The BW Bridge approach allows organizations to leverage their existing SAP BW investments by connecting them to SAP Datasphere. This method can be executed through either remote conversion or shell conversion, depending on the specific requirements and current infrastructure.

The migration process consists of the following phases:

Assessment and Planning: During the Assessment and Planning phase, a thorough evaluation of the current SAP BW environment is conducted to gather essential insights. This assessment includes identifying all relevant objects, data models, and operational processes that will need to be migrated to SAP Datasphere. Carefully analyzing these elements provides a comprehensive understanding of the scope and requirements of the project. A detailed timeline with key milestones and deadlines to ensure a structured and efficient migration process.

Preparation: In the Preparation phase, we focus on two critical tasks to facilitate the migration to SAP Datasphere. First, we set up the BW Bridge environment within SAP Datasphere establishing the necessary infrastructure to seamlessly integrate data from SAP BW. 

Next, we ensure the source SAP BW system is prepared by verifying that it operates on a compatible version (e.g., SAP BW/4HANA). This preparatory work is essential to ensure smooth data integration and migration processes.

Conversion Options

Once the prep work is done, the choice will be made on the option most suited for an effective conversion. There are two methods to choose from: 

Remote Conversion Option:

Remote conversion is a method that involves directly connecting an existing SAP BW system to a new environment, such as SAP Datasphere, and incrementally migrating data and processes while keeping the source system operational.

Key Features:

• Direct Connection: Establishes a direct link between the existing on-premises SAP BW system and the target Cloud environment.
• Incremental Migration: Migrates data models, reports, and processes in stages, allowing for continuous operation of the source system during the migration.
• Synchronization: Ensures data synchronization between the source and target systems, maintaining consistency throughout the migration.
• Minimal Downtime: The incremental approach helps minimize downtime, as the source system remains operational during the migration.

Advantages:

• Reduced risk due to the incremental nature of the migration.
• Continuous operation of the source system during the migration process.
• Easier rollback in case of issues, as the source system remains intact.

Disadvantages:

• Potential complexity in maintaining synchronization between the source and target systems.
• May require more time to complete due to the incremental migration process.

Process:

• Preparation: Set up the target environment and prepare the source system for migration.
• Connection: Establish a direct connection between the source SAP BW system and the target environment.
• Incremental Migration: Gradually migrate data models, reports, and processes while ensuring data consistency.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing to validate the migrated components.
• Cutover: Complete the migration and switch operations to the new environment.

Shell Conversion Option

Shell conversion involves creating an empty structure (shell) of the existing SAP BW system in the new environment and then migrating the data, applications, jobs, and workflows into this shell. This approach is more like a rebuild in the new environment.

Key Features:

• Empty Shell Creation: Sets up a new, empty structure in the target environment that mirrors the existing SAP BW system.
• Reconstruction: Rebuilds data models, reports, and processes in the new environment.
• Data Transfer: Migrates data from the source SAP BW system to the new shell using data transfer tools.
• Full Migration: Ensures all components are moved and fully functional in the new environment before decommissioning the old system.

Advantages:

• Allows for a clean setup in the new environment, free from legacy system constraints.
• Provides an opportunity to redesign and optimize data models and processes.
• Clear separation between old and new environments, reducing complexity during migration.

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial effort to rebuild the system in the new environment.
• Potential for longer migration times compared to remote conversion.
• Requires thorough testing and validation to ensure functionality in the new environment.

Process:

• Preparation: Set up the target environment and create an empty shell that replicates the structure of the source system.
• Reconstruction: Rebuild data models, reports, and processes in the new environment.
• Data Transfer: Migrate data from the source system to the new environment using data transfer tools.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing to ensure all components are working correctly in the new environment.
• Cutover: Complete the migration by decommissioning the old system and fully transitioning to the new environment.

BW Bridge: 

The BW Bridge plays a pivotal role in both remote and shell conversion approaches by providing the necessary infrastructure and tools for connecting and migrating SAP BW systems to SAP Datasphere. Remote conversion is suitable for minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous operation during migration, while shell conversion offers a cleaner setup and the opportunity to redesign and optimize data architecture in the new environment.

Once the method is determined, the migration is then executed in key phases that will ensure a smooth transition to SAP Datasphere:

Data Transfer and Synchronization: In this phase, historical data is transferred, and real-time data replication is performed to minimize downtime. SAP-provided data transfer tools are utilized to ensure efficient movement of data. 

Testing and Validation: A thorough testing of migrated data models and reports is conducted during this phase to verify accuracy, while data integrity and performance in the SAP Datasphere environment are validated.

Go-Live and Optimization: Following testing, the Go-Live and Optimization phase finalizes the migration, transitioning operations to the new environment. Close monitoring ensures stable system performance and ongoing optimization efforts address any issues that may arise post-migration.

The advantages of this approach include leveraging existing investments and knowledge in SAP BW, minimizing disruption with parallel operations during migration, and facilitating a smooth transition supported by robust SAP tools. However, challenges include the complexity of maintaining synchronization between source and target systems during migration and potential difficulties in adapting data models to fit the new environment.

Option 2: Greenfield Implementation