The next step to reduce overall business downtime for updates is scheduled for fall 2014.
The zero downtime option of Software Update Manager (SUM) abolishes the technical downtime and enables a business downtime finally down to zero. So it is a big step to serve the increased business requirements of logistics system availability.
With zero technical downtime and almost zero business downtime the costs of maintenance windows will be reduced significantly. It is easier to schedule additional maintenance windows, e.g. to install a feature pack or a new release when the business requires a new functionality. With Zero Downtime Option, upgrades can be executed at any time and any frequency. Thus the maintenance planning can react more flexible and the innovation adoption timeline becomes shorter.
How does it work?
The Zero Downtime maintenance functionality is embedded in the standard SAP Update tool, the Software Update Manager (SUM).
With ZDO the SAP architects found a smart solution to manage the conflicting database table access between update and user without the need of a system copy. Only a small subset of DB tables has to be copied. The additional DB space is in the range of the existing downtime minimization features in SUM.
The huge difference with ZDO however is, that end users now run their business while the upgrade is executed until the end. The conflicting database table access between update and user is managed on the database layer and is completely hidden from the end users as well as from the administrator.
Which products and maintenance activities are supported?
The following graphic shows the technical details about the first shipment of zero downtime in SUM:
The first focus of the zero downtime option of SUM is the SAP EWM and the SAP ECC. Support of further products and databases are planned in 2015. If you are missing an option here, it is very appreciated when you could tell us your planning.
How to get the new functionality for ECC and EWM?
As already mentioned the zero downtime will be an option of the Software Update Manager (SUM). There are no additional license costs for ZDO.
In the fourth quarter of this year the zero downtime functionality will be available on project basis for EWM update projects.
What does “on project basis” mean?
The “available on project basis” is similar to a restricted ramp up phase. It ensures a perfect support for the customer and the development gets the feedback which is needed to validate and improve the new technology. The update project with ZDO is based on a service contract. This means SAP Support (AGS) or SAP Consulting have to be involved. The software lifecycle development team will support directly in close cooperation with SAP Service / SAP Consulting and the customer.
Do you want a deeper insight?
When you want to get further information how zero downtime for ECC and EWM works in detail and would like to be one of the pilot projects you only need to get in contact with me, Martin Herrmann (Product Manager Zero Downtime Maintenance of Lifecycle Management)