data validation, and performance of…
- Database migration (heterogeneous system copy), e.g. moving from a traditional database to HANA.
- Watch out: No rehearsal runs before the real migration.
Kinds of migration
- Database migration (heterogeneous system copy), e.g. moving from a traditional database to HANA.
- S/4HANA conversion, which combines database migration with application conversion.
- Platform/cloud migration, moving the system to new infrastructure or the cloud.
The DMO approach
For moving to HANA, SAP’s Database Migration Option (DMO) of the Software Update Manager performs the database migration and (for conversions) the software update in one optimised, restartable procedure, minimising downtime and risk compared with separate steps.
Data and downtime
Migrations move large volumes of data, so downtime minimisation (near-zero downtime options), data validation, and performance of the export/import are central concerns. Multiple rehearsal runs in non-production are standard to nail timing and catch issues.
Verify
After migration, validate data completeness and integrity, confirm the system starts and performs, and check integrations reconnect. Never treat the first migration attempt as the real one, rehearse.
Common pitfalls
- No rehearsal runs before the real migration.
- Skipping data validation post-migration.
- Underestimating downtime, plan minimisation options.