Hello, today I will write an informative article about SAP BTP, which we have heard a lot lately. (Since I have not yet worked in this field, I share with you my internet research, Technical and Functional consultancy experience and my comments).

To summarize for people who have never heard of it without going into a little more detail, SAP BTP is the AWS-like solution of SAP. (Of course there are differences in architecture, but AWS is a good example to create an idea in the head).

It is used to work integrated with other Sap technologies in the processes in digital transformation and to develop, accelerate, transition to cloud structure and integrate these business processes.

It is basically built on four main components:

1. Data Management and Analytics
2. Application Development and Integration
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
4. Cloud Infrastructure

SAP BTP vs Other SAP Solutions

1. Inclusion and Integration

• SAP BTP: A broad platform that combines data management, analytics, artificial intelligence, application development, integration and cloud infrastructure. BTP helps you integrate your digital processes by combining different SAP and third-party systems. It also works in harmony with cloud, hybrid and on-premise environments.
• Other SAP Solutions: They are designed for more specific business functions and industry needs. For example, SAP ERP is a specialized solution for managing business processes, while SAP S/4HANA focuses specifically on optimizing the operations of businesses such as finance, sales and logistics.

2. Cloud Infrastructure

• SAP BTP: Designed as a fully cloud-based platform. Based on SAP’s cloud strategy, BTP offers scalable, flexible and fast solutions to businesses over the cloud. It also makes a difference with its low-code application development capabilities developed to run on cloud infrastructure. (SuccessFactor Consultants liked this :D)
• SAP S/4HANA (on-premise or cloud version): SAP S/4HANA can also be cloud-based, but it is generally an ERP solution that optimizes enterprise processes and on-premise options are also available. Instead of a broad platform like BTP, it is more focused on business processes.2. Cloud InfrastructureSAP BTP: Designed as a fully cloud-based platform. Based on SAP’s cloud strategy, BTP offers scalable, flexible and fast solutions to businesses over the cloud. It also makes a difference with its low-code application development capabilities developed to run on cloud infrastructure. (SuccessFactor Consultants liked this :D)SAP S/4HANA (on-premise or cloud version): SAP S/4HANA can also be cloud-based, but it is generally an ERP solution that optimizes enterprise processes and on-premise options are also available. Instead of a broad platform like BTP, it is more focused on business processes.

3. Development and Flexibility

• SAP BTP: Provides developers with a broad set of tools for application development and enables low-code and no-code development with frameworks such as SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP). Businesses can quickly develop applications according to their business requirements or integrate with existing systems.

Although SAP can use Java, Python and very rarely Go with BTP, I observed that most of the development is done with Node.Js. When I started Sap Fioriye, it was very nice to use UI5 Js libraries. I was happy that SAP believes in the power of Javascript and uses Node.Js in BTP.

• Other SAP Solutions: SAP solutions developed specifically to manage business processes (e.g. SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba) offer more structured services for specific business functions. While these solutions have development capabilities on their own, they are not as broad as the flexibility and application development capabilities provided by BTP.

Our ABAP, OData, UI5 knowledge that we use as SAP Technology consultants is not garbage, friends. Because BTP also needs to talk (integrate) with SAP. And yes, it is important that BTP consultants have a good command of these technologies, depending on the work to be done.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• SAP BTP: Equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and focuses on integrating these solutions into business processes. It enables businesses to build their own AI models with tools such as SAP AI Core & AI Foundation.
• Other SAP Technologies: Although various SAP solutions are starting to offer AI and machine learning capabilities, these solutions are generally more limited and focused on specific business functions compared to BTP. See Sap Leonardo 🙂

5. Data Management and Analytics

• SAP BTP: Provides powerful tools for data management and analytics. Thanks to solutions such as SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud, businesses can manage and analyze big data and gain insights that support business decisions. These capabilities are ideal for bringing together disparate data sources and performing real-time analysis.
• Other SAP Solutions: Solutions such as SAP S/4HANA also offer fast data processing using the power of HANA. However, BTP’s data integration and analytics capabilities are broader and offer more comprehensive solutions for aggregating and processing data from different sources.Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningSAP BTP: Equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and focuses on integrating these solutions into business processes. It enables businesses to build their own AI models with tools such as SAP AI Core & AI Foundation.Other SAP Technologies: Although various SAP solutions are starting to offer AI and machine learning capabilities, these solutions are generally more limited and focused on specific business functions compared to BTP. See Sap Leonardo :)5. Data Management and AnalyticsSAP BTP: Provides powerful tools for data management and analytics. Thanks to solutions such as SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud, businesses can manage and analyze big data and gain insights that support business decisions. These capabilities are ideal for bringing together disparate data sources and performing real-time analysis.Other SAP Solutions: Solutions such as SAP S/4HANA also offer fast data processing using the power of HANA. However, BTP’s data integration and analytics capabilities are broader and offer more comprehensive solutions for aggregating and processing data from different sources.

6. Pricing and Licensing

• SAP BTP: It offers a service-based model and has flexible licensing options such as pay-as-you-go. This model allows businesses to pay only for the resources and services they need. (We already know that SAP wants to move to the SaaS model and has introduced Cloud solutions in many modules.)
• Other SAP Solutions: Most traditional SAP solutions work with a license-based model. For example, solutions like SAP S/4HANA usually have license or subscription-based pricing and there may be an obligation to use the entire solution.

I wanted this to be a theoretical introduction. In the next articles, I will explain how there should be a roadmap for BTP. See you in the next articles.

Sources ;

Sap Learning