SAP System Migration: From Oracle to SQL Server on Windows

Migrating an SAP system from Oracle to SQL Server on a Windows system is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. This guide will take you through each step of the process in detail, ensuring a smooth transition.

Step 1: Preparation

Check System Requirements

Ensure that your target SQL Server system meets the hardware and software requirements for SAP. Refer to the SAP documentation for specific requirements.

Backup

Take a full backup of your current SAP system running on Oracle. This is crucial to prevent data loss during the migration process.

Install SQL Server

Install the required version of SQL Server on your Windows system. Follow the installation wizard and configure the necessary settings.

Install SAP Software

Install the SAP software on the target system. This includes the SAP kernel and other required components. Make sure to follow the installation guide provided by SAP.

Step 2: Export from Oracle

Run SAPINST on Source System

Use SAPINST to start the export process on your Oracle-based SAP system.

  1. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory where SAPINST is located.
  2. Run the following command:
    3. sapinst.exe

Choose System Export

In the SAPINST GUI, choose the option for "System Copy -> Source System -> Database Independent -> Database Export".

Provide Required Inputs

Follow the prompts to provide necessary details such as:

Export Database

SAPINST will now export the database schemas, table structures, and data to the specified directory. Monitor the export process to ensure it completes without errors.

Step 3: Prepare Target SQL Server

Run SAPINST on Target System

Use SAPINST on the target SQL Server system to prepare it for import.

  1. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory where SAPINST is located.
  2. Run the following command:
    3. sapinst.exe

Choose System Import

In the SAPINST GUI, choose the option for "System Copy -> Target System -> Database Independent -> Database Load".

Provide Required Inputs

Follow the prompts to provide necessary details such as:

Prepare Database

SAPINST will prepare the SQL Server database for the import process. It will create the required database structures and users.

Step 4: Import to SQL Server

Run R3load

The import process uses the R3load tool to load the data into the SQL Server database.

  1. Navigate to the directory where the export files are located.
  2. Run the following command:
    3. r3load -U <user> -d <target_db> -i <control_file> -c

Ensure that the control files are correctly configured for the import.

Monitor Import Process

Monitor the logs to ensure that there are no errors during the import process.

Post-Import Steps

Run the post-import steps as specified by SAPINST. These steps include creating indexes, running update statistics, and performing consistency checks.

Verify that all data has been correctly imported and that the SAP system is functioning as expected.

Step 5: Post-Migration Steps

Adjust SAP Profiles

Update the SAP profiles to reflect the new database configuration.

Update SAP Connectivity

Ensure that all SAP applications and users can connect to the new SQL Server database.

Perform System Checks

Run SAP system checks to verify the integrity and performance of the migrated system.

Backup New System

Take a full backup of the new SAP system running on SQL Server.

Step 6: Testing

Functional Testing

Perform comprehensive functional testing to ensure that all SAP modules and processes are working correctly.

Performance Testing

Conduct performance testing to ensure that the new system meets the required performance benchmarks.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Have end-users test the system to confirm that it meets their requirements.

Step 7: Go Live

Cutover Planning

Plan the cutover activities to switch from the old system to the new system.

Go Live

Execute the cutover plan and make the new SAP system live.

Post Go-Live Support

Provide support to address any issues that arise during the initial period after go-live.

Additional Tips

Documentation

Keep detailed documentation of each step to ensure that you can replicate the process or troubleshoot any issues.

Validation

After each major step, validate the results to ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Backup Plans

Always have a backup plan in place in case something goes wrong.