Automate Sybase ASE Backups using DBA Cockpit (Sybase:v15.7.0.021+)

Automating Database Dumps in SAP ASE

This blog post guides you through automating database and transaction log backups for your SAP system using DBACockpit in SAP Sybase ASE version 15.7.0.021 or higher. We'll focus on using the local file system for intermediate storage.

Prerequisites:

1. Administrative access to the SAP ASE server.

Understanding of SAP ASE utilities like dump database and dump transaction.

Fiori Adoptation Project for Extending Standard Fiori Application for onPremise using BAS

Prerequisites:

◉ On BTP: Cloud Connector Connection to Gateway system and Destination 

◉ OnPremise: Activating required standard Fiori Application

Step 1: Open Template Wizard and select the application type as SAP UI5 Adoptation Project.

SAP BW Bridge In SAP Datasphere: Connectivity Between S/4HANA System & BW Bridge

Introduction:

SAP BW bridge is a functional enhancement of SAP Datasphere and enables ABAP-based data extraction and staging capabilities within SAP Datasphere. It provides customers who are running SAP Business Warehouse or SAP BW/4HANA with access to the public cloud as it offers SAP BW capabilities directly in SAP Datasphere.

SAP BW Bridge for SAP Datasphere is a feature that makes certain elements from the on-premise SAP BW system available in the cloud. In order to transfer these elements to SAP Datasphere, SAP also supplies the appropriate conversion tools. SAP BW Bridge is a cost-effective and simple way to switch from an on-premise SAP BW system to SAP Datasphere.

Comparing Workflow Templates in SAP

Introduction

Identifying the changes present between different versions of workflow templates can be a challenge. Unlike other objects, there isn't a built-in functionality for direct comparison. Manually scrutinizing each step of the templates side-by-side can be both tedious and error-prone.

This lack can be frustrating, as I’ve witnessed firsthand through inquiries from few of my colleagues struggling to identify changes between versions for troubleshooting or maintaining consistency across environments. Fortunately, I’ve been able to help them by employing a couple of effective techniques that help bridging this gap.

Exposing an oData Service from SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition to the SAP BTP

This blog post will explain how to expose a CDS view as an API using developer extensibility in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition to be consumed in the SAP Business Technology Platform

Technical Procedure

Extending our solutions allows you to differentiate yourself from the competition, simplify processes, and adapt the software according to the specific needs of your business.

Domain name migration for SAP ABAP system.

Migrating the SAP instances from one domain to another domain is always tedious task for administrators.

To overcome these challenges, I'm going to explain how we can successfully migrate our SAP ECC system from old domain (example.com) to new domain (example2.xyz).

SQL Statement Collection for SAP HANA - The output is right aligned

In some ABAP Support Packages the SQL Editor of DBACOCKPIT will show a right-aligned output.

SAP Note 1969700 (section 'The output is right aligned') respectively 3343639 describe the reason and solution for this from ABAP aspect.

The aim of this post is to present an instant workaround to convert the output to a kind of "human readable" format.

The SQL statement referenced here is a statement from the statement collection attached to the SAP Note 1969700.

Can I extend a certain app? With Clean Core? How?

Extensibility is a very important part in SAP S/4HANA. Although we recommend to have a fit-to-Standard approach, we know that not everything can be covered; there is a need for extensibility. But we don't just want to go hack about our system (anymore), we want to do it Clean Core compliant, meaning:

• Extensions are clearly separated from SAP's code
• Extensions do not modify any SAP objects
• Extensions use only stable, released SAP APIs and extension points

But how to go about that? Well, I'm hoping to give some help on that. In this blog post I'm focusing on extending an SAP S/4HANA Standard app, as an example.

CDS View: Time comparison

This blog is about CDS scalar functions - CALENDER_SHIFT and CALENDER_OPERATIONS and how to use it in analytical queries for time comparison. Similarly FISCAL_CALENDAR_SHIFT and FISCAL_CALENDAR_OPERATION can be used.

These CDS scalar functions are used to compare the measure value of current time period with previous time period. Further it can be used to calculate measure value for year to date (YTD), month to date (MTD) or quarter to date (QTD). Current member can only be used when time dimensions are in drilldown else restricted measure is used. The usage of current member is not as fast as restricted measure. Detail specification of the mentioned scalar functions can be found in Help.

Exploring SAP BTP with Trial Accounts and Free Tiers

Introduction: SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a powerful and versatile platform that empowers businesses and developers to build, extend, and run applications in the cloud. It helps us explore its capabilities, SAP is offering a variety of options, including Trial Accounts and Free Tier offerings.

Trial Account or Free Tier Offering: When to Use Which? Before diving into SAP BTP, we must determine which free offering suits our requirements best. SAP provides two primary options: Pay-As-You-Go or CPEA accounts with free tier service plans and Trial Accounts. Here's when to consider each option:

1. Pay-As-You-Go or CPEA accounts with free tier service plans:

◉ These accounts are open to customers, partners, and individual developers.

◉ They allow us to experiment with SAP BTP without time limitations.

◉ We can test our scenarios and have the option to upgrade to paid service plans.

◉ They support long-term data storage and project migration to production.

◉ Access to the community, including tutorials and technical resources, is available.

◉ Note that only community support is available for free tier service plans, and SLAs do not apply for these plans.

◉ Some services may not support upgrading from a free tier to a paid service plan.

2. Trial Accounts:

◉ A SAP BTP trial account provides a 90-day free trial period.

◉ It is intended for personal exploration and non-productive testing only.

◉ Trial accounts should not be used for production or team development.

◉ Everyone can access this option, and you can self-register for a trial account.

◉ Once the 90-day period ends, the trial account is automatically deleted.

Free Tier and Always Free Tags: In the SAP Discovery Center service catalogue, some services are tagged as "Free Tier," indicating that they offer a free tier service plan. Others are labelled "Always Free," which means these services come without additional charges as they are included in the overall SAP BTP contract. We can use the filter function in the SAP Discovery Center to find services that offer Free Tiers and Always Free plans. Keep in mind that Always Free service plans may not be available in all regions or for all providers.

Trial Lifecycle: When we opt for a SAP BTP trial account, here's what we can expect in terms of its lifecycle:

1. Familiarization and Exploration:

◉ Get to know the platform's scope and explore the Starter Scenarios.

◉ Utilize the Tutorial Navigator for guidance and insights.

2. Account Extension:

◉ The 90-day trial period is divided into intervals.

◉ Regularly signing in to the trial account extends the intervals to 30 days or until the 90-day trial period is completed.

◉ We can manually extend our trial account interval by clicking "Extend Trial Account."

3. Account Suspension:

◉ If we don't sign in for 30 days or more, the account will be suspended, and we won't be able to use applications or services.

◉ To unsuspend the trial account, click "Extend Trial Account" and use the account again, provided there are still days left in your 90-day trial period.

4. Account Deletion:

◉ After 90 days, the trial account is automatically deleted.

◉ If we wish to continue using SAP BTP, then we must set up a new account.

Trial Scope: A SAP BTP trial account offers access to essential platform functionality, including the following features:

◉ Cloud management tools (Feature Set B)

◉ Availability in various regions

◉ Directory creation

◉ Use of productive and beta services

◉ Management of security users through role collections

◉ 4 GB of memory for applications

◉ 8 GB of instance memory

◉ 10 total routes and 40 total services

◉ Configuration of 2 on-premise systems with the Cloud connector

◉ No service level agreement (SLA) regarding platform availability

◉ Use of HDI containers in a shared SAP HANA database (only available on cf-us10)

◉ Automatic daily application stops for cleanup purposes, requiring manual restart when needed

Conclusion: Even though the trial accounts are free, the limited lifespan is not helpful when building demos or PoCs where you don't want to run the risk of losing your work just because you haven't logged in for a while, which is why we at SoftwareOne chose to invest some money in a 'proper' paid-for environment. Free trial environments remain useful for things which are disruptive or throw-away, such as experimenting with setting up single sign-on (which has the potential to disrupt other users), or training/education courses which you don't need to keep after the completion of the course.

Exploring SAP Business Technology Platform is now more accessible than ever with Trial Accounts and Free Tier offerings. Determine your requirements, select the right option, and embark on your SAP BTP journey to innovate, develop, and transform your business. Whether you're an individual developer, a partner, or part of a larger organization, SAP BTP has a solution for your specific needs. Sign up, explore, and unleash the potential of this powerful platform.