SAP Business Data Cloud is a SaaS solution that combines SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Datasphere, and SAP Analytics Cloud and their capabilities in one single solution. SAP Business Data Cloud is the path forward for SAP Business Warehouse customers. In this post we share a high level overview of the streamlined and robust architecture of SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC).
SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) is built from interconnected components, each with specific technical roles:
Source Systems: Includes SAP (e.g., S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, SuccessFactors) and non-SAP systems. Data is bundled into entities like tables/views (e.g., for working capital) and replicated to BDC.
Foundation Services: Replicates bundled data, harmonizes it with other sources, and transforms it into Data Products. Stored in a hyperscaler environment (SAP HANA Cloud, Data Lake files), all integration and cleansing are SAP-managed. SAP will onboard LoBs progressively in SAP Business Data Cloud, starting with SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
SAP Datasphere: Defines data models on top of Data Products. Supports prebuilt Insight Apps, custom models with ML/AI extensions, and manages roles and data access.
SAP Databricks: Extends analytics with AI/ML using an SAP-tailored Databricks component (called SAP Databricks). Data Products can be shared from BDC for processing and returned, or data can flow from Databricks to BDC, enhancing models with data science insights.
SAP BW/BW4HANA: Integrates legacy BW objects as Data Products. Supports SAP BW until 2030, with BW/4HANA recommended for modernization.
SAP Analytics Cloud: Delivers dashboards for Insight Apps, with visualization, planning, and AI-driven features (e.g., ad-hoc analysis, chat queries).
Insight Apps: Prebuilt SaaS apps for reporting and forecasting. Uses Analytics Cloud now, with SAP BTP-based apps planned.
BDC Cockpit: Manages the system—browse/install Insight Apps and Data Products, share data with Databricks for AI/ML.
SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) delivers an AI-ready data solution by integrating SAP and non-SAP data into a unified semantic layer, powered by SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Datasphere, and SAP Analytics Cloud. Paired with Databricks, it enables machine learning and automation via Delta Sharing, enhancing data usability. Hosted on SAP BTP, BDC connects processes, turns data into actionable insights, and supports scalable, AI-driven decision-making.
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