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SAP Cloud ALM vs Solution Manager: 5 Critical Functions SAP IT Teams Will Miss
As SAP teams prepare for their S/4 HANA transition, they’re facing another challenge: migrating from Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM by 2028. This shift poses significant hurdles, especially for organizations with heavily customized Solution Manager instances or complex SAP landscapes.
While SAP has announced the transition, they haven’t provided a detailed roadmap or feature parity plan. This leaves many SAP IT teams wondering about the future of their critical operational functions. Let’s explore the five most crucial Solution Manager components that won’t be fully replicated in SAP Cloud ALM.
1. System Monitoring: A Critical Gap in SAP Cloud ALM
System monitoring in Solution Manager relies on the Monitoring and Alerting Infrastructure (MAI). Unfortunately, this robust framework won’t be available in SAP Cloud ALM. While mass maintenance with pre-configured SAP content is planned, it’s not yet implemented, leaving a significant void in system oversight capabilities.
2. Job and Business Intelligence Monitoring: A Missing Piece
Solution Manager excels at monitoring Business Objects and Business Intelligence jobs, providing crucial performance statistics for SAP Business Warehouse. SAP Cloud ALM currently lacks this functionality, with no plans to incorporate it in the future.
3. IT Service Management: A Complete Absence
IT Service Management (ITSM) capabilities are entirely absent from SAP Cloud ALM, with no plans for inclusion. This gap forces teams to seek alternative solutions for managing IT services and support processes.
4. Change Control Management: A Major Transition Challenge
For many organizations, this could be the most significant loss. Solution Manager’s Change and Request Manager, along with Quality Gate functionality, won’t be available in SAP Cloud ALM. Instead, SAP proposes using Cloud ALM Deployment Management, which may not offer the same level of control and customization.
5. Custom Code Management: Awaiting a Replacement
Solution Manager’s robust Custom Code Management features are not present in SAP Cloud ALM. While SAP plans to introduce a Custom Code Cluster functionality, the timeline and feature set remain unclear.
Exploring Alternatives: Third-Party Solutions for SAP Teams
As SAP teams face these functionality gaps, third-party solutions offer viable alternatives:
- SAP Monitoring: Consider cloud solutions like IT-Conductor Inc. for comprehensive system monitoring.
- ITSM: Many organizations already use platforms like ServiceNow, Ivanti (Cherwell), or BMC Software.
- Change Control Management: Explore advanced solutions from Basis Technologies, Revelation Software Concepts, and REALTECH, Inc.
- Code Management: Look into offerings from Onapsis and Panaya for robust custom code management.
Preparing for the Transition: Next Steps for SAP Teams
Given the 2028 deadline, it’s crucial to start planning now:
- Identify your team’s most critical Solution Manager functions.
- Evaluate third-party alternatives for each key area.
- Consider starting with change and request management solutions, as this area often requires significant customization.
- Develop a phased transition plan to ensure continuity of operations.
By proactively addressing these challenges, SAP teams can ensure a smooth transition to SAP Cloud ALM while maintaining the critical functionalities they rely on for efficient operations.
SAP Cloud ALM Benefits – click to read