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The first half of the year 2024 is almost over, which means we are happy to announce that the second release of SAP HANA Cloud in 2024 is live now!
Before diving deeper into the broad variety of innovations included, let me share that if you want to hear about the innovations from our product experts first-hand, including demos, make sure to watch our What’s New in SAP HANA Cloud webcast, soon to be uploaded on our YouTube channel, or take a look at my top features for the recent release in less than 5 minutes.
Innovations in SAP HANA Cloud, SAP HANA Database
Administration and Service Management
Support for larger instances
With the second quarterly release of SAP HANA Cloud in 2024, we are adding support for large SAP HANA database instances with up to 12 TB of memory. This doubles the amount of memory you can allocate to your database instances in SAP HANA Cloud.
Many customers have large on-prem SAP HANA database instances and are looking to migrate them to the cloud. With the support for larger instances, SAP HANA Cloud can accommodate these large data volumes. Additionally, you gain the flexibility to scale up your existing cloud database instances as your memory requirements increase over time.
The large instances can be provisioned on demand through the performance class High Memory (SAP HANA Cloud offers four performance classes with different core-memory ratios for sizing database instances for different workloads.) High Memory is suitable for memory-intensive workloads like the ones we are targeting with these large instances.
You can provision a large SAP HANA database instance on the main cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. The actual configuration (i.e., the actual amount of memory and processing power) varies depending on the hyperscaler. Initially, large instances are available in selected regions. The available configurations are as follows:
Initial regional availability
AWS | 9 TB | 12 TB 442 vCPU | EU10 US10 |
Azure | 7,44 TB 412 vCPU | 11,15 TB 412 vCPU | EU20 US20 |
GCP | 8,63 TB 412 vCPU | 11,52 412 vCPUs | EU30 US30 |
Upsizing existing instances to large instances can be done by restarting the instance or without a restart for near-zero downtime. You will be required to apply changes without a restart if the storage size increases beyond a hyperscaler specific boundary, that is currently 16TB on AWS and 64TB on Azure and GCP.
Managing database instances in a Cloud Foundry space, from the multi-environment tools
SAP HANA Cloud now enables the management of both Cloud Foundry and "subaccount" database instances using the multi-environment tools. This enhancement includes the ability for developers or administrators to create and delete SAP HANA Cloud instances in a Cloud Foundry space, as well as to facilitate application development from SAP Business Application Studio with runtime objects deployed through the broker of SAP HANA Infrastructure Services to an SAP HANA Cloud instance accessed through a Cloud Foundry space.
The management of database instances in a Cloud Foundry space using multi-environment tools simplifies and enhances the user experience by providing a single set of administration tools. This allows users to manage instances of SAP HANA Cloud running in both the “subaccount runtime environment” and Cloud Foundry, offering flexibility in choosing the runtime environment that best fits the user's needs. This support for Cloud Foundry, Kyma, and the “subaccount runtime environment” enhances the versatility and scalability of SAP HANA Cloud, catering to diverse deployment requirements
Management of multiple variant SQL plans based on different parameter values
The latest QRC introduces the capability to cache different SQL execution plans based on parameter values that cause variant SQL execution plans for HEX. This innovation enables the storage and caching of multiple variant SQL execution plans, optimizing SQL execution performance for various parameter values.
This functionality helps to avoid performance loss resulting from skewed data, ensuring that SQL execution remains efficient and effective across different parameter values, ultimately enhancing the overall performance and stability of SQL query execution in SAP HANA.
Integration of catalog object browsing in the administration tool
SAP HANA Cloud now integrates catalog object browsing into our central database administration tool, introducing a new "database objects" application that displays tables, views, indexes, functions, procedures, and schemas. Additionally, users can access their favorite and recently accessed catalog objects within the tool, streamlining the browsing and management of database objects.
This integration enhances productivity by consolidating catalog object functionality into a single administration tool, simplifying the user interface for browsing database objects. By providing a unified environment, this innovation improves the user experience and efficiency in navigating and interacting with the database catalog, ultimately enhancing the user's ability to effectively manage database objects within SAP HANA Cloud.
Consumption monitor for visualizing unit consumption
Additionally, with the second delivery of SAP HANA Cloud in 2024, we introduce a consumption monitor for visualizing the compute unit consumption of instances. This feature also is a new card in the administration and monitoring tool and displays historical, estimate and actual values for consumption, offering daily and detailed consumption information related to memory, compute, storage, and network data transfer.
The consumption monitor harmonizes and simplifies access to consumption-related data, delivering transparent and structured insight into consumption metrics. By providing clear visualization and detailed information on unit consumption, it enables users to predict consumption through simple forecasting, empowering them to make informed decisions and optimize resource utilization within SAP HANA Cloud. This feature offers users better control over resource management and expenditure, ultimately enhancing cost-effectiveness and performance optimization within the database.
SAP HANA Cloud Multi-Model Data Processing
Multilabel classification and outlier detection in machine learning
With the 2024 Q2 database release, several new features have been released in the SAP HANA Cloud Predictive Analysis Library (PAL) , prepared in detail in this blog [New Machine Learning features in SAP HANA Cloud database release 2024 Q2 - SAP Community].
A new multilayer perceptron neural network function for multi-task prediction scenarios, i.e. multi-label classification or multi-target regressions. With a single neural network model, multiple related target columns can be predicted at once, capturing both the common features across tasks as well as the task-specific information providing unique predictions for scenarios like automated multi-field value proposals or pre-filling of forms like in Sales Order Automation.
Other improvements include enhanced outlier detection for regression scenarios, improved performance with Random Decision Tree-based text classification and AutoML scenario configuration UI and improved pipeline explainability support with the Python Machine Learning client release 2.21
Spatial function to measure the similarity between two shapes
Implementing the new spatial function ST_HausdorffDistance in SAP HANA Cloud enables users to compare and analyze spatial relationships between two sets of geographic features, such as points, lines, or polygons. This new feature provides a powerful tool for spatial data analysis, allowing users to gain valuable insights into the similarities and differences between various geographic shapes, including curves, bends, and irregularities.
The new spatial function enhances the reliability of working with real-world data, which often contains imperfections. Users can now conduct in-depth analysis and comparison of entire shapes, enabling them to make more accurate and informed decisions based on their spatial data. It also empowers users to gain deeper insights and a more comprehensive understanding of their geographic data, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful decision-making.
Database Migration
Extension of SAP Business Application Studio to support design-time object migrations
The extension of SAP Business Application Studio (BAS) to support design-time object migrations provides users with a seamless and automated solution for migrating SAP HANA extended application services to SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) and SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP). This feature streamlines the migration process by supporting the conversion of design-time artifacts from SAP HANA to SAP HANA Cloud, making it easier for users to ensure compliance with the SAP CAP.
The extension of SAP Business Application Studio offers significant benefits to users by automating the conversion of design-time artifacts, reducing the time and effort required for migration, and ensuring compliance with the SAP CAP. This innovation provides a flexible and convenient alternative for migrating SAP HANA extended application services to SAP HANA Cloud without the need for an on-premise license, empowering users to efficiently and effectively manage their migration efforts.
Insights into migration duration
Next up, we are now providing insights into the average migration duration for comparable scenarios. This offers users valuable information to better understand and plan their database migration efforts. The feature enables users to gain visibility into the approximate amount of time needed to migrate a similar database, improving transparency and enhancing the predictability of the migration process. It enhances user experience by offering greater predictability and control over the migration process.
Innovations in SAP HANA Cloud, data lake
Support for the cloud connector for the data lake component
With the latest update, we now offer support for the SAP Cloud Connector for the SAP HANA Cloud, data lake. This new capability enables users to create remote server connections from the SAP HANA Cloud data lake relational engine to on-premise databases of SAP HANA using the Cloud Connector. This integration allows for seamless and secure data exchange between on-premise and cloud environments, facilitating efficient data access and analysis across distributed systems.
The addition of the cloud connector support for the SAP HANA Cloud, data lake enables users to import data directly into the data lake relational engine or execute federated queries against the on-premise data source. This streamlines the data integration process, empowering users to leverage a unified platform for data management and analysis. By bridging on-premise and cloud databases, this innovation enhances the accessibility, flexibility, and usability of data within the SAP HANA Cloud environment, ultimately improving productivity and decision-making
Further Innovations & Enhancements
Database Application Development
Ability to self-tune SQL performance with the SQL plan advisor
In this quarter's update, SAP HANA Cloud introduces the ability to self-tune SQL performance with the SQL plan advisor. This feature includes reporting on fluctuating execution times for SQL statements and an automated comparison of execution performance tests to activate self-tuning. Additionally, it enables the system to automatically apply the tuned SQL plans, thereby optimizing the performance of SQL queries within the SAP HANA Cloud environment.
The self-tuning capability brings significant benefits to users by allowing them to intuitively identify problematic performance of deviating SQL statements. By leveraging automatic comparison of different plan results and adjustment of future plans, SAP HANA Cloud minimizes the need for manual intervention, saving time and effort in optimizing SQL performance. This innovation ensures that users can consistently achieve optimal query performance, enhancing overall system efficiency and user experience.
Adding the capability to create fabric virtual tables in SAP HANA deployment infrastructure
Additionally, the capability to create fabric virtual tables within an SAP HANA deployment infrastructure (HDI) container has been introduced. This enhancement enables users to seamlessly integrate fabric virtual tables into their SAP HANA deployment infrastructure, providing a simplified and efficient method for accessing and utilizing data without the need for schemas. Moreover, it empowers users to leverage performance optimizations on remote tables, enhancing data processing and analysis capabilities.
This innovation simplifies the process of utilizing fabric virtual tables without the requirement of using schemas, streamlining the data access and manipulation process. Furthermore, it enables users to harness performance optimizations on remote tables, leading to improved efficiency and speed in data operations. This innovation aims to enhance the overall user experience and increase productivity within the SAP HANA Cloud.
Graphical editor for hdbgrants and hdbrevokes files in SAP Business Application Studio
The latest update in the SAP Business Application Studio (BAS) introduces a graphical editor for hdbgrants and hdbrevokes files, providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing privileges. This graphical editor offers ease of use in adding necessary privileges using an hdbgrants file by selecting from a list of available options, gathering granting services from the mta.yaml file of the project, cloning privileges from the object owner to the application user, bidirectional modification support with instantaneous changes, as well as error handling and reporting capabilities.
The graphical editor for hdbgrants and hdbrevokes files in SAP BAS delivers substantial value to users by providing a UI-based option to add or modify privileges for accessing SAP HANA Deployment Infrastructure services. It significantly reduces the development time by simplifying and streamlining the process of privilege management. Additionally, it facilitates intuitive adoption by developers, enhancing productivity and empowering users to effectively manage privileges within SAP HANA Cloud.
Graphical View Modeling
As our loyal readers might expect, we have also provided numerous enhancement and new functionalities to our solution in regard to its graphical view modeling capabilities. You can find all details in the comprehensive blog post by Jan Zwickel.
Are you looking for more technical details on the latest release of SAP HANA Cloud? Then, take a look at our What’s New Viewer in our Technical Documentation, which describes the entire scope of the release.
Finally, make sure to follow the SAP HANA Cloud tag to stay updated on all the latest developments. You can also check out the whatsnewinsaphanacloud tag for new blog posts. If you want to watch the What’s New webinar in Q2 2024, you can find it and all future webinars soon in this YouTube playlist. Keep an eye out for our upcoming webcast on new innovations, which will also be available in the same playlist soon.
If you have any questions about SAP HANA Cloud or want to discuss any of the innovations mentioned, feel free to post them in our SAP HANA Cloud Community Q&A or in the comments section.
