In the evolving landscape of SAP technologies, seamless integration between desktop clients and cloud platforms is crucial for modern enterprise applications. SAP Business Client serves as a unified desktop interface combining SAP GUI transactions, web applications, and SAP Fiori apps, while SAP Cloud Platform (SCP)—now known as SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)—provides a powerful cloud environment for building, extending, and integrating applications.
This article explores the integration of SAP Business Client with SAP Cloud Platform, enabling organizations to deliver a cohesive user experience and leverage the power of cloud-native services alongside traditional SAP applications.
- SAP Business Client: A desktop application that aggregates access to SAP GUI, Web Dynpro, SAP Fiori apps, and other web-based SAP services in a single, role-based interface.
- SAP Cloud Platform (SAP BTP): A comprehensive cloud platform offering services like application development, integration, data management, AI, and analytics to extend and innovate SAP landscapes.
- Unified Access: Provide users with seamless navigation between on-premise SAP systems and cloud-based applications.
- Leverage Cloud Services: Enable consumption of SCP services such as workflow automation, machine learning, and analytics directly from the Business Client.
- Enhanced User Experience: Combine desktop and cloud apps with consistent look and feel.
- Hybrid Landscape Support: Support enterprises with mixed cloud and on-premise architectures.
- Security and Governance: Use SCP’s robust identity and access management integrated with Business Client.
SAP Business Client can launch SAP Fiori apps hosted on SAP Cloud Platform using standard URLs or via the SAP Fiori launchpad. This enables end-users to access cloud applications without leaving the Business Client environment.
Developers can integrate SCP services (e.g., SAP Workflow, Business Rules, AI services) into SAP Business Client launchpads as tiles or embedded web components, allowing project teams to use advanced functionalities alongside traditional SAP GUI transactions.
¶ 3. Single Sign-On (SSO) and Identity Federation
By configuring trust relationships and identity federation between on-premise SAP systems and SAP Cloud Platform, SAP Business Client users can benefit from seamless SSO, eliminating multiple logins and improving security.
Administrators can customize SAP Business Client launchpads to include links to SCP applications, enabling quick access and better integration with existing business processes.
- Configure SAP Cloud Connector: Establish secure connectivity between on-premise systems and SAP Cloud Platform.
- Set Up Destination Service: Define destinations in SCP pointing to on-premise backends and vice versa.
- Enable Trust and SSO: Configure identity providers and SAML-based trust between SAP Business Client and SCP.
- Create Launchpad Tiles: Use SAP Fiori launchpad designer to create tiles linking to SCP apps, and expose them in SAP Business Client.
- Use SAP Web Dispatcher or Reverse Proxy: Manage traffic routing between cloud and on-premise environments.
- Improved Productivity: Users operate within a single interface, reducing complexity and training time.
- Flexibility: Combine legacy SAP GUI transactions with innovative cloud applications.
- Future-Proofing: Transition smoothly to cloud without disrupting user workflows.
- Scalability: Cloud apps can scale independently while Business Client maintains core system access.
- Centralized Management: IT can manage user access, roles, and updates centrally.
- Plan Role-Based Access: Design launchpads and app access based on user roles.
- Test Connectivity and Performance: Ensure smooth data flow between SAP Business Client and SCP apps.
- Maintain Security Standards: Regularly update certificates, trust settings, and monitor access logs.
- Leverage SAP Tools: Use SAP Cloud Connector, SAP Fiori launchpad designer, and SAP Identity Authentication Service for smooth integration.
- User Training: Educate users on accessing hybrid landscapes and the benefits of integrated workflows.
Integrating SAP Business Client with SAP Cloud Platform bridges the gap between traditional SAP on-premise environments and modern cloud applications, creating a unified, efficient user experience. This integration empowers enterprises to innovate and scale while maintaining stability and control over critical business processes.
By leveraging this integration, organizations can optimize their SAP landscapes for both current operational needs and future cloud-centric strategies.