Powering Legacy SAP into the Future with BTP Platform Services

Read oXya's blog article: Powering Legacy SAP into the Future with BTP Platform Services

Enterprise IT landscapes have never been more complex. As you manage these environments, you’ll find legacy applications running alongside cloud solutions, while  mission-critical processes span both modern and traditional infrastructures. The task of modernizing these systems demands a careful balance between innovation and stability.

Transforming SAP Landscapes with Platform Services

Recent market data underscores the scale of this transformation. SAP’s Cloud ERP Suite, which includes SAP BTP, recorded a 33% revenue increase in Q3 2024. This growth reflects how you and your peers are actively seeking solutions that can modernize existing systems while enabling future innovation.

In managing your SAP landscape, you face several key challenges:

  • Maintaining stable operations during innovation initiatives
  • Creating seamless connections between cloud and on-premise systems
  • Ensuring consistent data flows across platforms
  • Accelerating digital transformation without business disruption
  • Supporting new business requirements with existing infrastructure

The pressure to deliver faster, more agile solutions continues to grow. Yet you must balance this with maintaining the robust, reliable operations your business depends on. Success depends on implementing the right platform services to support both current needs and future growth.

The Bridge to Innovation: SAP BTP Platform Services

SAP BTP Platform Services create the foundation that connects your legacy systems with future innovations. Through service instances, you gain API-based access to extend existing systems, while service subscriptions provide ready-to-use applications that bring new capabilities to your landscape without disruption.

The business impact is compelling. According to a 2022 IDC study on the business value of using SAP BTP with S/4HANA, the combination delivered:

  • 514% three-year ROI with an average payback period of just eight months
  • $1.27 million in higher revenue per 100 users per year
  • 87% higher productivity for development teams
  • 37% faster project completion times
  • 197 additional productive hours per year for business users
  • $200,000-$300,000 reduced annual integration costs

These complementary approaches provide flexibility through:

  • Seamless connections between legacy and cloud systems
  • Modern applications that enhance existing processes
  • Scalable capabilities that protect current investments
  • Progressive modernization options that bridge old and new

These results show how SAP BTP Platform Services effectively bridge traditional systems with innovation. Whether through service instances or subscriptions, you can maintain your core operations while systematically building paths to new capabilities.

Clean Core Strategy Through Platform Services

Maintaining a clean core becomes practical through SAP BTP’s service approach. Service instances let you build extensions and integrations that connect to your core systems through APIs, while service subscriptions provide ready-to-use applications that work alongside your existing landscape.

This service-based approach supports clean core principles through:

  • Keeping custom code separate from your core ERP through service instances
  • Deploying standardized extensions via service subscriptions
  • Managing authorizations and access through dedicated services
  • Maintaining data consistency with database services
  • Handling integration needs through API management

This separation of core and custom functionality, achieved through SAP BTP platform services, streamlines your upgrade paths and reduces technical debt. When you need to update your core systems, your extensions and customizations remain intact and functional.

Modernization Enablement Through Service Types

SAP BTP platform services enable transformation while preserving existing investments. Service instances support your development teams in extending legacy systems, while service subscriptions provide immediate access to innovative solutions.

The platform’s development services provide:

  • Development environments for custom applications
  • Continuous integration and delivery pipelines
  • Cloud runtime environments
  • API management capabilities

While subscription-based services deliver:

  • Ready-to-use business applications
  • Pre-configured integration scenarios
  • Standardized analytics tools
  • AI-enabled processes

You can combine both service types to create a comprehensive modernization strategy. For example, use service subscriptions for standard processes while leveraging service instances to build unique capabilities that differentiate your business.

Managing Hybrid Landscapes 

Managing hybrid environments demands visibility and control across all systems. SAP BTP Platform Services simplify this complexity through targeted capabilities for both technical and business teams. Development teams gain access to core management tools, while operations teams benefit from intuitive monitoring and governance interfaces.

Development teams can leverage:

  • Authorization and Trust Management services for security
  • Logging services for monitoring and troubleshooting
  • Application autoscaling for performance optimization
  • Database services for data management

Operations teams gain access to:

  • Monitoring dashboards through service subscriptions
  • Predefined governance frameworks
  • Cost management tools
  • Performance analytics

These services work together to provide visibility and control across your hybrid landscape. You can track system performance, manage access controls, and optimize resources through a combination of API-driven tools and graphical interfaces.

Common Questions About BTP Services

Q: How do we determine whether to use service instances or subscriptions? 

A: Your choice depends on your needs. Use service instances when you require deep customization or API-based integration. Choose service subscriptions when you want ready-to-use applications with minimal setup.

Q: What’s the impact on our development teams? 

A: Development teams can use familiar tools through service instances for custom development. For standard scenarios, service subscriptions reduce development overhead by providing pre-built solutions.

Q: How do BTP services support our security requirements? 

A: Both service types include built-in security features. Service instances provide Authorization and Trust Management services for custom applications, while service subscriptions come with pre-configured security controls.

Q: How do BTP services support our hybrid cloud strategy? 

A: BTP services enable you to maintain and extend on-premise systems while adopting cloud capabilities. Service instances provide APIs for integration across environments, while service subscriptions offer cloud-based innovations without disrupting existing systems. This flexibility lets you move to the cloud at your own pace while maximizing current investments.

Q: What about scalability and future expansion? 

A: BTP’s service-based architecture inherently supports growth. Service instances scale through API management and cloud-native development capabilities, while service subscriptions can be activated for additional users or locations as needed. This means you can start with specific use cases and expand based on business demands without major infrastructure changes.

Q: What’s the pathway to getting started with SAP BTP Platform Services? 

A: The most effective way to begin is by partnering with experienced BTP experts who can assess your landscape and guide your journey. While you can explore services through the SAP Discovery Center, working with specialists like oXya ensures you choose the right combination of service instances and subscriptions for your specific needs, helping you develop a focused, practical implementation roadmap.

Partner with oXya for BTP Success

As your SAP BTP expert, oXya guides you through every phase of platform adoption and service implementation. From initial assessment to ongoing operations, our specialized BTP team delivers:

  • Application Development and Automation using BTP services
  • Integration expertise for your hybrid landscape
  • Data and Analytics implementations
  • AI solutions on BTP
  • Run Management services aligned with your SLAs
  • Complete BTP governance, including FinOps and security

Ready to leverage SAP BTP platform services for your digital transformation? Contact oXya to discuss how we can help you bridge your current systems with future innovation needs.

 

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