Introduction
InfraBuild's EzyCommerce application, a bespoke software suite developed on the SAP BTP Neo platform, was nearing the end of its lifecycle due to contractual obligations with SAP and the impending obsolescence of various technologies and libraries. To preserve and enhance the application's functionality, Beta Digital was engaged to expertly design and execute the migration and modernisation of the entire suite to SAP BTP Cloud Foundry.
Background
The EzyCommerce application is an integrated suite consisting of:
A Portal frontend incorporating SAP UI5 applications.
An XSA application designed for SAP HANA enterprise access.
A native Node.js/Express.js application for interfacing with SAP S/4HANA.
Given the application's complexity and the absence of standard migration tools for such a specialised suite, Beta Digital faced a challenging task requiring innovative approaches to migration and modernisation.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the migration project included:
Ensuring a smooth transition of the application functionalities from the SAP BTP Neo environment to Cloud Foundry.
Enhancing the application architecture to leverage the capabilities of SAP BTP Cloud Foundry.
Maintaining data integrity and security during the transition.
SAP BTP Migration Strategy and Implementation
Due to the unavailability of standard SAP migration tools for this specific architecture, Beta Digital developed a bespoke migration strategy that included the following key components:
1. Creation of New CAP Application: A new SAP Cloud Application Programming (CAP) model was developed to handle database and schema creation on SAP HANA Cloud, replacing the legacy XSA application.
2. Integration of Stored Procedures: Existing stored procedures were integrated into the new CAP application through SAP CAP’s Actions and Functions, ensuring continuity of data processing logic.
3. Security Rerouting: Security configurations were rerouted using Express.js within the CAP framework to maintain robust security standards and ensure compliance with modern security protocols.
4. Upgrading and Refactoring Node Libraries: As part of modernising the software stack, all Node.js libraries were upgraded to their latest versions. Additionally, new libraries were carefully selected and integrated to enhance performance, security, and compatibility with Cloud Foundry.
5. UI and Portal Refactoring: The user interface and portal components were extensively refactored to adapt to the new backend architecture and HTTP request style changes. This ensured a seamless user experience that leveraged the enhanced performance and scalability of Cloud Foundry.
6. Data Migration: A critical component of the project was the migration of data from the old SAP HANA Enterprise system to the new SAP HANA Cloud service. This involved careful planning and execution to ensure data integrity and minimise downtime.
Outcomes
The migration project was successfully completed with significant improvements in system performance, scalability, and maintainability. The new Cloud Foundry environment provided a more flexible and robust platform for the EzyCommerce application, facilitating future enhancements and integrations.
Lessons Learned
The project underscored the importance of:
Detailed planning in the absence of standard tools.
Multi-disciplinary skills are needed to attempt a complex migration.
Custom solutions are needed for complex migrations.
A close collaboration between development teams and stakeholders is needed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the existing systems and the desired outcomes.
Why This Case Study Is Significant
This project serves as a benchmark for similar complex migrations within the industry, as SAP BTP Neo to Cloud Foundry is on the rise due to the upcoming Neo end-of-life and new SAP commercial arrangements. This project not only increased the longevity of an ageing application but modernised the architecture and underlying libraries, enhancing the developer and support experience.
A Word from InfraBuild
“The successful migration and modernisation of the EzyCommerce suite from SAP BTP Neo to Cloud Foundry not only extended the application's lifespan but also enhanced its operational efficiency and scalability. Beta Digital did a brilliant job under a tight timeline to pull off a successful migration.”
Patrick Harper,
Development Operations Manager
