Embracing the Future
SAP BusinessObjects, a platform known for its robustness and versatility, has been a game-changer in the realm of business intelligence. As the digital landscape evolves, so does SAP BusinessObjects, adapting and innovating to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses worldwide.
In light of recent announcements, let's explore the next chapter in its journey: SAP BusinessObjects 4.3 and beyond.
SAP BusinessObjects: A Brief Retrospection
SAP BusinessObjects has been an instrumental tool for businesses seeking to harness the power of data to drive decision-making. With the ability to analyse, share, and deliver information across organisations, it has become an integral part of many companies' data strategy.
However, the journey of SAP BusinessObjects has not been without its share of uncertainties. For a while, the future of the on-premise BI suite seemed unclear, with discussions about its end-of-life and the introduction of hybrid modes.
The Last Mile: SAP BusinessObjects 4.3?
SAP initially stated that SAP BusinessObjects 4.3 would be the final on-premises version, with support set to conclude by the end of 2024. Beyond that, assistance would be exclusively provided through SAP BusinessObjects Private Cloud Edition or require a migration to SAP Analytics Cloud.
BI 4.3, the subsequent major release following BI 4.2, was originally introduced with a commitment to remain accessible until the end of 2024. However, the timeline has already been extended to the end of 2027. This extension grants businesses the flexibility to either persist with on-premise operations or transition to the cloud, utilizing SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) or the Private Cloud Edition (PCE).The focus of this release was on the most-adopted tools, including:
- Web Intelligence
- Single source .unx universes
- Crystal Reports
- SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office
- BI platform (including the BI Launchpad)
By concentrating on these tools, SAP BusinessObjects 4.3 extended the runway for on-premise customers, providing them more time to plan their BI roadmap to the cloud.
The Dawn of a New Era: SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025
Much like its predecessor, BI 2025 is streamlined to focus on the core tools, namely Web Intelligence, Crystal Reports, Analysis for Microsoft Office, and Lumira Designer. This means that several components, including Live Office, Crystal Enterprise, and Lumira Discovery, have been deprecated, with legacy UNV universes and multi-data source UNX universe support also being discontinued.
Despite these changes, the future of SAP BusinessObjects looks promising. Businesses can look forward to a platform that continues to evolve and adapt, providing the tools they need to leverage data effectively.
The Importance of Upgrading
While the future of SAP BusinessObjects is secure, it is essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Older versions of BusinessObjects, such as 4.2 and earlier, will eventually become obsolete. For instance, BOBJ 4.2 is already out of mainstream support since end 2022.
Upgrading to a newer version like 4.3 is not just about accessing new features and capabilities. It's also about minimizing business risks. If something were to go wrong with an unsupported version, SAP would not be able to provide assistance, potentially causing significant disruption to business operations. Based on the current available information, customers need to be on SAP BusinessObjects 4.3 to be able to migrate to BI 2025.
Planning for the Upgrade
Upgrading to a new version of SAP BusinessObjects requires careful planning and consideration. Beyond the interface and tool changes that come with an upgrade, businesses need to consider several factors, including:
- The extent of content usage in the current environment and the potential impact of deprecated features
- The steps required to update the content to be compatible with the new version
- The type of upgrade: in-place or side-by-side in a new, clean environment
- The hardware or virtual platform for the new version and the possibility of migrating to the cloud
- Whether the organisation wants to manage the infrastructure in-house or consider a hosted and managed solution
Choosing the Right Path
The choice between SAP BusinessObjects 4.3, 2025 or the Private Cloud Edition is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Each organisation has unique needs and circumstances that will influence their choice. By evaluating their current situation and future goals, businesses can identify the right path for their SAP BusinessObjects journey.
Embracing the Future with Confidence
The future of SAP BusinessObjects is bright. With continued support and development from SAP, businesses can look forward to a platform that evolves to meet their needs. Whether they choose to stay on-premise or move to the cloud, they can do so with the confidence that SAP BusinessObjects will remain a reliable, robust tool for their business intelligence needs.
Partnering for Success
Navigating the upgrades and changes in SAP BusinessObjects can be a complex process. By partnering with BiTech Group who understand the intricacies of the platform, businesses can ensure a smooth transition to the new version. BiTech Group can provide invaluable guidance and support, helping businesses leverage the full potential of SAP BusinessObjects, now and in the future.
Conclusion
The evolution of SAP BusinessObjects underscores SAP's commitment to providing businesses with powerful tools for data analysis and decision-making. With a clear roadmap for the future, businesses can continue to rely on SAP BusinessObjects as a cornerstone of their data strategy. Whether they're planning an upgrade or considering a move to the cloud, the future of SAP BusinessObjects is a promising one.
Further Information
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Read the full SAP Analytics Business Intelligence Statement of Direction: