Hana, Linux and Blockchain

There is no way around IoT, artificial intelligence/machine learning or blockchain. Such technologies or methodologies are undoubtedly capable of delivering added value or benefits for companies.

However, a business case, created new business models or concrete application requirements are needed, for which the aforementioned technologies then serve as a basis.

SAP provides either directly usable solutions, frameworks or services via the SCP and specifically SAP Leonardo. They are designed to complement or enrich existing SAP application solutions, such as S/4 Hana. In this context, SAP ensures that SAP Blockchain Services used, for example, work seamlessly with the "Digital Core" S/4 Hana. Regardless of whether it is S/4 On-Premise or S/4 Hana Cloud.

Integration without media discontinuity

This means that the Hana Platform or the Hana in-memory database, as an important infrastructure component, must be able to process data with blockchain character or ensure blockchain (network) integration.

In addition, blockchain data processing must be ensured with all other business data. Of course, the operating system platform, specifically Linux, has to deal with this at the same time or must also (additionally) support blockchain use as required.

The tandem of SAP Hana and Suse Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) for SAP Applications has proven itself many times over in practical deployments in the SAP mission-critical environment.

An advantage for SAP user companies is the fact that SLES for SAP Applications comes with special beneficial functions for use in the SAP environment.

They were developed in close cooperation with SAP. For example, to ensure high Hana performance, accelerate Hana deployments, automate replications, increase security, and much more. SAP users demonstrably benefit from this.

Enterprise and blockchain data

The Blockchain Hana integration is provided with SAP Hana 2 SP3. The focus here is on uncomplicated blockchain data use, or the simple use of blockchain services via SAP Cloud Platform with bidirectional replication - and seamless integration of SAP business data.

A uniform SQL interface between the Hana database (on-premise/cloud version) and blockchain (data) comes into play in this context.

Suse SLES for SAP Applications supports this type of Hana blockchain extension or integration. Finally, blockchain and Linux are closely linked. On the one hand, via an overarching open source initiative called Hyperledger.

It aims to promote blockchain technologies and was launched in 2015. It is hosted by the Linux Foundation! Numerous well-known companies from various industries, IT companies as well as user companies, are involved and are driving the use of blockchain forward.

On the other hand, there are blockchain deployments (with corresponding hardware) on Linux. A blockchain deployment via Suse CaaSP 2.0 is possible, which includes a Kubernetes implementation together with automation for container orchestration, management and security framework, and is certified for SAP Data Hub.

Be it blockchain, AI/machine learning or IoT. Once again, it is evident that Suse Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications is able to effectively support new technologies and thus means future compatibility or investment protection for user companies.