Automate SAP system copies
Copying needs to be done skillfully
Also of increasing relevance to companies is the rapid provision of test data or systems in different data centers or in the cloud. A modern test data solution can implement these requirements in a largely automated manner, reducing manual effort, lowering the susceptibility to errors, and saving time and money.
Even if the target system is not used for production in an update scenario based on a system copy, it is of central importance for developers and thus also the software lifecycle of the production system. That's why you should avoid upgrade downtime in both the production source system and the non-production target system. Production system downtime depends primarily on the method you use to create the image of the production data to be used in the target system. This image must be a transferable database image - for example, a database export, a backup copy, or an array-based reconciliation. To eliminate downtime in the production system and minimize the impact on application performance-regardless of the size of the production data reconciliation-you can use, for example, HP StorageWorks System Copy for SAP (HP System Copy), which has a disk array-based replication capability. Downtime in the target system depends on the following factors, among others: The time required to restore production data reconciliation in the target system The amount of pre- and post-processing in the target system With HP System Copy, images of production data can be created in minutes, with each step between shutdown and reboot of the target system occurring automatically. However, after the reboot, the target system is not immediately ready for use, as additional steps must first be performed (see description below).
Solution infrastructure
Powerful and sophisticated automation tools for the creation of SAP system copies provide a remedy here and demonstrably make it possible, in addition to time and cost savings, to increase the process quality of system copying, for example, or to maintain it at a consistently high level. In effect, they free up SAP Basis.
The steps to be taken before shutting down the target SAP system can be summarized as follows: Well before performing the upgrade, inform the target system users - especially project managers, developers, and testers - about the planned maintenance work via e-mail, SAP system messages, and/or a message at the system logon. Using the SAP transport system requires careful preparation so that software development projects can be completed as far as possible. Shortly before the start of the update, inform users again that maintenance work on the system is imminent and that they should log off from the target system. After logging users off and locking them out, download system-specific content from the target system database for customization (including security settings, Remote Function Call (RFC) targets, and operating modes).
With "Shortcut for SAP Systems" a tool is available that simplifies the SAP system copy and offers additional possibilities.
In addition, a refresh also interrupts all processes on the target system.
Given the increased use of Big Data, storage space and resulting costs are constantly rising.