SAP HANA is an advanced application platform and database that has changed the way companies manage, analyse and use data. Although the term SAP HANA is well known in the technology industry, few users and decision-makers realise exactly what it is and what capabilities it offers. In this article we take a closer look at the history of SAP HANA, its key functions, and where it is applied in modern business.
The history and significance of SAP HANA
SAP HANA appeared on the market in 2010 as a platform designed to accelerate data processing by using operating memory. Unlike traditional database systems, which store information on disks, SAP HANA uses in-memory technology. This makes data access far faster, which is particularly important in the era of Big Data, when companies process millions of transactions per second.
Over the years, SAP HANA has evolved a long way from a database solution to a platform that supports applications, advanced analytics and data virtualisation. Today it is the core technology solution for many enterprises worldwide, and also the foundation for SAP S/4HANA - one of the most popular ERP systems.
Jacek Bugajski, CEO of SNOK and the first person to sell an SAP HANA solution in Europe, describes the early days: “I sold the first SAP HANA implementation before SAP had even officially added it to the price list. It was an unusual but incredibly high-performing database that generated plenty of emotion and questions. I remember another interesting case with a large bank - they tested the application for a year, after which SAP had to introduce a new note limiting the number of ‘OR’ operators in a single SQL query. Over time, HANA began to displace Oracle, DB2 and MS SQL, and the whole SAP community switched to Intel servers, because those were the only ones with official SAP support.”
That transformation - from a specialised database to a complete data management platform - was a genuine breakthrough in the digitalisation of companies in Poland and across Europe. It also accelerated the shift away from RISC servers towards the more widespread Intel-based solutions.
SAP HANA today - applications in business
Today SAP HANA is used across a range of industries, from finance to manufacturing to retail. Thanks to fast data access and the ability to process large data sets in real time, SAP HANA enables companies to respond to market changes and make sound decisions based on current data. Examples of application include:
Banking and finance: risk analysis, fraud prediction, and support for credit decisions based on real-time data analysis. Manufacturing: monitoring and optimising supply chains and responding quickly to changes in production. Retail: analysing customer behaviour and adjusting product offerings in real time. Healthcare: processing patient data, analysing test results, and supporting medical decisions.
SAP HANA also supports the development of new data-driven business models, such as subscriptions or sales based on predictive analytics.
SAP HANA - a platform that changes the rules of the game
SAP HANA is far more than a database. It is a comprehensive platform that allows companies to make full use of the potential of their data - quickly, flexibly and with an eye to the future. It combines data management, analytics and application development functions, making it a genuine engine of digital transformation. Thanks to in-memory technology, SAP HANA enables real-time data analysis and the flexible creation of business solutions, allowing organisations to respond quickly to market changes and anticipate future trends.
Its key capabilities include database management, application development, advanced analytics and data virtualisation - each of these areas allowing companies to operate on their data in a smarter and more efficient way.
Database management SAP HANA offers advanced database management functions, enabling companies to store, access and process data with unprecedented speed. Below we present the key features that set this system apart.
In-memory processing Thanks to in-memory technology, SAP HANA stores data in operating memory rather than on disk, which dramatically speeds up access to information. Traditional databases require data to be read from disks, which can be a slow and demanding process. With SAP HANA, reading and writing data is almost instantaneous, which is particularly useful for companies processing large volumes of data.
Columnar data storage SAP HANA uses columnar storage, which optimises data access. Traditional databases use row-based storage, which is more time-consuming when processing large volumes of data. Columnar storage enables faster queries as well as better data compression, which reduces memory costs.
Security and data replication SAP HANA offers advanced security mechanisms, including encryption of data at rest and in transit, ensuring protection against unauthorised access. In addition, thanks to data replication, it is possible to create a backup copy of the database in different locations, minimising the risk of data loss.
Application development SAP HANA is not just a database - it is also a platform enabling application development. It allows developers to build and deploy applications directly on the platform, significantly speeding up the software development process.
SAP HANA Extended Application Services (XS) XS is an application engine built into SAP HANA that allows applications to run without the need for an external application server. This allows developers to easily build web and mobile applications that use data stored directly in SAP HANA, resulting in better performance.
Support for various programming languages SAP HANA supports various programming languages, including SQLScript, JavaScript and Python, giving developers flexibility in building applications. This makes it possible to create advanced functions and automations that are fully integrated with the SAP platform.
Cloud integration SAP HANA is available as a cloud offering, meaning companies can deploy and manage applications in the cloud. This approach enables scalability and access to applications from any location and device, which is extremely important in today’s mobile world.
Advanced analytics SAP HANA provides a set of tools for advanced data analysis, allowing companies to gain new insights and make decisions based on real data.
Predictive analytics Predictive analytics enables the prediction of future events based on historical data. Using SAP HANA’s analytical tools, companies can model scenarios, predict customer behaviour and optimise their business activities.
Text processing and sentiment analysis SAP HANA enables the analysis of large volumes of text, which is particularly useful for analysing customer feedback and monitoring social media. With this feature, companies can analyse customer sentiment and reactions to their products or services.
Geographic processing SAP HANA enables the analysis of geographic data, allowing companies to optimise their activities across different markets. With this feature, companies can better understand which products are popular in different regions and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Data virtualisation Data virtualisation in SAP HANA allows data from different sources to be combined without the need to physically move it. This is extremely useful for companies that use various systems and data sources.
Connecting to different databases SAP HANA enables the integration of data from various sources, such as SQL, Oracle and other database systems. This allows companies to access all their data in one place, streamlining the analysis and reporting process.
Unified queries Thanks to data virtualisation, it is possible to create queries that combine data from different sources into a single whole. Users can use unified queries that allow data from different systems to be analysed without the need to create physical copies of the data.
SNOK - SAP HANA partner, expert in every aspect
Since its founding, SNOK has been actively operating in the SAP HANA solutions market, offering comprehensive support ranging from advisory services, through architecture and sizing, to optimisation and the development of applications tailored to clients’ specific needs. Our commitment to SAP HANA and its related technologies allows us to offer unique solutions both in the area of SAP S/4HANA and in bespoke solutions. Our aim is to give clients full control over their SAP environment through hardening, tuning and security services - for both individual databases and complex systems.
Operating in the market since the early days of SAP HANA, SNOK employs highly qualified specialists whose knowledge and experience are confirmed by SAP certifications. We work with clients both on SAP S/4HANA implementations and on comprehensive projects tailored to specific business requirements, from hardening to customised management of standalone SAP HANA databases. Our services also include the supply and configuration of Lenovo servers dedicated to SAP HANA, as well as the optimisation of SUSE Linux systems, which form the foundation for many of our clients.
Our approach gives clients not only a secure but also a high-performance and resilient infrastructure, allowing them to make the most of SAP HANA’s capabilities in their daily operations.
Trust we have earned Many clients have trusted our knowledge and experience in tailoring SAP HANA to their needs - whether that means installing SAP S/4HANA, bespoke application development, or increasing the security and performance of existing systems. We believe in long-term partnership and a full understanding of business needs, which allows us to deliver solutions adapted to future challenges and changing market requirements. Thanks to our services, clients gain full control over their data and IT environments, which is essential in today’s dynamic reality.
Jarosław Kamil Zdanowski, managing partner at SNOK and head of the SAP HANA division, explains the platform’s key role: “SAP HANA forms the foundation of our clients’ digital transformation. We approach every project individually - we design the architecture, select the appropriate server infrastructure, and optimise the SUSE Linux environment. This allows us to make full use of SAP HANA’s capabilities in terms of performance, scalability and security. Our long-standing cooperation with SAP gives us access to knowledge and experience that lets us successfully deliver projects for the most demanding clients.”
Jarosław, with his extensive technological knowledge and industry experience, systematically develops the potential of the SNOK team. “Our specialists hold SAP certifications, which confirms their high level of competence and their ability to deliver even the most complex SAP HANA projects. Working with leading players across various sectors of the economy drives us to constantly upgrade our qualifications. Our approach, based on delivering personalised solutions of maximum business value, translates into long-term client relationships.”
Comprehensive SNOK services - from architecture to hardening Thanks to SNOK’s comprehensive SAP HANA services, clients can count on:
Consulting and technology advisory - help in choosing the optimal architecture and SAP HANA deployment strategy. Sizing and infrastructure optimisation - we precisely select the resources that ensure the system’s reliability and performance. Hardening and security - we ensure maximum data and application security, adapting systems to the highest protection standards. Application development - tailoring SAP HANA’s functionality to the client’s business needs, ensuring flexibility and scalability. Supply and configuration of Lenovo servers - equipment specially adapted for SAP HANA, supporting full utilisation of the platform’s capabilities. SUSE Linux optimisation - tuning and hardening of the SUSE Linux operating system, which supports SAP HANA and forms the foundation for the stable operation of the database.
Thanks to such a broad offering, SNOK is able to provide clients with comprehensive support across every aspect of managing an SAP HANA environment.
Summary
In summary, SAP HANA is a platform with enormous potential, but making full use of it depends on the right approach to implementation and management. What are your experiences with SAP HANA?
Have you had the opportunity to adapt this platform to your company’s specific requirements?
Or have you encountered challenges that required unique solutions?
We invite you to share your thoughts and questions - together we can discover more of the possibilities SAP HANA offers your business.