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Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is Now Generally Available

jensfieger
Product and Topic Expert
Product and Topic Expert
‎2021 Nov 17 6:53 AM
17,525









In this blog I describe the general availability of Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA.

Abstract: With SAP S/4HANA 2021 and SUM 2.0 SP 12, the Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is generally available. This blog describes the prerequisites to successfully leverage ZDO for SAP S/4HANA.

Initial version (November 17, 2021): Blog published

Minor update (January 20, 2022): Youtube link to SAP TechEd 2021 replay added

Training material update (June 17, 2022): ADM330e and ADM330k have been re-released with updated content

Training material update (April 29, 2023): ADM330e and ADM330k have been replaced by new SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning


Overview


Until now, Zero Downtime Option of Software Update Manager for SAP S/4HANA was only available to pilot customers like described in the SAP Community blog Leveraging Zero Downtime Option of SUM for SAP S/4HANA release upgrades and updates.








We're pleased to announce that as of November 17, 2021, Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is generally available.


 

Availability and Boundary Conditions


Let's take a look to the availability in terms of supported products and add-ons and how you can get educated on Zero Downtime Option.


General availability of the Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA


First: the general availability of ZDO for SAP S/4HANA applies to systems running SAP S/4HANA 2020 or higher. There, ZDO can be used to perform major release upgrades as well as feature or support package updates.

Besides SAP S/4HANA 2020 (or higher), also SAP S/4HANA Foundation 2020 (or higher) is supported by ZDO. Please note that the product SAP S/4HANA Foundation is not allowed to be used standalone but only as a foundation in combination with a defined list of add-on product versions. Further details can be found in the release information SAP Notes:

  • SAP Note 2912919 - SAP S/4HANA FOUNDATION 2020: Release Information Note

  • SAP Note 3015497 - SAP S/4HANA FOUNDATION 2021: Release Information Note


The supported update and upgraded paths to utilize Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA are described and visualized in SAP Note 2707731 which is the comprehensive entry point to get all relevant information before starting a ZDO project.

Second: SAP S/4HANA supports add-ons from different vendors like SAP or 3rd party:

  • Standard add-ons delivered by SAP for SAP S/4HANA

  • Add-ons delivered by SAP Innovative Business Solution Organization (former SAP Custom
    Development)

  • Partner add-ons


For details, see SAP Note 2214409 - SAP S/4HANA: Compatible Add-Ons.

However, not all add-ons available for SAP S/4HANA implicitly are equipped with zero-downtime maintenance capability. Hence, Software Update Manager is equipped with an automated check that detects if all products and add-ons installed in the system are supported by ZDO. The full list of add-ons supported by ZDO is attached to the central SAP Note 2707731. If ZDO is not possible because of addon products in the system, potentially a custom-specific project can be started.

Third: Along with the general availability, the SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning was launched. Both, the e-learning, as well as the assessment are mandatory in order to get started using ZDO. The two new training modules are part of the Learning Journey "Software Lifecycle Management Tools".

After graduating from the mandatory SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning, you'll receive a digital badge from credly.com.

By having the digital badge, you'll be eligible to request a password which is asked by Software Update Manager after choosing the Scenario Strategy Zero Downtime Option (ZDO):


Selection of ZDO in Software Update Manager 2.0 SP 12 and higher


 

Summary



  • Zero Downtime Option (ZDO) does not require an additional license as it comes along with the standard tool for maintenance: Software Update Manager.

  • ZDO for SAP S/4HANA reduces the overall business downtime for maintenance events like upgrades and updates.

  • From SAP S/4HANA 2020, ZDO is generally available. For details on prerequisites and restrictions, see SAP Note 2707731.

  • The SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning.


 

More Information


For more information, you can refer to the following sources:

 

Jens Fieger

Product Management SAP SE, Software Logistics
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