IBM and SAP have published a reference architecture that shows the way to leverage bleeding-edge SAP cloud technology together with industry-leading business-continuity and security features of IBM Power in a hybrid cloud that connects on-premise solutions to public and private clouds. The reference architecture explores specifically an important scenario in the Consumer Products industry: Connecting a web shop with SAP S/4HANA on-premises.

Similar architectural principles can be applied in other industries or to connect SAP NetWeaver/SAP Business Suite systems on P, I or Z to cloud applications and services in SAP BTP.

For a company with an existing investment in on-premise SAP solutions, the hybrid cloud model makes a lot of sense. Their IT gains the benefits of cloud services, such as faster innovation cycles, scalability, and utility pricing, while keeping control of core business systems in-house. Furthermore, the hybrid cloud model lets the SAP customer adopt cloud services gradually and thus build both confidence in and experience with the cloud.

As of today, more than 3,000 customers have chosen IBM Power as their server platform of choice and foundation to run SAP HANA®, SAP S/4HANA®, and related SAP applications. Many more are planning their migration from SAP R/3® and SAP Business Suite to SAP S/4HANA on IBM Power soon.

There are multiple reasons why IBM Power is a superior platform for SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA: exceptional flexibility, resiliency, and scalability of the platform. Using Power Systems as an enterprise Linux platform enables faster business transformation, quicker ROI, and fewer operational risks.

Please contact the author andreas.r.mueller@ibm.com for questions, a C-Level overview presentation or a technical deep dive for architects.