Hana SQL Command Network Protocol Deprecation/Sunset

[kevinmcd]

I remember reading somewhere that the Hana SQL Command Network Protocol might be getting shut down in the next few years, but I was unable to find that information when I went looking for it. As the new products move away from using that protocol and some of the official drivers on GitHub are no longer being supported (Python), does anyone know of any plans to shut down that protocol for future versions of the Hana product? If so, is there a definitive timeline for that? 

[Raghu_Garapati]

Evolution, Not Extinction: The State of HANA Connectivity in 2026

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to the SAP Community! This is a very insightful question. As we move through 2026, the confusion around protocol "sunsets" often stems from how SAP is shifting its connectivity standards to support modern, stable landscapes.

To give you a definitive answer: No, the SQL Command Network Protocol is not being "shut down." It remains the core engine of HANA communication. However, the way we are encouraged to consume it is evolving to ensure better system stability.

Here are three key points to clarify your concerns:

1. The Python Driver is NOT abandoned The confusion regarding GitHub usually refers to older open-source wrappers. The official SAP-maintained driver is hdbcli. It is very much active (currently at version 2.27+) and is the standard for high-performance Python connectivity to both HANA Cloud and On-Premise. You can find it on PyPI via pip install hdbcli.

2. From "Direct Access" to "Stable Operations" The "sunset" feeling likely comes from SAP's push toward a Service-Layer approach (like OData or the Cloud Application Programming Model). In my experience leading AMS delivery, moving away from "thick" direct SQL connections toward these managed service layers is essential for predictive operations. It reduces the "incident-driven" firefighting that often happens when custom scripts break after a HANA upgrade.

3. Strategic Alignment I have been documenting how these technical shifts impact the long-term stability of S/4HANA landscapes. If you are looking at how to align your technical skills with where SAP operations are heading, you might find these perspectives on "Future-Proofing" helpful:

• Future-Proofing SAP AMS: A Strategic Framework: This covers why we must move from reactive support to predictive operations in S/4HANA environments.

• Running SAP AMS Like a Product, Not a Support Factory: This explores the shift from "closing tickets" to ensuring process-level stability, something that becomes much easier when using official, supported connectivity methods like hdbcli.

Summary: The protocol is not going anywhere, but the Access Method is. Stick with the official hdbcli for Python, but keep an eye on service-oriented architecture to ensure your environment remains stable and "Future-Proof."

Hope this helps you navigate the roadmap!

[simon25]

Hi Kevin, 

There is currently no plan or intentions by HANA Development to retire SQL commands related to network protocol.

Kind Regards
Simon