As organizations transition from legacy on-premise systems to modern cloud-based solutions, hybrid IT landscapes have become the norm rather than the exception. A hybrid cloud scenario—where systems span both cloud and on-premise environments—demands seamless, secure, and scalable integration. This is where SAP Integration Suite becomes an essential enabler.
SAP Integration Suite, part of the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), provides a comprehensive set of services that support hybrid integration patterns, ensuring business processes work flawlessly across distributed systems.
Hybrid cloud scenarios typically involve a mix of:
- On-premise systems like SAP ERP (ECC), SAP S/4HANA on-premise, or third-party applications.
- Cloud solutions such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, Salesforce, or Microsoft Azure services.
Organizations may choose a hybrid model to:
- Modernize gradually
- Retain critical legacy systems
- Comply with regulatory requirements
- Optimize cost and flexibility
SAP Integration Suite provides:
- Out-of-the-box connectivity to both SAP and non-SAP systems
- Cloud-native architecture with high availability and scalability
- Pre-packaged content for rapid deployment
- Security and governance via secure tunnels, policies, and monitoring tools
Its core components—Cloud Integration (CPI), API Management, Open Connectors, Event Mesh, and Integration Advisor—are purpose-built for hybrid integration.
A typical architecture includes:
- SAP Integration Suite on SAP BTP: Central hub for integration logic
- SAP Cloud Connector: Secure tunnel to on-premise systems
- Agents/adapters: For connecting different protocols (IDoc, OData, REST, JDBC, etc.)
- Secure API layer: For controlled data access between systems
[ On-Premise SAP ERP ] ←→ [ SAP Cloud Connector ] ←→ [ SAP Integration Suite ] ←→ [ Cloud Applications ]
- Design and run iFlows that connect on-premise and cloud systems.
- Use adapters (IDoc, RFC, SOAP, OData) to facilitate communication.
- Route, map, and transform messages between systems.
- Acts as a reverse proxy between on-premise systems and SAP BTP.
- Supports secure HTTPS communication.
- Allows granular control over accessible resources.
- Expose, secure, and monitor APIs from on-premise and cloud systems.
- Apply policies for rate limiting, access control, and monitoring.
- Enable API-led integration for composable architecture.
- Provides pre-built connectors to 150+ non-SAP cloud applications.
- Simplifies integration with third-party SaaS tools like Salesforce, Slack, etc.
¶ Step 1: Set Up SAP BTP Subaccount and Entitlements
- Enable SAP Integration Suite and allocate service plans.
- Install in your on-premise network.
- Connect to your SAP BTP subaccount.
- Define accessible systems (ABAP, HANA, etc.).
- Use predefined integration content from SAP API Business Hub.
- Configure source and target systems.
- Implement routing, mapping, and transformation logic.
- Configure authentication (OAuth, SAML, Basic, etc.).
- Use encryption (HTTPS, TLS) for data in transit.
- Monitor using dashboards and alerts.
¶ Step 5: Test, Monitor, and Maintain
- Test with real data flows.
- Monitor via Integration Suite Monitoring Tools.
- Optimize based on usage and performance analytics.
| Use Case |
Description |
| SAP ECC to S/4HANA Cloud |
Gradual migration of modules; synchronize master and transactional data. |
| On-Premise HR System with SuccessFactors |
Integrate employee data, time tracking, and payroll. |
| SAP ERP with SAP Ariba Network |
Connect procurement processes for requisition, PO, and invoice exchange. |
| Salesforce CRM with SAP S/4HANA |
Align customer master data and sales orders in real time. |
- Use Pre-Built Content: Start with content from SAP API Business Hub to accelerate delivery.
- Decouple with APIs: Use API Management to build loosely coupled integrations.
- Ensure Compliance: Use logging, masking, and auditing features to comply with data privacy laws.
- Design for Failure: Implement error handling and retries in your iFlows.
- Monitor Proactively: Set up KPIs, alerts, and automatic monitoring routines.
| Benefit |
Description |
| Speed |
Accelerate integrations with pre-built content and low-code tools. |
| Flexibility |
Connect cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-on-premise, or hybrid environments. |
| Security |
Built-in encryption, role-based access, and secure tunneling. |
| Scalability |
Elastic infrastructure that grows with business needs. |
| Cost Efficiency |
Reuse integration assets and reduce manual development. |
SAP Integration Suite is the cornerstone for enabling robust hybrid cloud integration. It offers the flexibility, scalability, and security needed to connect complex landscapes—bridging legacy systems and modern cloud platforms.
Whether you're transitioning gradually to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, integrating third-party applications, or enabling a digital ecosystem, SAP Integration Suite empowers your enterprise with a unified, future-ready integration strategy.