SAP HANA system administrators are responsible for installing and ensuring the continuous operation of all SAP HANA databases deployed in the corporate environment. SAP HANA administration is concerned with the management of the SAP HANA system in both a single and distributed context. SAP HANA is an in-memory data platform that may be installed on-premises or in the cloud. It’s a game-changing platform that’s ideal for real-time analytics, as well as designing and deploying real-time applications. The SAP HANA database, which is fundamentally different from any other database engine on the market today, is at the heart of this real-time data platform.
SAP HANA is an in-memory database that allows for real-time data analysis and application development on top of real-time data. For quick data analysis and real-time data provisioning, each HANA system can have a multi-node architecture, with each node including many CPUs. Smart data access can be used to get data from non-SAP systems without having to import it into the HANA database, and virtual tables can be used to read and write data.
SAP HANA Administration includes the following activities −
- SAP HANA multiple host system management
- SAP HANA System Management and Availability
- SAP HANA Administration Tools
- SAP HANA Backup and Recovery Management
- SAP HANA Data Provisioning and Integration with non-SAP systems
- SAP HANA Lifecycle Management
- SAP HANA Security and User Management
Each SAP system has many servers, which may be seen on the Administration page on HANA Studio. Administrative Perspective (default) in SAP HANA Studio is used to manage all administrative tasks in HANA systems. Navigate to the Landscape tab in HANA Studio to see the HANA system’s landscape. Services display all of the services that are active on the HANA system.
The following screenshot shows the SAP HANA system and all the key services running under the system Landscape for the same system.
SAP HANA Workload Management
Workload Management allows you to see how much work is being done on an SAP HANA system at the same time and how that work is prioritized.
Due to the platform’s capabilities, there are various forms of workload on an SAP HANA system, ranging from basic or sophisticated statements to possibly long-running data loading processes. The resources (CPU or memory) available to handle concurrent work must be balanced with these workload types. Workload queries are divided into two categories: transactional (OLTP) and analytic (OLAP).
Managing workload options
Workload management can be set up at several different levels, including the operating system level, global startup settings, and session level. There are a few things you can do to have an impact on how workload is managed:
- You can set the affinity of the available cores on the operating system level outside of the SAP HANA system.
- You can use parameters to apply static settings.
- By designing workload classes, you may dynamically influence workload at runtime.
The default values for all of these options are applied during the HANA installation. The workload management capabilities mentioned may not be necessary if these general-purpose settings provide you with entirely sufficient performance. Before you start managing workloads, make sure the system is properly configured: SQL statements should be tuned, tables should be distributed optimally in a distributed environment, and indexes should be defined as needed.
SAP HANA Administration Tools
In a single container or multiple container system, there are a variety of tools that may be used to conduct administration chores. All of the tools are used for database level administration, and SAP HANA Cockpit is used for system level management.
The following are some of the most commonly used HANA administration tools:
SAP HANA Cockpit
This is a management solution for your SAP HANA system that uses SAP Fiori Launchpad navigation to access a wide range of HANA applications. A web browser is required to access the SAP HANA Cockpit.
SAP HANA Lifecycle Manager
This is a management tool for SAP HANA components after they have been installed. Using the Lifecycle Manager, you can add/remove hosts and rename them.
SAP HANA Studio
In a distributed environment, you can use SAP HANA Studio to conduct system management and monitoring tasks. HANA Studio allows you to create users with varied access privileges, backup and recovery, and data provisioning. HANA Studio is an Eclipse-based program that runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Unix systems.
SAP HANA XS Administration Tools
This tool is used to manage and administer HANA database-based applications, such as the XS Classic and XS Advanced models. For applications developed and hosted in the SAP HANA environment, you can execute security and specify user authentication.
SAP HANA Application Lifecycle Management
This application is used to move delivery units, upload and download transports, and execute transport administration activities.
SAP HANA HW Configuration Check
You can use this tool to check the interoperability of the SAP HANA system with enterprise storage.
SAP Solution Manager
This tool is used to integrate your SAP HANA platform with other business solutions.
SAP HANA Administration Roles & Responsibilities
- SAP HANA integration with many external systems. In the HANA system, you will be exposed to many remote access options.
- Experience in SAP HANA systems monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting.
- HANA system administration utilizing SAP HANA Cockpit and HANA Studio.
- Managing users and responsibilities in the SAP HANA system is a plus.
- Using SAP HANA table management techniques such as data compression, table partitioning, compression techniques, and table load/unload into memory.
- Installation, data provisioning, administration, and modeling are all aspects of HANA.
- Design document, RFPs, and estimating plans, SAP BusinessObjects, and HANA integration.
- High-availability and disaster-recovery experience.
- Implementing SAP HANA Security, HANA XS Application Service, and HANA system monitoring.
Key Responsibilities of SAP HANA Administration:
a) Installation and Configuration: SAP HANA administrators are responsible for installing and configuring the SAP HANA database, ensuring its smooth deployment in the organization’s IT landscape. This includes setting up hardware requirements, defining system parameters, and establishing connectivity with other systems.
b) Monitoring and Performance Optimization: Administrators monitor the performance and health of the SAP HANA database, proactively identifying and resolving issues. They optimize data loading and query execution, tune database parameters, and implement best practices to ensure optimal performance.
c) Backup and Recovery: SAP HANA administrators develop and implement backup and recovery strategies to protect critical data. This involves scheduling regular backups, testing restore procedures, and implementing disaster recovery plans to minimize data loss and downtime.
d) Security Management: Administrators play a crucial role in ensuring the security of the SAP HANA database. They define and enforce access controls, manage user privileges, and implement encryption and authentication mechanisms to safeguard sensitive data.
e) System Upgrades and Patching: Administrators oversee system upgrades, applying patches and updates to keep the SAP HANA database up-to-date with the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. They also perform system validations and regression testing to ensure compatibility and stability.
Benefits of SAP HANA Administration:
a) Enhanced Performance: Effective administration ensures optimal performance of the SAP HANA database, enabling faster data processing, real-time analytics, and improved decision-making capabilities.
b) Improved Data Availability and Reliability: Administrators implement robust backup and recovery strategies, minimizing the risk of data loss and ensuring high availability of critical business information.
c) Enhanced Security: SAP HANA administrators play a key role in implementing security measures, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations, and safeguarding the organization’s reputation.
d) Efficient System Management: Administrators streamline system management processes, automate routine tasks, and proactively monitor system health, reducing downtime and optimizing resource utilization.
e) Scalability and Flexibility: SAP HANA administration enables organizations to scale their databases and adapt to evolving business needs. Administrators can efficiently manage growing data volumes, handle system upgrades, and accommodate changing workload requirements.
