What is SAP HANA and What is the Benefit of It ?

SAP HANA is an ultrafast data analytics tool that employs proprietary technology to store and retrieve data from RAM memory instead of hard disks or SSDs. 

Developed by German software titans SAP, HANA is an acronym for High-performance ANalytic Appliance. The primary function of SAP HANA is fast processing of big data and real time analytics. It facilitates immediate access to information stored in multiple formats in various databases, such that different applications can quickly acquire data for analysis.

Advantages of SAP HANA

The major advantage offered by SAP HANA, as described above, is the speed with which data analytics can be conducted. Other Big data analytics services also have the capability to gather data from different sources, both structured and unstructured, and improve the organisational logistics. But the technology that underpins SAP HANA allows to scale the process much faster in real time.

SAP HANA  surpasses the performance of  traditional 3-tier architecture by implementing in-memory databases. The 3-tier architecture slows down data processing as it has to transition between data storage, analytical tools, and data-loading transactions stored in different devices. SAP HANA uses RAM storage to handle all the operations, which minimises processing time because less time is required to access and alter data.

How is SAP HANA Different?

To accomplish in-RAM processing, all the information needs to be organised properly in the database so that it can be accessed quickly. To achieve this, SAP HANA uses high compression rates for both columnar and row storage. Data is also only stored once to prevent bloat. Information within the database is grouped by age, requirements and access frequency. This ensures that the RAM capacity is optimised for immediate processing needs.

As a relational data management platform, SAP HANA functions as more than a data storage program. It can link large volumes of data reservoirs and apply intelligent processing protocols. 

Functionalities of SAP HANA

SAP HANA is equipped with a wide range of functionalities. Some examples include:

• Database management 
• Database administration 
• Data security 
• Multimodal processing 
• Application development 
• Data virtualisation 

SAP HANA Installations

SAP HANA can be installed either on premise or through cloud services. When installed on premise, a SAP provided key is used to activate the system. The cloud installation offers public and private options hosted by standard cloud services like Amazon Web Services or  Google Cloud Platform.

Applications and Benefits of SAP HANA

The potent set of capabilities afforded by SAP HANA has numerous applications and benefits in the business world. This transformational in-memory database offers the ability to manage the fluctuations in big data streams. It also provides businesses with the knowledge and resources necessary to view analytical data in a way that supports rapid decision-making in real time. Some of the SAP HANA features that various companies have benefited from are highlighted below:

• Exceptional speed – Advantage of using in-RAM processing.
• Comprehensive data management – Database management tools created to make the entire IT environment simpler
• High processing power – Ability to rapidly query large volumes of data using massively parallel processing (MPP).
• Flexible installation – Can be installed in the cloud or on-premise and still offer uncompromised functionalities.
• Fast scalability – Positioned to accommodate the growing data and processing needs of any rapidly expanding business. 
• Artificial intelligence – Allows for business processes to be automated to increase productivity by activating machine learning.
• Performance and cost efficiency – Powerful data compression and a columnar storage structure provides a cost-effective method to manage information.
  

SAP HANA is a disruptive technology in the data storage and analytics industry.  As a database, in-memory processing platform that links digital ecosystems, SAP HANA has revolutionised how large volumes of data is stored, handled, and analysed

References

SAP.com.What is SAP HANA?. [Online] SAP.com. Available at: https://www.sap.com/products/technology-platform/hana/what-is-sap-hana.html

IBM.com. What is SAP HANA?. [Online] IBM.com. Available at: https://www.ibm.com/uk-en/topics/sap-hana