SAP BusinessObjects 4.x Upgrade / Migration to 4.x

TEN STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL

SAP BUSINESSOBJECTS BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE 4.X MIGRATION

1TEN STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SAP BUSINESSOBJECTS BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE 4.X MIGRATION

There are several reasons why it makes sense for SAP BI users to upgrade to the new 4.x platform:

BI 4.x stands as SAP’s most complete and unified release of the reporting suite since the acquisition of BusinessObjects in 2007

The new BI 4.x release is built on a more robust semantic layer, making it easy to bring multiple data sources into a one-stop “gimme-all-my-data” shop for ad-hoc users

BI 4.x’s Integrated Life Cycle Manager offers version control like never before, complete with the ability to rollback deployments

A better interface and auditing schema enables a deeper understanding of how users are utilizing the product

SAP is making big strides into the mobile frontier with this release, with app support for iOS, BlackBerry, and Android devices

And a new Charting Engine shared across all tools enables creation of high-impact visuals regardless of the tools being used

But doing it right matters. BI 4.x Migration is a complex project, and every enterprise environment brings a unique set of challenges.

Without the right experience and planning, your organization could wind up with a costly nightmare:

A prolonged migration project, with run-away costs, delayed delivery, and a loss in confidence

An unstable environment with a painful transition and increasing user support costs

At Digital Management, Inc. (DMI), we’ve successfully deployed BusinessObjects for hundreds of leading enterprise clients. Building on our wealth of experience, we’ve developed a Ten-Step Methodology for a successful migration. Hallmarks of our approach include:

An early, full validation phase to help avoid surprises, and

A Go-Live pilot plan for a subset of data and a limited user base, allowing for the environment to be stabilized before scaling to a larger number of users.

This free guide outlines our proven Ten-Step Methodology.

Introduction


Before starting on your migration project, it’s vital to consider your migration options, including desired application functionality, technological enhancements, operational considerations, user training, change management and ongoing support availability. Prepare a project timeline based on overall scope, resources available and acceptable length of services downtime – the critical times when the environment will be unavailable to users, as well as training time, and backup time. It is very important to decide on the scope of the migration. This will determine the magnitude of your project, its budget and timeline.

Important Considerations

Audit the BI system to determine full scope of migration

Make recommendations for best migration approach & choices

Schedule Tasks & Deadlines

Allocate Resources (IT/HW)

Do not forget to consider the “Down time”

Plan & allocate time and resources for training (Admin, Developer & End User training)

Key Considerations:


Moving from SAP Business Objects R2 or XI 3.1 to BI 4.x is a not just an easy upgrade. It’s a step-by-step migration project that requires proper assessment and strategic planning:

The Migration Process: 10 Steps to a Successful Migration

Kickoff and Build Validation Test Plan

Migrate to BI 4.x PROD

Install and Configure BI 4.x Validation

Test and Verify

Validate BI 4.x and Execute Test Scenarios

Prepare for Go-Live

Assess Validation Results & Plan Migration

Go-Live

Install and Configure other BI 4.x Environments

162

73

84

95

10Provide Post-Go-Live Support


Understand the existing BI system and its capabilities.

Server and Environment (32 bit verses 64 bit hardware)

Platform parameters

Databases (CMS and Audit)

Security and Authentication

Contents(Universes, WebIntelligence Reports, Desktop Intelligence Reports, Crystal Reports, Dashboards, Schedules, Groups, Instances and so on).

Determine your Migration approach

Evaluate whether migration will be done in one-step (Migrate entire BI content in one step) or an incremental, multi-step process (Migrate BI content in increments) according to your business context.

Create a migration plan

List each component that you will use after the migration and decide on the specific conversion path that makes sense for your business. Multiple factors will influence the migration plan for each component, including changes to tools and connectivity issues.

Kickoff and Build Validation Test Plan1STEP


Kickoff and Build Validation Test Plan1STEP

A sample migration plan:

Existing Old Tool/Technology

Crystal Reports 2008

Desktop Intelligence Reports

Ad-hoc Reports in personal folders

Security/Authentication

Web Intelligence Reports

Changes due to Migration

UseCrystal Report 2011 or leverage the new Crystal Report Enterprise that use the new BICS Connectivity

No longer exists. Plan for a DeskI to WebI conversion using BI 4.x RCT and publish into a BI 4.x system.

Move or store them in Public Folders before migration. But business users should test.

No migration, opportunity to re-design

Web Intelligence with UNX universe. The UNV format universes will continue to work; we can keep them but build new Universes in UNX.

Existing Data Access method/Connectivity

SAP BW with BW Query

UNV on ODBC

BW Query, ODBC Databases

To be setup

UNV on SAP BW with BW Query, UNV on ODBC

Preparing a Migration Project Plan is crucial. And of course it needs to be created before the actual migration begins. Improper risk assessment and inadequate planning can lead to loss of data and costly mistakes and delays. To avoid these pitfalls it is best to consult with experts – either in-house BI Migration specialists or experienced partners.

Plan for an intermediate step if required: Note that previous versions of BusinessObjects (3.1) must be migrated to BusinessObjects XI R2 before passing to SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0. BusinessObjects XI 3.x and BusinessObjects XI R2 can directly upgrade to 4.0 using “Upgrade Manager tool”

Define and document Acceptance

Before moving on to Step #2, it is important to review your migration plan with the subject matter experts and key users to secure their acceptance and familiarize them with the new BI setup.


Install and Configure SAP BusinessObjects 4.xValidation environment

Typically you will have multiple environments:

Install and Configure BI 4.x Validation2STEP

DEVELOPMENT TEST VALIDATION PRODUCTION

You can choose to install SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x (Server, Client tools) on all the environments(parallel migration) or consider doing a linear migration (Just one installation of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x) this is accomplished by choosing the correct source system which is productive, and up-to-date and then doing an incremental migration of selected documents.

Get the Validation environment up and running first with all necessary PROD-like configurations.

Best Practice:Upgrade from (XI R2/XI 3.x) PRODUCTION -> SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.xVALIDATION


Migrate content to “VALIDATION” environment

Refer to the Migration Project Plan you prepared. Use SAP’s “Upgrade Management Tool” to migrate Security (Groups, Users, ACL etc), Content - Universes, Reports and Repository objects, Schedules, Publications etc. Upgrade Management tool can be paired with Import Manager to create BIAR files that can make your migration easier.

Migrate all of current PROD content to execute the test scenarios.

Execute test scenarios

This is an opportunity to uncover any unique issues related to your environment. Execute a broad range of test scenarios like:

Report execution (all types) and performance

Complex report production

Database connectivity

Recurring scheduled reports, publications and destinations

Report Instances, Inboxes and Private folders

Security and Authentication configurations

Any SDK applications and firewall issues

Note: In order to install the Upgrade Management tool you need to run the BI 4.x Server install that requires a 64 bit OS

Validate BI 4.x and Execute Test Scenarios3STEP


Assess Validation test results

Assess the results of the test scenarios executed

Look for any areas of issue and take this into consideration as part of the final migration

Depending on the number and type of issues encountered, make any necessary adjustments to the migration path

Decide on the best migration path

If many post-migration content problems are identified, Option 2 from the picture above may be preferred.

Note: Remember to install the required service packs, fix packs and hot fixes.

Assess Validation results & Plan for migration4

STEP


Your new BI 4.x configuration isn’t complete without checking for alignment with:

REDUCE THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF YOUR MIGRATION

Your migration can proceed more smoothly if you clean up first: Delete scheduled jobs that have failed, remove un-used reports and un-used instances of reports, fix repository inconsistencies, backup existing repositories and custom web application, scripts etc.

BI 4.x architecture still includes the five core components that are included in XI R2 and R3: Web Application Server, Back-end Servers, 1 CMS, 1 File repository, 1 Audit Database. Changes in the BI platform, especially the adoption of 64 bit and the support of new capabilities such as monitoring or Analysis will require you to plan for a revised sizing and architecture blueprint.

Install & Configure other BI 4.x Environments5

STEP

New security configuration

New folder architecture

Middleware and ODBC connections

BusinessObjects connections

User group mapping

User assignments

New owner rights for existing products

Specification of rights for new products etc.

Your new BI 4.x configuration isn’t complete without checking for alignment with:

Feature Upgrade Considerations

Authentication settings (LDAP & SSO) Manual Re-Configuration

Reporting databases connectivity Manual Re-Configuration

BOE Server configuration Manual Re-Configuration

Tomcat configuration settings Manual Re-Configuration

InfoView Customization (picture, logo) Manual Customization

OpenDoc URL Redirects Track and update all references in other portals


Migrate Content

Migrate all the BI Content using the Upgrade Manager tool from the current version to BI 4.x PROD, depending on the option selected post Validation assessment.

Maintain a Migration check list and review progress with the project team.

The Migration check list should include all reports, folders, publications and business owners who are responsible for testing and acceptance.

Optional Migration-related activities

As part of the Migration plan, address the post content migration activities as needed. The following table provides a useful starting list:

Migrate to BI 4.x PROD6STEP

Feature Upgrade Considerations

Universes - .unv to .unx Not needed, and typically not done.

Older Crystal Reports to Latest Not needed, and typically not done.

QaaWS to Query Design for Dashboards Not needed, and typically not done.

DeskI report conversion Needed, Scoped and addressed separately, if required

Audit DB Out of Scope, leave as is - If needed reports can be updated using multi source universe connevted to both the new and old Audit

BI 4.x Upgrade - Optional tasks

Desktop Intelligence to WebI Conversion

We recommend using the BI 4.x RCT to save a step. This activity can be done in parallel with the Migration project, outside the critical path.

Desktop Intelligence & Report Conversion Tool

DeskI to WebI conversion using BI 4.x SCT is easier, saves a step.


Identify what needs to be tested and perform relevant tests.

The most common tests include tests on security, functional test of the BI applications, first pass IT test on security and content, and second-pass user-acceptance test.

Test and validate Reports and Universes in the new environment with key users and subject matter experts.

Manually test critical reports and dashboards for formatting, calculations, database connectivity & Security,

Note: It is advisable to have an acceptance testing criteria developed for selected solutions moved over to the new version (for e.g. security model, critical folder and groups, 50 documents most frequently used)

Fix Issues

Provide technical support and guidance to assist users in troubleshooting and answering their queries. Assist with error resolutions, bug fixes and re-run the tests to confirm.

Test and Verify7STEP

Total

1000 5% 50 2 100

100 10% 10 8 80

50 5% 3 8 24

204

36

Total 240

% manual verification

To beverified

Efforts reg (hrs)

Total efforts (hrs)

Webi Reports

Universes

Xcelsius

Sub total

A Sample of recurring

*All the above number can be modified to change the required eddort, subset of reports to be selevred base on complexity and business importance

Testing effort Calculator with minimum content manually tested for go-live


Have a Production Readiness Checklist ready

Once you have tested the content in the production environment, execute the

“Content promotion plan”

Using the “Life Cycle Manager” for BI 4.x PROD and BI 4.x, QA can be synchronized. Typically, the current Development content is migrated to the BI 4.x DEV environment

Address any delta content to be migrated over from the current environment for the early pilot users

Schedule adequate training sessions for pilot users and provide support to utilize the new features and be productive in the BI 4.x environment

Prepare to Go-LIVE8STEP

Go-LIVE with pilot users and minimal required content

Do a “sanity test” of the environment, access and database connectivity

Plan for contingency. Cut all access to the old environment and make sure the new 4.x system is adopted

Stabilize the PRODUCTION environment--apart from testing content--Reports, Universes and Dashboards for consistency of data and fixing connectivity issues. It is essential to do a load test of the production environment for failover and load balancing. Also make sure you have a plan to test and validate desired new features of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x.

Go-LIVE9STEP


During this phase both the old and new environments are available in parallel. It is vital to get users migrated to the new environment as early as possible, with minimal transition pain.

Make sure your migration is complete on all environments and provide help and support to users as they transition to the new environment.

Plan for the conversion of any existing content that was not migrated. (e.g. Delta content and new development)

Support the testing and on-boarding of any remaining users and content incrementally for a pre- published period of time

Schedule adequate training sessions for new features as users are on-boarded so they can be productive in the new environment

Plan for retiring the current BusinessObjects environment and reclaim hardware

Provide Post-Go-LIVE Support10STEP

Even the most complex migrations become less daunting with proper assessment, comprehensive project planning, and careful consideration of the human change management aspects of the project. DMI has certified migration specialists and trained services and support teams who can assist your migration to SAP BI 4.x--ensuring a short and smooth migration period.

Conclusion


About DMI

DMI is the world’s leading provider of Enterprise Mobility Services and Big Data Insights. We build enterprise-class mobile solutions that generate results for the world’s top brands and businesses, and our Big Data Insights solutions give our clients the edge they need to win in competitive markets. We turn raw data into actionable intelligence–for better decisions, and better business performance.

Big Data Insights

Every business is a treasure trove of valuable data. We help our clients extract value and competitive advantage from their data by uncovering the hidden patterns and insights that empower better decision-making. We are truly passionate at helping businesses use this new found intelligence to create actionable, executable strategies that drive one thing: Better Results.

We offer fully integrated Strategic Guidance, Business Intelligence & Advanced Analytics powered by our proprietary DMI InTell™ technology, a team of strategic business experts, and our commitment to ensuring your success in achieving your goals.

An SAP Center of Excellence, and IBM Business Partner, we have more than 10 years experience delivering literally thousands of solutions to some of the world’s most successful companies. We have executed some of the most complex Business Intelligence projects in the world, with more than 50,000+ objects.

Mobile Enterprise Solutions

Our mobile solutions combine the award-winning user experience design that has made us one of the top creators of consumer apps, with the deep middleware and engineering expertise that we’ve

used to build and manage enterprise applications for the most demanding IT departments in the world. DMI mobility solutions improve business processes, tap new revenue streams, build customer loyalty, and increase employee productivity. And we offer a full range of Managed Services to securely set up, configure, and manage your mobile devices.

We’ve built more than 400 mobile apps—in the past 12 months alone— for more than 150 leading organizations—like Disney, Coca Cola, Toyota, Vodafone, P&G, The National Guard, and Universal Studios.

We offer brilliant creative and user experience: Our mobile app development group was named the Best Branded App Developer at the 2012 Mobile Entertainment Awards.

We have 500,000 devices under management for more that 100+ clients, including many Fortune 500 companies—like BP, Johnson & Johnson, Sears, The Associated Press, Allergan, and more. At BP, we’re deploying 1,000 managed mobile devices each day.

We provide 24 x 7 x 365 mobile service support for more than 500,000 users. DMI is the one call our customers need to make to resolve any issue—devices, apps, infrastructure, even carriers.

We offer a full range of security options that include Federal-grade hardware-based security, two-factor authentication, secure container, and sophisticated encryption solutions.

With our expertise and economies of scale, we can provide mobility management at a higher service level and on average 20% lower cost than most companies can do on their own.

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SAP BusinessObjects 4.x Upgrade / Migration to 4.x

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