SAP on Azure Video Podcast | News on SAP and Microsoft

Introduction

In episode 257 of our SAP on Azure video podcast we talk about latest news from the SAP and Microsoft ecosystem. Today we don’t have any special guest, so we thought we would take a look at some of the latest news from the SAP and Microsoft ecospace. In earlier episodes we had a regular news block, but we shifted to specific topcs with experts. So maybe we will have dedicated News episode from time to time.

Find all the links mentioned here: https://www.saponazurepodcast.de/episode257

Reach out to us for any feedback / questions:

Goran Condric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gorancondric/
Holger Bruchelt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holger-bruchelt/

#Microsoft #SAP #Azure #SAPonAzure

Summary created by AI

Azure Infrastructure Updates and New VM SKUs:
Goran and Holger discussed the general availability of new MBv3 VM SKUs on Azure, highlighting their high CPU and storage performance for database workloads, and noted that SAP certification is pending but expected soon.
- MBv3 VM Features: Goran explained that the new MBv3 VM SKUs feature the latest CPUs and are optimized for database workloads such as Oracle and SQL Server, offering up to 4TB of RAM, 416 vCPUs, and high IOPS and throughput for storage and network performance.
- SAP Certification Status: Goran clarified that while the MBv3 VMs are generally available, they are not yet SAP certified, but certification is expected soon; users are advised to monitor SAP notes for updates on supported VM SKUs.
- Use Cases and Performance: The MBv3 VMs are positioned as ideal for high-performance database scenarios, with specific throughput and IOPS figures cited, making them suitable for demanding enterprise workloads.
Oracle Database Backup on Azure VM:
Goran highlighted a detailed blog post by Vamshi on backing up Oracle databases running on SAP using Azure VM backup, and Holger suggested inviting Vamshi for a future session to discuss the topic in depth.
- Step-by-Step Backup Guide: Goran described the blog post as a comprehensive, 20-page document providing step-by-step instructions for configuring, enabling, and restoring Oracle database backups using Azure VM backup, ensuring consistent application state.
- Integration with Azure Services: Goran emphasized the customer preference for integrated Azure services like Azure Backup, noting the importance of seamless integration with Oracle databases for simplified management and backup operations.
- Future Session Planning: Holger proposed inviting Vamshi to present the backup solution in more detail in a dedicated session, indicating interest in further exploring the topic with the community.
SAP European Cloud Sovereignty Initiatives:
Holger and Goran discussed SAP’s announcement of expanded European cloud sovereignty offerings, including collaboration with Microsoft and Delos Cloud, and the implications for secure, compliant SAP workloads in Europe.
- SAP Sovereign Cloud Expansion: Holger explained SAP’s new approach to digital sovereignty, detailing the availability of SAP Sovereign Cloud and SAP Cloud Infrastructure in Europe, and the partnership with Delos Cloud for secure public sector transformation.
- Microsoft Collaboration: Holger highlighted the close collaboration between SAP and Microsoft to ensure SAP workloads run securely on Azure in European data centers, supporting regulatory and sovereignty requirements.
- Customer and Regulatory Impact: Goran noted the strong demand for sovereign cloud solutions from governments and high-security customers, emphasizing the importance of compliance and local data residency.
DSAG Annual Conference and SAP-Microsoft Customer Stories:
Holger provided an overview of the upcoming DSAG conference, mentioning keynote speakers, live streaming options, and a dedicated SAP with Microsoft track featuring customer presentations on digital manufacturing, automation, and Power Platform integration.
- Conference Details: Holger described the DSAG conference as a major event with around 5,000 participants from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, featuring keynotes and live translation services for broader accessibility.
- SAP with Microsoft Track: Holger outlined the SAP with Microsoft track, listing customer presentations such as IFM Group’s use of Rise with BDP in digital manufacturing, Axel Springer’s self-service and automation initiatives, and Ascorium’s Power Platform-based ordering and approval process.
- End-to-End Integration: Goran and Holger discussed the value of Microsoft’s end-to-end offerings, from infrastructure to platform services and business process integration, as showcased by the customer stories at the conference.
SAP MCP Server Developments and AI Integration:
Holger and Goran reviewed recent blog posts and releases related to SAP’s MCP servers, discussing their role in bridging SAP tools with AI agents, the release of official MCP servers for UI5, CAP, and Fiori, and new open-source projects enabling AI-powered SAP insights.
- Official MCP Server Releases: Holger noted SAP’s release of official MCP servers for UI5, CAP, and Fiori tools, which facilitate easier development and integration with AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot.
- Community Reviews and Testing: Holger referenced Martin’s hands-on review of the MCP servers, highlighting their practical value, project awareness, and executable actions, as well as the benefits of local client setups.
- Open Source MCP Projects: Holger described Wouter Lemaire’s release of an MCP server for SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), inspired by Alice’s OData-MCP bridge and the CAP MCP plugin, enabling direct AI agent access to SAP data and leveraging BTP destination services for secure integration.
- Technical Integration and Future Potential: Goran and Holger discussed the technical aspects of MCP server deployment, including service discovery, CRUD tool generation, and the potential for seamless AI-powered SAP insights, noting that the technology is still evolving but already offers significant value.

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Introduction

Summary created by AI