SAP HANA system replication or storage replication?
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Dave Krenik
According to Logical Fallacy, a false dichotomy (or false dilemma) is:
… based on an “either-or” type of argument. Two choices are presented, when more might exist, and the claim is made that one is false and one is true—or one is acceptable and the other is not. Often, there are other alternatives which haven’t been considered, or both choices might be false or true.
As an example of a false dichotomy, consider two different types of endurance training meant to improve VO2 max. On-line exercise scientists and coaches argue about which protocol is “best.” The fact is that they both can be effective and it’s not “either/or” but when to use both protocols. That’s where the art (versus the science) of coaching comes in.
Which replication tool is best?
It’s easy for people to misguidedly take a similar approach to protecting their SAP HANA landscapes. SAP HANA has a native replication facility called HANA System Replication (HSR). Pretty much all the storage vendors that support SAP HANA also have their own storage-based replication offerings. So which is better? Which one should you use?
What about my other data?
The answer is that there are additional, and probably more appropriate, options. When preloaded into memory, HSR can provide a very low RTO with an RPO of 0. Nice–but there’s a gotcha: HSR only replicates HANA database data. What do you do with all the data that resides outside of HANA? System changes outside of the database, like SAP application servers, require an additional replication method.
Also, if you want to increase the value of your replicated data by using it for nonproduction purposes (dev/test, reporting, training, and so on), you’ll need a replication tool other than HSR.
NetApp has you covered
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a lucky guy. I have the good fortune of working with some very smart and talented people. They’ve created a collection of assets to help guide you in making decisions about your replication strategy for SAP HANA. Rather than linking to each individual piece of content that they’ve published for SAP HANA and replication, check out their knowledge library.
Take the next step
If you would like to see for yourself (and you should) what NetApp can do to help make your life with SAP Landscapes better, visit us today.
Dave Krenik
Dave has been bringing solutions to market under various monikers (alliances, business development, solution marketing) for more than 15 years. Before entering the world of tech, he enjoyed a 15-year stint in the wine business.
