Virtual Cloud Network: How Does It Work and What Does It Offer?

You may have heard of a new type of network that’s been touted as the future of the internet. The virtual cloud network (VCN) works privately anywhere on the internet, eliminating the constraints of on-premises networks. In fact, operating a VCN is like having both your own network for cloud computing and on-premises computing.

The VCN gives you freedom as well as control. You can use your own private and public IP addresses, modify routing tables and subnets, and employ sophisticated firewalls. The technology combines security and speed to handle modern demands.

Approyo is the leading full SAP service provider. Thanks to their expertise in cloud solutions, they can assist you with virtual cloud networks as well as public and private cloud deployments.

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What is a Virtual Cloud Network (VCN)?

A virtual cloud network is a method of connecting IT resources that extend throughout the internet rather than only in a limited area. You essentially have a private network that encompasses hardware and software—anywhere!

Virtualization means the network is no longer defined by a physical space, such as a data center. Thus, VCNs are virtual in the sense that they use software instead of hardware to delineate the network. This allows the network to spread across the cloud, yet you retain control over resources within the network.

A virtual cloud network requires far less tangible equipment than a conventional one because network-related activities are handled via software. For your organization’s users, it’s as if they’re on the network—regardless of whether they connect from work, home, or anywhere else. Should you want to keep specific resources apart, you can also use multiple separate VCNs. For example, creating different networks for different departments.

The types of resources you’ll find on a virtual cloud network include servers and virtual machines (VMs). The virtual network functions much like a conventional network, except that it’s in the cloud. This makes it far faster and easier to add capacity: you simply provision new resources.

How Does a Virtual Cloud Network Work?

A virtual cloud network comprises a mix of the public cloud and the private cloud. While a public cloud normally rents out the provider’s hardware and services to many clients, a private cloud serves a single organization. The VCN works by using public cloud resources but blocking off a subnet for each client’s exclusive use.

As an example, suppose that a large public cloud provider offers customers a virtual cloud network service. Although the service runs over the provider’s public cloud infrastructure, the company separates an IP subnet for each customer. Therefore, a rented subnet appears as your own private cloud.

Instead of wiring together a traditional network, a VCN uses software to achieve connectivity. The software does the equivalent of routers and switches, creating a digital network that runs on top of the physical network.

With a virtual cloud network, you can connect laptops and desktops—as well as internet of things (IoT) devices—from any location. Another advantage is being able to connect an entire physical network that you already run, such as the network in your offices, to the VCN. It’s like having a private office network with a global reach.

The Benefits of a Virtual Cloud Network

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A virtual cloud network offers numerous benefits, ranging from performance to cost. Generally, VCNs are known to provide superior connectivity compared with traditional networks. You can drastically decrease the amount of cabling and hardware you manage while also extending your network’s scope.

In addition, virtual cloud networks are simpler to manage. This is because you’re able to control all your physical networks, no matter how remote, from a single location. For instance, you could automatically update devices on some or all parts of your network—as well as test the security of any hardware and software—from a central office.

The lower costs of a virtual cloud network stem in part from its centralized network management. Instead of having to send people to fix problems in different places, you can solve everything from a single place.

Because you can easily reconfigure and reroute your network, it becomes more flexible. The software gives you complete control. That’s a huge advantage over physical networks, which are costly to restructure, even when it’s feasible. Moreover, it’s much faster and less expensive to expand a VCN because it’s done via the software.

VCN and Cloud Transformation: Why It Matters

With an ever-increasing number of companies moving their IT resources to the cloud, virtual cloud networks have a lot to contribute. Using your own high-speed, low-cost VCN improves agility. Your applications will run better, thus supporting your organization’s overall performance.

Virtual cloud networks encourage organizations to innovate and out-compete. Customers nowadays expect quicker and better services, as well as additional security, and the pressure is on to move to the cloud. VCNs are an integral part of this transition.

Virtual cloud networks offer a solid base by making the cloud a “home” for your organization. They provide widespread access to computing resources with the necessary speed and security. Defining networks in software offers precisely the flexibility that cloud transformation demands.

Upgrade Your Cloud Network with Approyo

A virtual cloud network, or VCN, is a new type of network that’s quickly gaining prominence. It uses public cloud resources to deliver the functionality of your own private network. By utilizing the breadth of the internet rather than just your local facilities, you’ll enjoy the performance and cost benefits of scale.

The use of virtual cloud networks is expanding, as more organizations choose the twin advantages of control and adaptability. Indeed, VCN technology is becoming an integral part of the cloud transformation process for many companies.

When you’re making the move to a virtual cloud network, it helps to work with an experienced IT service provider. Approyo has decades of experience supporting companies with their IT needs—including more than 1,000 SAP environments under management. Tell Approyo about your requirements and they’ll work to deliver a top-notch solution!

3 Biggest Mistakes in SAP Consulting

SAP consulting helps your business to deploy, manage, and maintain an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This includes all data related to financial, production, and staff records, as well as customer relationship management software (CRM) and supply chain management software (SCM).

Consultants typically fall into two areas of expertise—technical and functional. Those with a tech background focus on, for instance, software and programming. Meanwhile, those with experience in finance are better suited to the functional side of consulting. Nonetheless, both should demonstrate expertise in solutions architecture, managed services, and hosting.

Ideally, an SAP consultant will assist you in regulating and streamlining processes across a range of divisions and branches. Further, they should help you to deal with any unexpected SAP challenges that may arise in your organization.

The top three problems companies encounter with an SAP consultant are a failure to prioritize ERP security, not including enough details in project management scope, and a lack of clear communication. Thankfully, there are ways to either prevent or recover from such challenges—namely, by partnering with a proven SAP partner. Approyo has decades of experience and over a thousand SAP environments under management.

When you engage an SAP consultant, it’s the first step in what will hopefully be a lasting business relationship. And as with any relationship, building trust is key.

Here, we examine some of the SAP challenges that may emerge over the course of project implementation, and how to avoid them.

1. Failure to Prioritize ERP Security

In these days of network breaches and proliferating threats, security is more important than ever. Failing to protect records and infrastructure can result in heavy losses of data, money, and even your reputation. Efficient SAP consulting makes your enterprise software’s security a top priority.

There are several complementary approaches to ERP security, involving both processes and technology. An example of security technology built specifically for enterprise data is Approyo’s Overwatch, which offers continuous monitoring of IT infrastructure. This solution encompasses hardware and software, ensuring that your apps and data remain safe—whether in the cloud or on-premises.

Successful SAP project management requires a comprehensive security solution to defend against online attacks. An often overlooked but equally critical goal is to prevent mishaps. An employee who accidentally leaks data can cause just as much harm as a hack.

ERP systems contain valuable data on a wide range of sensitive topics and are central to business activities. Your system likely comprises customer and employee data, potentially including personally identifiable data or financial information. Sensitive material might include private company data on finances and other processes that you can’t afford to lose or have fall into the wrong hands.

An SAP consultant who prioritizes ERP security will keep your software updated to the latest versions. In addition, they will check that login procedures are rigorous and database inputs are protected against common attacks. Furthermore, users will only have access to the appropriate data, and backups will be made regularly and be available to restore.

A savvy consultant also conducts tests of the technical security systems in place, analyzing logs and scheduling alerts in the event of any suspicious activity being detected. Their scanning tools will be able to identify any potential vulnerabilities in your network.

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2. Not Including Enough Details and Metrics in the Project Scope

Even before starting your SAP project and selecting a consultant, it’s crucial to establish your project scope. This defines what you plan to accomplish through SAP consulting. Failing to include enough details and specific performance metrics may increase the risk of problems later on.

Solid project management is as essential as deployment and maintenance. The more precise your plans, the more likely it is that you and your SAP consultant can work together toward a clearly defined goal. This relates not only to the broad initiatives but also to each functional area that the project covers.

Will your ERP include manufacturing? What about finances? It helps to go through each business function that your system will process, involving employees from all relevant departments to establish what needs to be tracked.

By including full details and methods in the project scope, you’ll minimize the possibility of ambiguity arising further down the line. This, in turn, can eliminate mistakes regarding budget, timing, and other considerations.

Sharing a well-made project scope also keeps your entire internal and external team focused on what matters. Instead of dithering over inconsequential tasks, you can home in on the most productive activities.

The key to an accurate and detailed project scope starts with writing everything down. This includes your goals, where you will deploy software, which departments will be affected, and which systems you will be replacing. Specify all the functions the SAP will help manage, such as accounting or HR. You could even stipulate the exact requirements for each function. Once that’s done, you’re ready to chat with your consultant and move forward with confidence!

3. Lack of Clear Communication and Transparency

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Clear communication is an essential ingredient in any relationship, and SAP consulting is no exception. Discussions that favor transparency and attention to detail will prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.

It’s important that the consultant understands your needs and keeps you abreast of the evolving situation. A comprehensive communication plan ensures that the SAP project stays on course.

Communicating clearly about the purpose and scope of the project is the most vital determinant of success vs. failure. This relies on a good flow of information and mutual understanding—between you and your consultant as well as at all levels within your own organization. Talking openly and honestly about your SAP needs is the best way to guarantee you reach the right solution.

Avoid These SAP Consulting Mistakes With Approyo

SAP projects are complex endeavors. Hiring a consultant can go a long way toward simplifying the process. However, if it isn’t done carefully, you risk taking missteps along the path. By working with an experienced SAP expert like Approyo, you’ll ensure that the consulting agreement works for you.

Approyo prioritizes ERP security and works to project scope. Moreover, they’ll be with you at every stage of your journey, communicating clearly and openly. When you’re ready for a reliable consultant who can help you avoid the usual SAP pitfalls and ensure a successful deployment, talk with Approyo!

SAP S/4HANA vs SAP ECC: Key Similarities and Differences That’ll Help You Decide

Companies looking to manage or upgrade their key business processes now have two SAP products available as enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions: SAP S/4HANA and SAP ERP Central Component (often shortened to SAP ECC). When deciding between SAP S/4HANA vs SAP ECC, it’s important to consider their similarities and differences. An assessment of the two products will help you decide which works better for you today—and tomorrow.

As SAP ECC has been around longer, it’s likely to appeal more to the immediate business requirements of today. However, SAP S/4HANA is the newer solution—meaning it can build a solid foundation for tomorrow’s business needs. Moreover, it incorporates artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. As a result, there’s a long-term reward for migrating to S/4HANA.

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What is SAP ECC?

SAP ECC is the previous enterprise resource planning product by SAP. It remains available while the current product, SAP S/4HANA, develops its customer base. SAP ECC works on-premises: your organization installs and runs it on servers in your own facilities.

With SAP ECC, you can combine data from different business functions. For example, it enables you to store data from sales, marketing, finance, and production—all on the same database. This helps to simplify business processes, as you don’t need to use multiple products.

As with most traditional databases, SAP ECC stores data on a disk. You can also add other products from the SAP Business Suite to expand the database’s functionality—for instance, tools such as supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) software. Medium-sized and larger companies are currently the main users of SAP ECC.

What is SAP S/4HANA?

SAP S/4HANA is the newest enterprise resource planning product from SAP, and the replacement for SAP ECC. Thanks to a database that is stored in-memory, SAP S/4HANA is considerably quicker. Further, the software is a complete rewrite designed for the similarly named SAP HANA database management system.

SAP S/4HANA can run in the cloud, on-premises, or as a hybrid. This gives you a range of options, from running it in your own facility to hosting it partly or even entirely online. SAP S/4HANA has many of the same features as SAP ECC, and serves a similar market. There are, however, sizable differences in their underlying architectures and performance abilities.

SAP S/4HANA vs SAP ECC: Which One is Right For You?

The choice of SAP S/4HANA vs SAP ECC is one that will affect your present and future operations. Bear in mind that SAP ECC is scheduled to be phased out by 2027. As such, businesses thinking of the future might want to focus more on SAP S/4HANA.

Likewise, companies that are not prior users of SAP software are advised to opt for SAP S/4HANA, as it is the latest and fastest product. On the other hand, if you are already running SAP ECC, it makes sense to do a more gradual transition, because upgrading to SAP S/4 HANA can be somewhat complex.

An expert SAP service provider like Approyo can help make your transition easy. With over a thousand SAP environments under our management globally, our experience can help you decrease your costs, eliminate risks, and ensure a successful transition.

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Similarities Between SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC

SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC have several important features in common. For a start, they both assist companies in performing essential business activities like manufacturing, sales, procurement, distribution, and accounting.

Additionally, both of these solutions centralize an enterprise’s data in one database, rather than dispersing it across various applications’ databases. They also standardize how people read and write data throughout the organization. All of these benefits make it practical for larger companies to maintain stable and accurate records.

Another similarity between SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC is that they’re both modular. With either of these systems, you can add the components you need. This lets businesses make customizations for their particular requirements.

These similarities encompass the vast majority of the products’ functionality. This means you can technically run a business with either solution. Nonetheless, they also have their share of dissimilarities. As a result, you will not experience the same level of performance across both solution.

Key Differences Between SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC

The main differences between SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC have to do with the database. While SAP ECC ran on several types of database management systems—including some from third parties—SAP S/4HANA exclusively runs on SAP HANA.

SAP designed S/4HANA to extract the optimal performance out of SAP HANA. While this reduces the selection of database providers, the outcome is a much faster system. Calculations are generally done in-memory, which is substantially quicker than the disk-based calculations of most other databases. The new system also combines analytical and transactional operations in a single database.

SAP S/4HANA also includes what SAP calls “intelligent technologies,” such as machine learning. These serve to boost your company’s agility in responding to market conditions as well as pushing innovation. As such, you’ll be able to automate a variety of tasks and have access to valuable business intelligence.

There are also some less obvious differences. For instance, while SAP ECC uses separate files for a business partner’s activity as your customer and as your vendor, SAP S/4HANA combines both of those aspects into a single file.

Upgrade to SAP S/4HANA with Approyo

Given the upcoming end-of-life for SAP ECC, companies will be compelled to upgrade to SAP S/4HANA over the next few years, no matter what. Since this newer solution contains key technologies to meet modern business demands, you may well be better off starting the migration sooner rather than later.

SAP S/4HANA is a complete rewrite of the enterprise resource planning system. This allows it to offer some incredible new features, such as artificial intelligence and high-speed, in-memory calculations.

However, it also entails a complex upgrade path. Companies that work with a proven partner will enjoy a smoother upgrade and superior return on investment.

Approyo is the leading SAP service provider for your SAP needs. Whether you are upgrading from SAP ECC or any other database system, they can help you reach and exceed your goals. With its revolutionary design, SAP S/4HANA is able to run fast, offering real-time analytics on big data. Take advantage of the most innovative solution on the market. Talk with Approyo now.

Top 3 SAP Cloud Migration Companies

Choosing the best SAP service provider usually requires a lot of in-depth research. And weighing up the respective pros and cons of different cloud migration companies can end up being quite complicated!

A good SAP solutions provider will help you to migrate data to the cloud. Moreover, they should be able to assist in installing or upgrading any SAP product. Examples include SAP HANA—the new database—and SAP S/4HANA, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system built for that database.

Understanding what makes a service provider effective goes a long way toward helping businesses make the right choice. By assessing the most important factors and then applying these criteria to three of the top SAP cloud migration companies, this article will help you find the perfect match—whatever your specific needs.

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What Makes for a Great SAP Solution Provider?

The best SAP service providers have several features in common. These include years of experience, a focus on security, awareness of their own limits, and having a wide network of resources to draw on. In addition to these factors, you should also make sure that their attributes align with your unique requirements.

Leading cloud migration companies combine these strengths in a comprehensive package of services, assuring reliable deployment, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance.

Experience and Expertise

A company that has earned its stripes as a leading SAP provider will have years—even decades—of experience. As such, they will have mastered the software and have the certifications to back their abilities. Moreover, they’ll make a point of only hiring the most skillful employees in the industry.

With the benefits of SAP expertise, these cloud migration companies produce thought leadership on relevant topics. Further, they’ll likely have a lengthy and well-established track record of cloud migration proficiency. One of the first questions to ask your potential SAP provider relates to their present clients. This type of knowledge will help you gauge how much experience and expertise the firm has.

Safe and Secure

Trustworthy SAP service providers understand the importance of customer data and work relentlessly to protect your information. For instance, they’ll only use established practices and systems that restrict outside access. Further, they should ensure that data is only stored in physically and digitally secured infrastructure.

An ERP system interacts with many different parts of your business, including core areas necessary for survival. The top SAP cloud migration companies recognize the responsibility you’re entrusting them with and take appropriate actions to keep your data safe.

Knows their Limits

No matter how skilled and experienced your SAP solutions provider is, they need to understand their own limitations. After years of working with clients and various SAP technologies, they should know exactly what is—and isn’t—feasible.

Reputable cloud migration companies will be honest about their capabilities. Instead of agreeing to any idea that comes up, they’ll admit when a proposal seems unworkable. As a result, you’ll only hire them for credible work that will add value to your business.

Wide Network and Resources

Good SAP service providers have likely developed a large support network. They’ve accumulated many resources, tangible as well as intangible, over the years. During this time, they’ve also accumulated the necessary resources to manage all sorts and sizes of projects.

Examples of relevant resources include technical knowledge and business contacts. Well-connected firms will have attended numerous industry events, and have engaged with SAP themselves. Further, due to managing the many SAP environments, they’ve developed the right software tools, equipment, and knowledge to deliver what their clients need.

Top SAP Cloud Migration Companies

Now that you know a bit more about what makes a great SAP solutions provider, let’s look at three SAP cloud migration companies that are currently at the top of their game. Each of these companies has established itself as a prominent entity within the industry. By choosing any one of them, your SAP objectives will be guaranteed to succeed.

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3. Logicworks

Logicworks helps companies migrate from traditional, on-premises systems to the cloud. Their specialization is transitioning to Amazon and Microsoft cloud platforms. In addition, Logicworks has experience with health and finance companies, which makes them familiar with common regulatory compliance and security issues.

One of Logicworks’ attributes is reworking applications to use cloud hosts, including programs from SAP and multiple other vendors. Data can then be stored in cloud-based databases, with Logicworks handling the configuration and migration. With a team of engineers, the company has supported customers’ IT operations for several decades. They are a reliable service provider and earn third place.

2. Capgemini

Capgemini offers a wide range of technical services to practically any industry—from aerospace to telecommunications. They assist clients with cloud deployments using technologies such as automation. Further, Capgemini works with the largest cloud hosts—known as “hyperscalers”—to deliver scalable solutions.

Organizations that partner with Capgemini are able to remake their applications from traditional to cloud-based. As a source of SAP products, they have supported users in many countries, and have the relevant certifications. Moreover, Capgemini is an SAP Global Strategic Services Partner. They have the size and skill necessary to rank second among cloud migration providers.

1. Approyo

Thanks to their emphasis on SAP solutions, Approyo is the ideal partner to help clients realize their cloud migration goals. In addition to providing global support 24/7, Approyo focuses on cloud solutions and is a Microsoft Gold Cloud Partner. Furthermore, they are SAP certified for multiple operations, including the HANA database as well as cloud and infrastructure.

Having over a thousand SAP environments under management internationally, Approyo delivers exceptional service that you can count on. Their offerings include consulting, secure cloud management, and monitoring, as well as a custom tool based on predictive analytics. Moreover, Approyo is proud to deliver complete SAP cloud support—one of the many advantages that seal its winning position.

Choose the Best SAP Solution

The best SAP solutions providers have an abundance of experience and expertise, and they make your data security a top priority. Despite possessing extensive capabilities, they also recognize their own limits. Additionally, companies such as these rely on the wide-ranging networks they have built up over years in the industry.

Logicworks, Capgemini, and Approyo are the top three SAP cloud migration companies presently taking on customers. Working with any one of these firms is a sure way to improve the prospects of your SAP project.

Finally, remember to factor your company’s specific needs into the equation when choosing an SAP solutions provider. This is a vital consideration if you’re serious about securing the service that’s right for you. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about SAP and cloud migration, contact Approyo for more information.

Why Choosing the Right Vendor is Crucial for Your Long-Term SAP Support

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SAP development applications are the core of every enterprise’s ecosystem. SAP software streamlines business processes and provides greater control and insight over your business, combining core business functions (such as customer relationship management, procurement, sales, logistics, and finance) into one system. But keeping these critical functions operational requires expert support from an SAP vendor.

Choosing the right vendor gives you peace of mind that your systems remain operational—and that you’ll get the support you need should something go wrong. But how do you know you’ve picked the right partner? There are so many mistakes a company could make when evaluating providers; mistakes that, if left to fester, can prove as costly as the product itself.

Why does choosing the right SAP vendor matter? And what should you look for? Let’s explore.

Security is a Priority When Choosing an SAP Vendor

Cybercrime increased by 600% during the COVID-19 pandemic—and every one of those attacks costs a business dearly. Cybersecurity Ventures expects cybercrime costs to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Add to that the damage these attacks cause to a business's reputation, and it’s clear that there's a lot at stake.

When selecting an SAP vendor, look for a vendor who can evaluate vulnerabilities, create and execute security strategies, and safeguard data throughout its lifecycle as part of its SAP managed services. The provider should address security at all levels, including the infrastructure, network, operating system, and database. The vendor should also provide:

• Fraud detection
• Protection against unauthorized access
• Continuous and automated audits
• Data leak detection
• Centralized monitoring

Choose an SAP Vendor with a High Level of Expertise

When selecting an SAP vendor you want a partner who understands your business. It’s easy to focus on just the software—but ignoring business needs leads to frustration, wasted resources, and a solution that doesn’t deliver.

A vendor who takes the time to understand your business and industry becomes a partner and advisor. They can plan ahead to help address challenges before they grow into crises. The company you choose should also have a lengthy history of time in the market, with several SAP implementations in their portfolio such as SAP ECC, SAP HANA, and SAP S/4HANA.

The right SAP vendor will have an established and proven methodology for implementing your solution. Following a clearly-established methodology helps you stick to clear markers on your path to implementation.

Client success stories and case studies are the perfect way to evaluate a vendor’s expertise. The vendor should have a bevy of case studies and client success stories to share—ask for studies of companies in the same industry and size as yours. This will give, you a better idea if they understand what it takes to help you succeed.

But the most important factor to consider is whether your vendor is SAP Partner Center of Expertise (PCoE) accredited. Attaining this certification involves a rigorous process to validate that the vendor has the right level of knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure to deliver high-quality SAP support. The certification is mandatory for any company that provides SAP support, and requires examination of a vendor’s:

• Processes: The vendor must provide documents such as support agreements, customer user guides, escalation processes, and incident escalation procedures.
• Infrastructure: The vendor must establish a support hotline.
• People: The vendor must prove they have enough people to ensure seamless delivery.

Flexibility for a Solution More Fit to Your Needs

Every business is unique and will have its own specific customization requirements. How flexible is your potential vendor in customizing their solutions to your business? Ask about the types of services they’ve performed for companies in your industry, and customize metrics to your business. This ensures you get the insight and reporting most valuable to your company. What level of detailed customizations can they offer?

Next, ensure the vendor can continue supporting you after implementation. Ask what level of support they provide, how they provide it, and within what time frames. This information should be outlined in the service-level agreement for the project.

What’s in Your Service-Level Agreement Matters A LOT

A service-level agreement (SLA) is a contract between the SAP vendor and the customer that outlines service expectations. The agreement keeps everyone on the same page, in order to eliminate confusion and disputes that might delay the project. The SLA should include the following hallmarks:

• Agreement Summary: Outlines and summarizes the services, parties involved, and success KPIs
• Review Process: Establishes the schedule for check-ins to reassess the SLA
• Point of Contact: Pinpoints who to contact for specific issues
• Cancellation Conditions: A clear cancellation policy lets both parties know their rights and responsibilities for canceling
• Compensation for Unmet Goals: Your SLA is a legally binding contract—be sure the agreement outlines consequences for failing to meet goals
• Indemnification Clause: This specifies that one party is responsible for liability, damages, or losses you experience throughout the project—many providers offer this as a way to guarantee their standards of service

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Success Starts With A Trustworthy SAP Vendor

Finding the right SAP product for your business starts with a great partner—one that will guide you through the process and create a solution specific to your business. Make sure they have a proven track record of excellence in your industry along with the appropriate certifications to back it up.

And when it comes to finding that perfect SAP partner, Approyo could help. At Approyo, their primary focus is making sure that your business’ IT meets industry demands—both those of today and of tomorrow. To that end, they provide full SAP service technology, with extensive capabilities in hosting and managed services, upgrades, and migrations for our customers. they’ve helped thousands make the digital jump already.

Are you ready to level up your IT to meet the modern era? Reach out to learn how Approyo could support your SAP solutions today.

Gain a Better Understanding of How SAP HANA Works

SAP high-performance analytic appliance (HANA) is a popular database management system used in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. The system stores data in memory, rather than on a traditional storage device. This makes it much faster than other database management systems.

SAP HANA is column-oriented, rather than organizing data by row, which can speed up certain queries—such as when you want to look through parts of many database objects at once. These queries are more common in business intelligence, so this design works well in the context of ERP.

Data sources can include documents and spreadsheets, public websites, mobile device data, sensor data from the Internet of Things (IoT), and essentially any other information. Whatever your use case, Approyo can help you get the most value out of SAP HANA.

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What is SAP HANA?

Put simply, SAP HANA is an innovative technology to aid enterprises in extracting value from their data. Organizations use the system for all aspects of business intelligence, from forecasting and reporting to artificial intelligence and machine learning. It’s essentially a data management tool that boosts productivity throughout the company.

What Can the System Do For You?

SAP HANA shines when it comes to storing and retrieving data efficiently. Thus, the system helps you use your organization’s data quickly for on-the-fly decision-making and operations.

However, SAP HANA also offers other functionalities, such as maintaining a single source of truth—protecting you against inconsistent data. Some other ancillary benefits include:

• Comprehensive tools: The system comes with web application development capabilities and sophisticated analytics. Graphical data modeling encourages teamwork to solve difficult problems.
• Adaptability: While many of the features are geared towards analytical processing, you can also perform transactional processing on the same instance.
• Power: SAP HANA isn’t just fast; it’s also strong. The parallel processing engine enables you to work with big data sets in real time.
• Support for multiple users: Even if you have multiple employees using the database at various locations, the system will keep up with your needs. Continuous availability and monitoring protect you against risks.
• Usable anywhere: You can run SAP HANA on your own premises, in a private cloud, in a public cloud—or in any combination you want.
• Data consolidation: Instead of data silos and duplication, you’ll have a compact data repository. Easily combine data, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
• AI Smarts: SAP HANA includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, so you’ll have more useful analytics to enhance business processes. Automation simplifies even the most complex tasks.
• Security: A time-tested solution, the system includes extensive security features to protect your data and comply with regulations. For example, it supports identity and access management, encryption, and data anonymization.

SAP HANA Solutions

SAP HANA works as a database management system to support a wide variety of applications. These applications perform analyses or other functions, relying on SAP HANA as the core source of data. You can do real-time calculations to find what customers are buying or what stock levels you have, for example.

Given that SAP HANA can run in the cloud, many solutions take advantage of the cloud’s speed, size, security, agility, and cost. These include solutions made by SAP itself, such as SAP Analytics Cloud for real-time business intelligence, and SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud for controlling a production process.

Approyo is certified by SAP for SAP HANA operations. We can assist you in deploying new SAP solutions, or in the architecture and implementation of your own solution. Whether you want a cloud app or a mobile app, we’ll deliver a fast and powerful solution fit for your unique needs!

Planning to Make the Migration?

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Are you ready to move your organization’s data from a traditional database to the speed of SAP HANA’s in-memory column-oriented system? The good news is, making the leap is a relatively straightforward procedure.

To start, decide what you want to migrate from your old systems. This involves choosing which data, code, and applications you want to keep, and which are no longer useful.

Next, you’re ready to decide where you want to run SAP HANA. Given its adaptability, you can run it on your local hardware, in a public or private cloud, or in some combination. Consider the relative costs and benefits, such as the expense, speed, and security of each of these options.

Third, determine how much memory you’ll need. This depends on the size of your database. It’s also important to develop a sense of the other resources you’ll need—how much processing power, network connectivity, and any other IT infrastructure.

You can make a rough estimate by counting the number of users, or you can find more precise numbers by using throughput measurements. An experienced SAP HANA firm like Approyo can help you assemble an appropriate sizing.

Now you’re ready for the migration! SAP offers the “Database Migration Factory” as a tool to simplify upgrades from earlier SAP products or any other databases. Again, working with a trusted partner like Approyo can ensure a successful migration.

After migration, you’re ready to test the deployment and go live. This completes the process, and leaves you with a faster and more secure database management system.

Upgrade Securely to SAP HANA with Approyo

SAP HANA is a column-oriented, in-memory database management system that improves productivity. Capable of running in the cloud, on-premises, or as a hybrid this system offers a range of benefits, from speed and power to security and adaptability.

There are many ready-to-use solutions for SAP HANA—and you can also develop your own! But the migration process, while straightforward, is always easier with some help. An experienced, reliable partner can also assist you with upgrades and any other services related to the database.

Approyo is a global leader when it comes to SAP HANA, with decades of experience and over a thousand environments managed. If you’re ready to make the jump, we’re ready to work with you to customize a solution that streamlines your business processes. When it’s time for you to level up your data management systems, contact Approyo!

4 Invaluable Benefits You Get with Approyo’s SAP Consulting Services

As useful as enterprise software is on its own, it becomes far more powerful when used with expert SAP consulting services. Approyo offers time-tested solutions that simplify installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance.

The sheer complexity of SAP software can make it intimidating for most organizations to run. Additionally, with all the variables, you’ll be hard-pressed to keep the deployment clean and secure. Fortunately, a consultant can apply their years of knowledge—in Approyo’s case, more than 25 years—to keep your system running smoothly.

Managing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a demanding task. It involves many interrelated and continually evolving factors on the business and technical sides. The technology itself is quite complicated, and using it optimally demands time and money.

With SAP consulting services, you accelerate all elements of the system and increase its reliability. It’s simply more efficient—and thus a smart business decision—to work with the professionals. The greater agility soon repays the investment.

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The Benefits of Hiring an SAP Consultant

A professional consulting group offers numerous advantages. The experts can identify security weaknesses and produce solutions; they’ll also be there to assist with data migration. And the insights you gain from the partnership will reveal new ways to maximize the value of your SAP installation.

SAP consulting services speed up your business processes—the consultants have already gone through multiple processes and found the fastest way to perform tasks. The techniques they’ve learned can also save you hours on everyday activities.

Furthermore, consulting companies bring highly specialized knowledge to your team at reasonable rates. It’s just more efficient to hire a devoted SAP consultant than to attempt the same work without one. This approach also frees up your own staff to focus on their fortes.

Let’s take a closer look at four invaluable skills an SAP consultant can offer you.

Identifying and Assessing Possible Vulnerabilities—and Developing Solutions

Any software, no matter how well made, contains potential security threats. Even more serious risks emerge when one considers the many possible configurations of the software—especially as it’s not always done to the same specifications as the original programming.

The more elaborate a piece of software, the greater the business value it holds—and the greater its vulnerabilities. SAP software is extremely complex and used for large enterprise resources. As such, it ranks among the most important pieces of software to secure properly.

That said, most organizations using SAP software are ill-equipped to secure it adequately. Their focus is on their business (and rightly so), not on databases and applications. This is why it’s hugely beneficial to work with a specialist in the world of SAP consulting services, like Approyo.

The best SAP service provider carefully examines your entire configuration, including the underlying network and the data and applications. Moreover, they’ll regularly test for security problems and apply the relevant fixes.

Optimizing Migration Processes Through Trusted Frameworks

An SAP consultant expedites data migration using the most suitable tools and frameworks. Having conducted many migration processes for other clients, they’ll already have developed a reliable procedure. It’s much safer to migrate mission-critical data with proven experts than to risk going it alone.

Pre-made templates help to standardize the migration process, and by using the appropriate tools, the SAP experts move data in a fast and safe manner. As this is quite a labor-intensive process, there’s a substantial saving in time and effort—and that’s on top of improvements to the migration’s risk profile.

Providing Insights on How You Can Increase Your ROI

The main purpose of using SAP software is to streamline operations and increase earnings, which should more than cover the cost of deploying this new technology. The experienced eye of a professional consultant can give you a window into how precisely to maximize return on investment (ROI).

Experts understand just how the software can boost employee productivity. They’ve seen which aspects of enterprise resource planning contribute most to efficiency. Instead of searching fruitlessly for performance boosts or letting expensive software go to waste, take advantage of ready-made insights from a veteran SAP consultant such as Approyo.

Providing Guidance to Help Improve Overall Efficiency

An SAP consultant needs to have knowledge that extends throughout all aspects of the technology and its use. By working with such a partner, you’ll get the inside scoop on how best to incorporate this software into business processes and how to improve these over time.

The right consultant can train your staff to obtain maximum value from SAP’s capable yet complex software. This technology encompasses a range of features—some of which your organization may not even have heard of. However, when used intelligently, these innovative features can bolster business productivity.

Experience Excellence with Approyo’s SAP Consulting Services

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The best way to understand the effects of these benefits is to experience them for yourself. With Approyo’s full SAP consulting services you’ll have access to cloud hosting, upgrades, and migrations. In addition, their managed services cover any SAP-supported core functionality.

Excellence comes from experience. Approyo has over a thousand active SAP environments under management globally and has overseen more than a hundred migrations. Consulting services aid businesses with their production deployments for SAP products—including the latest S/4HANA enterprise resource planning system.

With Approyo’s SAP consulting services, areas of excellence include initial discovery and assessment. And once you take these steps, you’ll see the most advantageous ways to leverage SAP products for your specific needs. By analyzing your software situation, an SAP consultant will be able to reveal fresh opportunities and pave the way for data migration.

IT transformation along with cloud transformation can lead any organization to the forefront of digital technology. For instance, making updates to older systems results in fast problem solving for your clients. And with modern infrastructure, you’ll also decrease downtime. This is another area where Approyo can help you deliver on your organization’s mission.

Engage SAP Consulting Services With Approyo

Working with the leading provider of SAP consulting services comes with numerous advantages. Their experts will assess security pitfalls and produce solutions. They’ll also optimize migration and give you the key techniques needed to improve efficiency and increase ROI.

As an SAP certified consultant, Approyo already delivers these benefits to many top businesses and government agencies, and can use this same skillset to help your enterprise achieve unprecedented results. Their deep understanding of the technology—and how it meets organizational needs—creates next-generation outcomes.

Planning to migrate your data to the cloud? Looking for a partner who knows what’s best for your business? Call Approyo and get a free consultation regarding data migration matters now.