Why Use SAP GUI With Amazon Appstream 2.0?

In the SAP world, SAP GUI is the indispensable user interface for connecting to SAP systems. To use it, there are two solutions: SAP GUI can be deployed locally or via Amazon AppStream 2.0. In this article, Vickram Rama, Cloud Architect Lead at oXya, takes a closer look at the advantages of this second solution.

SAP GUI On AppStream 2.0: What Are We Talking About Exactly?

SAP GUI is the interface that enables all users to access SAP applications in order to carry out day-to-day business: purchasing, financial operations, procurement, HR transactions, SAP system maintenance, etc. “For it to be operational and authorize access to SAP, the SAP GUI interface must first be deployed on each user workstation in identical versions. This represents an onerous workload for companies with hundreds or thousands of employees. Thanks to AppStream 2.0, you only need to install SAP GUI once,” explains Vickram Rama.

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an application streaming service that eliminates the need for organizations to deploy their essential business tools locally. What are its advantages? Simplified management, maintenance and updating of software. Moreover, the AWS service covers all types of applications, from office software to architecture, graphics and SAP. AppStream 2.0 is fully scalable: whether there are 10 or 10,000 users, they can be added or removed quickly and effortlessly. “Using Amazon AppStream 2.0 really leads to time savings and greater convenience for all types of businesses, especially those with large workforces. Deploying updates and version upgrades locally is usually very time-consuming. With AppStream 2.0, the company directly installs the version of the tool it needs, or it can easily manage several versions,” says Rama.

Using SAP GUI On Appstream 2.0 Brings Greater Flexibility And Security

Deploying SAP GUI via AppStream 2.0 is above all an apt response to new ways of working in companies, starting with the flexibility that is inherent in remote working. By proposing the SAP GUI interface, the streaming service enables each employee, regardless of whether they are on the organization’s premises, on the move or working from home, to access their SAP applications securely. “Whatever your device or its robustness level, all you need to use SAP GUI via AppStream 2.0 is an Internet connection and an HTML5-compatible web browser such as Chrome, Mozilla, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Edge,” Rama adds.

Additionally, Amazon AppStream 2.0 offers advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), access management and data security. The service also includes end-to-end encryption from user to application and identity management via SAML authentication to limit application access to defined groups or professions (IT, Marketing, HR, etc.). All these features guarantee optimum protection for the sensitive data managed by SAP. What’s more, since security updates and software patches are managed centrally, the risk of security vulnerabilities is reduced.

What Are The Key Points To Consider?

To get the most out of AppStream 2.0, some best practices need to be followed. “Like all AWS services, access to AppStream 2.0 represents a cost for businesses, which varies according to the duration of use. To prevent excessive costs, usage should be analyzed in depth and AppStream should be configured to match needs as closely as possible. It is essential to precisely identify what applications you want to use on Amazon AppStream 2.0 and to examine license agreements carefully to ensure compatibility, particularly with regard to the number of users. Incidentally, if you have a Microsoft Mobility License, you can use your CALs (client access licenses) with AppStream to reduce the usage cost of your Windows operating systems,” explains Rama. In any case, the use of AppStream 2.0 helps reduce management costs for SAP applications. In this context, SAP GUI installation does not require the use of workstations or the maintenance of bounce servers.

For businesses, the speed at which solutions are deployed is always a crucial factor. AppStream 2.0 is no exception to this rule, so it is recommended to use DevOps tools like Terraform for standardized deployment and greater speed. Remember, however, that some time will be needed to install and size applications and to configure network layers. For Vickram Rama, “Anticipating slowdown and security problems is essential. Although the AppStream 2.0 service can be implemented very quickly, it is important not to overlook carrying out an analysis of applications, including their RAM, CPU and disk usage, and the company’s intended use for them, starting with whether or not to set up persistent storage for users.”

Conclusion

Combining Amazon AppStream 2.0 with SAP GUI therefore offers many advantages both for users and the organizations to which they belong. In addition to wider accessibility to SAP for employees, who can connect to it from their desktop and on the move, via their laptop, tablet or smartphone, businesses also benefit from simplified management of SAP applications. While AppStream 2.0 is a fee-based solution, it helps reduce the usual costs of application management. Moreover, with RISE with SAP, AppStream 2.0 plays a key role in enhancing user experience by using AWS services to reduce network latency and enable seamless access to SAP S/4HANA within RISE via SAP GUI.

oXya has proven expertise in implementing the SAP GUI solution with Amazon AppStream 2.0. Are you interested in finding out more about the best ways to use SAP GUI on AppStream 2.0, including requirements, configuration and installation along with fleet and stack creation? Contact us here.