Maximizing SAP Migration with AWS Launch Wizard: Features, Considerations, and Troubleshooting

Modern enterprises are transitioning on-premises workloads to the cloud to unlock agility, innovation, AI-ML integration, security enhancements, and superior user experiences. YASH Technologies is leading this shift, leveraging AWS to simplify IT infrastructure management. Our expedited approach employs AWS Launch Wizard, streamlining application deployment, automating resource selection, estimating costs, and adhering to best practices. In a recent two-part podcast , our experts delve into the benefits of AWS Launch Wizard for SAP migrations, highlighting its features for seamless cloud journeys.

Understanding AWS Launch Wizard for SAP

Traditionally, installing a single SAP application requires consultants to collaborate with teams handling servers, OS, data storage, and networks, even before the actual execution starts. Only after the infrastructure is organized do SAP consultants use their conventional tools to install the apps.

AWS Launch Wizard abridges the procedure. Consultants only need to provide application requirements, and based on these inputs, the solution identifies the best SAP-certified AWS resources for all applications, configures them, and estimates the costs. Besides setting up the infrastructure necessary for SAP, Launch Wizard installs SAP HANA and quickly supports NetWeaver and S/4HANA apps. It also simplifies the testing of application functionalities. The Launch Wizard solution saves time and enables customers to use best cloud practices, making it easier for them to focus on their core business operations without worrying about routine technology-led processes.

Key features of Launch Wizard

AWS Launch Wizard comes with various features for easy cloud migration, including:

• Easy Application Deployment: Streamline application deployment with Launch Wizard: user-friendly interface, optimized resource selection for SAP apps, error-free configuration, preconfigured settings for performance, customizable, and generates reusable code templates for accelerated AWS deployments.
• Security and Compliance: AWS prioritizes security, automatically implementing robust features like encryption for data at rest and in transit, security groups, role-based access control, and more through Launch Wizard for SAP. Additionally, AWS adheres to various international and industry-specific compliance standards, including CSA, SOC, PCI, HIPAA, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001.
• One-Click Monitoring: AWS Launch Wizard seamlessly integrates with AWS CloudWatch, enabling users to monitor SAP environment KPIs from the AWS Console effortlessly. Track infrastructure preparation progress, receive task notifications, set alarms, and create customized CloudWatch dashboards for informed decision-making.

Pros and cons of AWS Launch Wizard for SAP

AWS Launch Wizard offers several advantages by simplifying the migration of SAP applications to the cloud, providing cost awareness to support customers in their decisions for resource allocations and optimizations, and offering zero-trust settings that are instantly configured to keep SAP environments secure.

That said, Launch Wizard also has some inherent weaknesses, one of which is its limitations for customization in complex deployment scenarios. As it was designed to simplify application configuration, it is not yet sophisticated enough to meet the unique requirements of some businesses moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud. Some arrangements may still need manual intervention. Also, there is a learning curve for using Launch Wizard and navigating the AWS ecosystem.

YASH Technologies, therefore, recommends that customers assess the Launch Wizard and check how well it aligns with their requirements, as business value varies for users.

Latest updates released by AWS for Launch Wizard

According to a new update by AWS, customers opting for Launch Wizard can now use API calls to deploy their SAP systems programmatically without even logging into the AWS Management Console. They can integrate the tool with their existing configuration tools and scripts. The APIs will allow customers to use AWS Launch Wizard without deviating from the DevOps processes or the CI/CD pipelines.

This new feature gives meaningful support to use cases such as “speed up SAP deployments further, optimize disaster recovery process, and set up a temporary or N+1 landscape.”

Five considerations while using Launch Wizard

For the customers excited to employ Launch Wizard, critical considerations for its usage include:

• Planning: Before hitting the deploy button, the organization should have a strategic plan listing the details of its SAP applications’ resource requirements. It is important to mention any unique network or security needs the applications may have.
• Checking the boxes: Documentation is the single source of truth while leveraging Launch Wizard. Customers must ensure that the SAP installation media resides in the designated S3 Bucket and that the IAM roles for EC2 instances align with the configuration stipulated by the tool. Additionally, planning for the virtual private cloud (VPC) is essential for control over virtual networking environments, including resource placement, connectivity, and security.
• Choosing the right flavor: Selecting the right SAP product and version – compatible with Launch Wizard – is crucial before moving it to the cloud platform. Organizations must ensure that AWS resources are suitably sized and optimal for the workload.
• Keeping backups: Backups are non-negotiable in any cloud migration process. Users can leverage AWS services such as Amazon EBS snapshots and S3 object storage for robust backup creation. In addition, they can incorporate AWS Backint Agent for SAP HANA backups to enhance data storage resilience. Backint is a free-of-cost, all-encompassing backup automation tool provided by AWS with intelligent-to-use capabilities.
• Practicing safe deployment: Before deploying SAP applications in a production environment, they must be tested in a non-production setup. They should include everything from verifying an application’s functionality to ensuring that all related business processes work as expected.

Troubleshooting: Ensuring Smooth Deployment with AWS Launch Wizard

AWS Launch Wizard is a thoughtfully designed solution for seamlessly migrating SAP and non-SAP on-premises systems to the AWS cloud. However, users should anticipate and address potential obstacles for a successful deployment:

• Compatibility Challenges: Ensure compatibility between SAP application versions and AWS Launch Wizard. Update outdated systems or explore alternative deployment methods if needed.
• Resource Allocation: Adjust resource allocation via AWS Management Console or AWS CLI to accommodate new application implementations or business growth demands.
• Network Optimization: Address connectivity issues by verifying network configurations and ensuring proper VPC, subnet, and internet gateway setup. Minimize latency by placing resources in the same region.
• Security Measures: Mitigate security risks by properly configuring security groups, encryption, and access controls. Regular monitoring and adherence to best practices are essential for safeguarding SAP environments and data.
• Performance Optimization: Utilize AWS CloudWatch for monitoring system and HANA database performance and AWS Auto Scaling for workload-based resource adjustments, ensuring optimal performance.

AWS Launch Wizard simplifies deploying SAP solutions on AWS with its intuitive interface. Despite reducing manual effort, users should grasp their SAP applications’ networking, storage, compatibility, and performance needs to prevent technical issues. Engaging a technology partner can ensure seamless SAP-AWS integration when required.

• AWS Launch Wizard
• SAP Migration
• SAP on AWS