SAP users in the dark about vendor's plan for data analytics

SAP users admit they know very little about the vendor's data and analytics plans since the launch of the new product platform, Business Data Cloud (BDC), in February.

Research from DSAG, which represents SAP users in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, found that 83 percent of its members were only slightly familiar or not familiar at all with the product launch and partnership with Databricks announced in February.

Only 15 percent said they were very or somewhat familiar with the product. Users lack knowledge about integration capabilities, licensing and pricing models, and differences from previous SAP data solutions. "Many companies still lack guidance when it comes to the Business Data Cloud. That is why we expect greater transparency from SAP," said Jens Hungershausen, DSAG chairman of the board.

BDC is the latest in a long string of data warehousing and analytics initiatives from SAP, which includes SAP Datasphere and SAP Data Warehouse Cloud. SAP said the new platform is designed to offer "insight apps" that use analytics tools and AI models connected to real-time application data, while also supporting bi-directional data sharing between BDC and third-party platforms - initially limited to Databricks' Delta Lake open table format.

DSAG members are concerned about what BDC means for interoperability with other cloud and on-prem systems that users have already invested in.

"There must be no dependence on individual commercial constructs, and SAP needs to provide clearer communication and more information about the prerequisites and specific benefits of the solution. Only then can the Business Data Cloud become a real added value for the entire SAP customer base," Hungershausen said.

The DSAG research echoes that of other user groups. Last week, UKISUG, the SAP user group for UK and Ireland, found only 27 percent of members were familiar with the reimagined SAP Business Suite, introduced in February with the promise of a "truly modular, composable" set of business applications including ERP, HR, CRM, supply chain, and expense management.

DSAG said SAP needs to better communicate what it is trying to do with Business Suite, a product name reboot from the early '00s. Seventy percent of DSAG members complained there were gaps in their knowledge in this area.

"Even though the 'new Business Suite' has only been on the market for a relatively short time, this is a high figure for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland," explained Hungershausen.

The Register has asked SAP to comment. ®