1.3    Deployment Options

This section provides an overview of the two deployment options introduced with SAP S/4HANA: on premise and various types of cloud deployment. The choice of deployment option determines how the system is accessed and who owns the technical infrastructure.

The following subsections will provide the pros and cons of each deployment option.

1.3.1    On-Premise

The on-premise deployment option is the traditional implementation model in which a company owns all of the software, hardware, and network needed to support the organization. Some of the core components to consider with the on-premise deployment option are the following:

• Traditional IT components are required, including server hardware and software, data backups, storage, disaster recovery, remote access, and network connectivity. On-premise systems should be reviewed and analyzed for replacement and updates every few years.
• Clients can’t access their applications and data on the fly, anywhere they want, or across multiple platforms. On-premise solutions often rely on dedicated hardware with dedicated client software to access systems.
• Your data is kept much closer to the source. Organizations have greater control over data leaks, security threats, and other data security problems. However, the organization does need to assign IT staff to monitor these aspects.
• A much higher level of customization is supported. Most systems have in-depth customizations and integration capabilities. On-premise solutions are appropriate for organizations with a high-degree of customization or a need for extensive custom programming services.

1.3.2    Cloud

Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing resources and hosted services—everything from applications to data centers, including the storage and access of data—over the Internet.

Cloud computing services can be private, public, or hybrid, and they are divided into three broad service categories: infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS). The following are further details about each of your cloud options:

• Infrastructure-as-a-servic e (IaaS)
  IaaS providers supply a virtual server instance and storage. Users have an allocated storage capacity and can start, stop, access, and configure the virtual machine (VM) and storage as desired. IaaS providers offer small, medium, large, extra-large, and customized instances for various workload needs.
• Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
  Providers host development tools on their infrastructures. Users access those tools over the Internet using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), web portals, or gateway software. PaaS is used for general software development, and many PaaS providers will host the software after it’s developed.
• Software-as-a-service (SaaS)
  SaaS is a distribution model that delivers software applications over the Internet; these are often called web services. Users can access SaaS applications and services from any location using a computer or mobile device that has Internet access.
• SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud
  This offering is an SAP owned private cloud offering. SAP partners with customers to manage and implement SAP HANA software on their private cloud. This service is managed by SAP, leveraging their expertise in the software and deployment functions.
• Private Option
  This option is delivered from a business’s data center to internal users. This model offers versatility and convenience while preserving management, control, and security. Internal customers may or may not be billed for services through IT chargeback.
• Public Option
  A third-party provider delivers the cloud service over the Internet. Public cloud services are sold on demand, typically by the minute, hour, or transaction type. Customers only pay for the CPU cycles, storage, or bandwidth they consume.