Middleware from the cloud
In addition to a fast implementation of the services, the low investment costs (OPEX model), the always up-to-date software versions and also the omnipresent availability are very useful.
This development is accompanied by new challenges for the master data management of distributed systems and technical hurdles regarding the communication of cloud services with each other or with an existing on-premise infrastructure.
This requires new solutions for the integration of cross-vendor Internet standards for the digital exchange of information. Whereas in the past it was sufficient to exchange data periodically by means of files, today it is elementary to supply SaaS applications with real-time information. Reporting solutions or IoT scenarios from the cloud are just two examples.
While system boundaries disappear for the user with integrated portals, single sign-on functionalities, and harmonized user interfaces, in the background the integration infrastructure must ensure that data is exchanged promptly, reliably, available everywhere, and securely.
What could be more obvious than to obtain the integration infrastructure itself as a cloud service? Alongside numerous other providers, SAP has also developed a SaaS product based on open standards with SAP Cloud Platform Integration (formerly Hana Cloud Integration - HCI) and designed it specifically for use in Cloud2Cloud or Cloud2onPremise scenarios.
Therefore, the integration options are fully available from common exchange formats such as WebServices, initial support for EDIFACT, e-mail or even oData services to exchange technologies such as SFTP, REST/HTTPS to proprietary SAP solutions such as RFC, IDOC etc.
It is precisely this flexibility, on the one hand to support vendor-independent standards established on the Internet, and on the other hand to continue to use the existing SAP infrastructure, that makes this product an exciting alternative also for classic on-premise SAP customers.
In addition, with the API Business Hub, ready-made templates already exist for the integration of a wide variety of cloud and/or on-premise systems. Among them are of course scenarios for the integration of Hybris, SuccessFactors, Concur, Cloud4Customer with SAP ECC or S/4 Hana on-premise/cloud systems, but also for non-SAP systems such as SalesForce or Microsoft Dynamics/Sharepoint.
Only by using this predefined content is a fast and efficient integration of SAP cloud services possible in the first place, making SAP Cloud Platform Integration a mandatory service for SAP cloud scenarios.
Data exchange with stakeholders
In addition to the connection of a company's own systems or subscribed cloud services, the exchange of data with stakeholders of a company is becoming increasingly important.
While this was previously the domain of classic on-premise middleware solutions, it can now be efficiently mapped with an SAP Cloud Platform Integration tennant.
Not only does the classic exchange of information with business partners such as suppliers and customers play an important role, but also the exchange of data with local tax authorities, such as the legal changes in Spain (SII) and India (GST) that came into force this year.
It is precisely this flexibility, rapid availability and always up-to-date software versions, combined with a continuing increase in the number of out-of-the-box integration templates, that make SaaS services "middleware from the cloud" a clear competitive advantage.
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