SAP Datasphere

Basic Information

SAP Datasphere is a comprehensive, cloud-based data service that serves as the foundation for an organization's business data fabric. It is the evolution of SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, designed to simplify data management across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The platform integrates data from SAP and non-SAP systems, both cloud and on-premise, providing a unified view with preserved business context and logic.

• Model: SAP Datasphere (evolution of SAP Data Warehouse Cloud)
• Version: Continuously updated cloud service.
• Release Date: March 8, 2023 (as SAP Datasphere)
• Minimum Requirements: As a web-based offering, it primarily requires an internet connection and a compatible web browser. Client-side screen resolution of XGA 1024x768 (high color) or higher, with widescreen 1366x766 or higher, and a minimum recommended browser cache size of 250 MB.
• Supported Operating Systems: Client access is browser-based, supporting standard operating systems compatible with modern web browsers.
• Latest Stable Version: As a SaaS product, it is continuously updated; users always access the latest stable version.
• End of Support Date: Mainstream maintenance for SAP BW 7.5 ends in 2027, with extended maintenance until 2030. SAP BW/4HANA is maintained until at least 2040. SAP Datasphere is SAP's strategic cloud-oriented solution. SAP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud are scheduled to be removed from new BTPEA, CPEA, and PAYG subscriptions as of January 1, 2026, but will continue to be available in SAP Business Data Cloud.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated for SAP Datasphere as it is SAP's strategic forward-looking data management solution.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable; as a cloud service, updates are managed by SAP.
• License Type: Consumption-based licensing using Capacity Units (CUs). A CU bundles compute, storage, integration, cataloging, and analytics services.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-native, delivered as a comprehensive data service built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

Technical Requirements

SAP Datasphere is a cloud-based service, so client-side technical requirements are minimal, focusing on internet connectivity and browser capabilities. The core infrastructure is managed by SAP.

• RAM: For the underlying SAP HANA Cloud database, a minimum of 64 GB of memory is required for high-availability setups with multi-availability zones. For tenant configuration, a minimum of 32 GB of RAM (2 compute blocks) is provided, with options for scaling up.
• Processor: Performance classes (Memory, High Memory, Compute, High Compute) determine the number of vCPUs allocated to a tenant.
• Storage: Tenants start with 128 GB of storage. Disk storage starts with 8 blocks of 16 GB (128 GB) and can be scaled up. Data lake disk storage is configurable from 0 TB to 90 TB.
• Display: XGA 1024x768 (high color) or higher; Widescreen 1366x766 or higher.
• Ports: Standard internet ports for web access (HTTPS).
• Operating System: Any operating system capable of running a modern web browser.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for end-users are light, reflecting its nature as a web-based, cloud service. The significant hardware resources (RAM, processor, storage) are provisioned and managed by SAP in the cloud environment. This model offloads infrastructure management from the customer, allowing for flexible scaling of resources based on consumption blocks for storage, compute, and data integration. The ability to configure performance classes (Memory, High Memory, Compute, High Compute) allows optimization for different workload types.

Support & Compatibility

SAP Datasphere offers broad compatibility and robust support options, integrating with various SAP and non-SAP systems.

• Latest Version: Continuously updated as a cloud service.
• OS Support: Client access is browser-based, supporting standard operating systems.
• End of Support Date: While SAP BW 7.5 mainstream maintenance ends in 2027 (extended to 2030), and BW/4HANA is supported until 2040, SAP Datasphere is the strategic cloud solution. Existing SAP Data Intelligence Cloud customers will be supported, but SAP's strategic focus is on Datasphere, encouraging transition.
• Localization: Supports various languages and regional settings through its web interface.
• Available Drivers/Connectors: Hundreds of connectors for seamless data integration from diverse sources, including SAP and non-SAP systems, cloud, and on-premise. It supports connectivity to data lakes, third-party sources, and integration with tools like SAP Analytics Cloud, Microsoft Excel, and public OData APIs.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

SAP Datasphere demonstrates strong support and compatibility. Its cloud-native architecture ensures continuous updates and eliminates the need for manual version management. The extensive range of connectors facilitates integration with a heterogeneous data landscape, a key strength highlighted by users. The strategic focus on Datasphere as the future of SAP's data management indicates ongoing investment and development, ensuring long-term support. The ability to reuse and migrate trusted meta and data models from SAP BW and SAP SQL Data Warehouse implementations further enhances compatibility and eases transition for existing SAP customers.

Security Status

SAP Datasphere is designed with high security standards, incorporating various features to protect data from web and cloud attacks.

• Security Features: Role-based authorizations, data room separation (spaces), real-time monitoring and logging of data activities, strict access controls, data governance, and data quality tools. It includes built-in backup and disaster recovery.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widely publicized known vulnerabilities are mentioned in the provided data, but SAP emphasizes continuous security efforts.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; it is a legitimate enterprise software.
• Certifications: Designed to comply with data protection laws like GDPR and CCPA.
• Encryption Support: Supports encrypted communication for network channels (SSL/TLS). Data at rest (customer data, metadata, logs, backups) is encrypted using customer-specific encryption keys (CSEK). Customers can also use Customer-Controlled Encryption Keys (CCEK).
• Authentication Methods: Supports identity provider authentication for business users and administrators. Basic authentication is supported for technical users accessing open SQL schemas. OAuth clients are recommended for command-line interface communication. It shares the same authentication mechanism as SAP Analytics Cloud. Multi-factor authentication is a recommended best practice.
• General Recommendations: Enable audit logs for personal data handling to comply with GDPR. Set password policies for database users, with a recommended maximum validity of 90 days for non-privileged users. Configure session timeouts (recommended 3600 seconds/1 hour). Use encrypted channels, manage IP allowlists, and keep object tracking on. Implement robust firewall solutions and proper data classification.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating

SAP Datasphere offers a robust security framework. It incorporates comprehensive measures such as encryption for data in transit and at rest, strong access controls through role-based authorizations and space management, and extensive audit logging capabilities. The platform's design adheres to high security standards and aims for compliance with major data protection regulations. While no specific vulnerabilities are highlighted, the emphasis on continuous security development and recommended best practices for customers indicates a proactive approach to maintaining a secure environment. The ability to use customer-controlled encryption keys provides an additional layer of data control for sensitive data.

Performance & Benchmarks

SAP Datasphere is designed for efficient data management and real-time analytics, leveraging its cloud-native architecture and underlying SAP HANA Cloud database.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores are not readily available in the provided data.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report effective data management for centralizing and analyzing business data. It enables real-time production tracking, identifies bottlenecks, and optimizes resource allocation. Performance issues with large datasets are mentioned as a dislike by some users.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to end-users as it is a cloud service. SAP manages the underlying infrastructure.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to end-users as it is a cloud service.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: It is positioned as a strategic replacement and evolution for SAP BW and SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, offering enhanced capabilities for data integration, cataloging, semantic modeling, and virtualization. It aims to provide faster reporting/analytics compared to traditional data warehouses.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

SAP Datasphere is built on the high-performance SAP HANA Cloud database, suggesting strong underlying capabilities for data processing and analytics. It is designed for speed and responsiveness, with application modules optimized for minimal bandwidth usage. While specific benchmark figures are not provided, user feedback indicates effective data management and real-time insights for various use cases. However, some users report performance issues with very large datasets, suggesting that performance can be dependent on specific configurations and data volumes. The flexible tenant configuration and performance classes allow customers to scale resources to meet performance demands for compute-intensive or memory-intensive workloads.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews highlight several strengths and weaknesses of SAP Datasphere.

• Strengths:
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive interface and user-friendly compared to other enterprise data management tools.
  • Data Management: Effective for centralizing and analyzing business data efficiently.
  • Easy Integrations: Seamless integration with various data sources, both SAP and non-SAP.
  • Analytics: Powerful capabilities for effortless data insights and advanced analyses.
  • Unified Platform: Combines data modeling, governance, and analytics in a single environment.
  • Scalability: Provides unmatched scalability to handle large data volumes.
  • Support: Responsive and helpful support team.
• Weaknesses:
  • Cost: Perceived as expensive compared to competitors, potentially limiting accessibility for small businesses.
  • Performance Issues: Some users report performance challenges with very large datasets.
  • Complexity: Integration with non-SAP tools can be complex. Data modeling and setup processes can be intricate, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • UI Changes: Frequent, sometimes disruptive UI changes.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Merging and harmonizing data from disparate sources.
  • Building business logic and providing models for reporting tools like SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).
  • Strategic replacement for SAP BW for enterprise-wide reporting and analytical capabilities, especially with SAP S/4HANA as a main source.
  • Automating financial reporting and consolidating data.
  • Gaining 360° customer insights for targeted marketing.
  • Tracking supply chain logistics and inventory.
  • Monitoring production performance and predictive maintenance in manufacturing.
  • Integrating workforce analytics.
  • Enabling self-service analytics for business users.

Summary

SAP Datasphere is a strategic, cloud-native data management solution designed to create a unified business data fabric across an organization's diverse data landscape. It acts as an evolution of SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, offering comprehensive capabilities for data integration, cataloging, semantic modeling, data warehousing, data federation, and virtualization. Its core strength lies in its ability to connect and harmonize data from both SAP and non-SAP, cloud and on-premise sources, while preserving business context and logic.

The asset boasts minimal client-side technical requirements due to its web-based nature, with SAP managing the robust underlying infrastructure, including flexible scaling of compute and storage resources. Support and compatibility are strong, with continuous updates as a cloud service and extensive connectors for broad integration. Security is a paramount feature, incorporating encryption for data in transit and at rest, granular access controls, role-based authorizations, and comprehensive audit logging, all designed to meet high security standards and compliance regulations.

Performance is generally rated as effective for centralizing and analyzing business data, enabling real-time insights. However, some users note potential performance challenges with extremely large datasets. User feedback consistently praises its ease of use, intuitive interface, and powerful analytics capabilities, making it accessible for both technical and business users. Key weaknesses include its perceived high cost and a potentially steep learning curve for complex integrations or advanced data modeling.

SAP Datasphere is recommended for organizations seeking to modernize their data landscape, consolidate disparate data sources, and empower business users with self-service analytics. It is particularly well-suited for scenarios involving complex data integration, real-time reporting, and advanced analytics across various business functions like finance, sales, supply chain, and HR.

In summary, SAP Datasphere is a powerful, secure, and highly integrated cloud platform that simplifies enterprise data management and fosters data-driven decision-making. Its strengths in integration, governance, and user-friendliness make it a compelling solution for building a modern data architecture, despite considerations around cost and complexity for some use cases.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.