What’s New in SAP BI Platform Support Tool 2.1.16 (Patch 16)

[puru17]

We have released a new maintenance patch for the SAP BI Platform Support Tool (BIPST), version 2.1.16.

This update is recommended for all users. The patch primarily focuses on maintaining stability and security by delivering important bug fixes and updated security components.

This version is compatible with BI 2025 and BI 4.3 +

In addition, this release includes a cleanup of several components that are no longer necessary or aligned with the current direction of the BI Platform. Removing these legacy features ensures the tool remains efficient, modern, and relevant for troubleshooting today’s environments.

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Key Enhancements

1. Migration to SAP JVM 17

To maintain forward compatibility and improve security, the BI Platform Support Tool now runs on SAP JVM 17 (upgraded from the previous Java 8 runtime).

This modernization effort included updating underlying libraries and Java dependencies, resulting in two major benefits:

• BI 2025 Readiness: The tool is now fully aligned for use with BI 2025 (while maintaining compatibility with BI 4.3).
• Enhanced Security: Users now benefit from the security improvements and fixes delivered with the newer Java runtime.

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2. New: Java SDK File Analyzer

This release introduces a new utility designed to help developers and administrators working with the BI Platform Administration SDK or Crystal Reports SDK—the two types of BI Java SDK.

This tool scans any specified directory (including subfolders) to determine whether all required Java dependencies (.jar files) for a particular BI Java SDK version are present.

It compares the detected JAR files against the list documented in SAP Help:
SDK libraries in SAP Help Portal

The analyzer also highlights any extra or unexpected JAR files, as these can sometimes cause class conflicts or other issues during SDK development.

Please note:

• This is an offline tool that analyzes directories locally on the host machine. It does not require a connection to BI Platform servers (CMS) or the Enterprise Repository.
• This tool does not download or replace missing JAR files. Any required files must be obtained manually.
• The tool is read-only and does not modify the directory it scans.

For detailed instructions, see the Java SDK File Analyzer documentation:
Java SDK File Analyzer – Documentation

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Deprecated Features

As the BI Platform continues to evolve, several older utilities within BIPST are no longer aligned with current technologies, browser support, or authentication frameworks. Version 2.1.16 removes the following components:

1. E2E Trace Wizard

This feature relied on deprecated Internet Explorer plug-in–based workflows that are no longer supported.
End-to-End tracing has been a built-in feature of the Fiori BI Launchpad since BI 4.3.
For instructions, see KBA 2726569.

2. SAML Authentication Configuration Wizard

Trusted Authentication and SAML configuration have changed significantly in BI 4.3 SP04 Patch 10 and BI 2025, and the legacy wizard is no longer compatible with the new authentication model.

Furthermore, for BI versions up to 4.3 SP04 Patch 9, we observed very limited usage of this wizard. Each customer’s SAML implementation requires landscape-specific steps and validation, making the generic workflow provided by the wizard no longer meaningful. As a result, the value of updating or maintaining this component was minimal.

For instructions on configuring Front-End SAML Authentication on BI 4.3 / 2025, please refer to KBA 2791348.

3. Screen Recorder

Removed due to the availability of more advanced and widely accessible screen-recording tools (including built-in OS tools and open-source utilities).

4. Passport Decoder

No longer required due to the shift toward Fiori Launchpad E2E tracing workflows.

5. Webi Doc Masker

Deprecated because it is no longer used in current BI support scenarios.

6. Deprecated Tabs in Landscape Report

The following tabs have been removed from the Landscape Report comparison views:

• Explorer
• Dashboard Cache
• Dashboard Processing

These components are deprecated within the BI Platform and are no longer maintained.

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Fixed Issues

1. Change Analysis Page Hanging

Previously, comparing two landscape reports that included non-standard authentication types could cause the Change Analysis page to hang when selecting the root Authentication object.
This issue has been resolved in this patch.

2. Improved README Instructions

The README.txt file (attached below) has been refreshed with clearer, step-by-step instructions for both Linux and Windows, making installation and execution easier for administrators.

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Download & Quick Troubleshooting

The latest version is available in the SAP for Me Software Center:
Direct Download link: BIPST 2.1.16

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Windows Installation Steps

1. Extract the downloaded .zip file and run BISupportToolSetup.exe.
2. To start the BI Support Tool, run win_launch_bipst.bat.
3. Wait a few seconds for the tool to initialize.
4. If you encounter issues launching the tool, logging in, or saving a landscape report, delete the folder:
   C:\Users\<your_user>\AppData\Roaming\BISupportTool
   Then re-run win_launch_bipst.bat.

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Linux Installation Steps

1. Extract the tool

unzip BISupportToolSetup.exe

This will create a directory named BISupportTool.

2. Set permissions

chmod 755 -R .

3. Create configuration file

Create a file named landscape.json and paste the template from the README.txt located under .../BISupportTool/README.txt.
Update the following fields only:

• Hostname
• BI_user

4. Run configuration step

./linux_launch_bipst.sh -autoconfig=/full/path/to/landscape.json -password=YourPassword

5. Run the tool

./linux_launch_bipst.sh -autorun

Note: On Linux, the tool is limited to generating landscape reports. Other utilities and features are only available on Windows.

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We Want Your Feedback

Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
For suggestions on future enhancements, feature requests, or issues to report, reach out through the available SAP Support channels.

README.txt