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Jose Cabrita9:30 AM on January 16, 20255 min read

From SAP Solman to the Future: Explore your SAP Operations Transition

Transform your SAP Operation Platform Today

In our previous blog, we explored how Business Process Monitoring (BPMon) in SAP Cloud ALM supports organisations in maintaining smooth operations and optimising business processes. With real-time insights, predictive analytics, and end-to-end visibility, BPMon has proven to be a game-changer for operational oversight. Building on that foundation, this blog focuses on the transition options for organisations looking to move their operations from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM, highlighting the considerations, and benefits of modernising their application lifecycle management approach.

As we approach the end of mainstream maintenance for SAP Solution Manager in 2027, organisations face a pivotal decision: how to future-proof their Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) operations. In this blog, we explore why transforming your operations platform is critical, the unique benefits of each option, and how to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Why Transition Now?

SAP Solution Manager has been the backbone for managing SAP landscapes for decades, but the end of its maintenance signals the need to embrace newer, more efficient ALM platforms. Delaying the transition can result in missed opportunities to:

  • Simplify operational tasks
  • Enhance visibility across hybrid landscapes
  • Lower costs and improve scalability

SAP recommends starting your transition early to avoid last-minute challenges and to take advantage of innovative features offered by SAP Cloud ALM and SAP Focused Run. It is important to note that this can be a phased transition, where organisations can run both SAP Solution Manager and SAP Cloud ALM side by side until they are confident to cut over to solely using SAP Cloud ALM. This approach allows for a smoother transition and helps mitigate risks associated with the change.

Functional Overview for SAP Cloud ALM Operation

 Fig 1: Functional Overview for SAP Cloud ALM Operation


Your Options for ALM Transformation

  1. No Monitoring in SAP Solution Manager
    If your organisation currently lacks monitoring capabilities in SAP Solution Manager, now is the perfect time to start with SAP Cloud ALM. Its ease of adoption allows you to quickly set up essential metrics and alerts, such as availability monitoring. From there, you can expand incrementally, focusing on known problem areas in your landscape to deliver early value and build confidence in the platform.
  2.  
  1. Basic Monitoring in SAP Solution Manager
    For organisations with some monitoring already implemented in SAP Solution Manager, but with limited technical complexity, the best approach is to run SAP Cloud ALM side by side with Solution Manager. This phased transition allows you to replicate equivalent monitoring capabilities in SAP Cloud ALM while maintaining existing operations in SAP Solution Manager. Once you are confident in the new platform, you can fully cut over to SAP Cloud ALM.
  2.  
  1. Advanced Monitoring in SAP Solution Manager
  2. Organisations leveraging advanced monitoring capabilities in SAP Solution Manager—such as End-User Experience Monitoring (EEM) (now replaced by Synthetic User Monitoring in SAP Cloud ALM), and Data Volume Management (DVM) (which is not planned for SAP Cloud ALM but is available via the DVM app in SAP for Me) or integrations with external tools (like helpdesk ticketing systems or automated alerting of operations teams) should take a more strategic approach. Begin by assessing whether equivalent functionalities are available in SAP Cloud ALM (or outlined in its roadmap) or SAP Focused Run. While staying on SAP Solution Manager for now, start piloting available features in the other platforms side by side and prepare for a gradual transition as advanced capabilities become available. This ensures you're ready to adopt new functionalities without disrupting existing processes.

Regardless of your current scenario, the key message is clear: don’t wait until 2027 to start your transition. Even if full migration isn’t immediately feasible, taking incremental steps now will ensure a smoother transition later on. If you have doubts on what option suits you best, our Rapid X team of experts can help you assess your current setup, evaluate the best-fit solution, and develop a strategic roadmap to ensure your migration is seamless and disruption-free.

The modern ALM Operation Tools

SAP Cloud ALM: The Agile ALM Solution

SAP Cloud ALM is the next-generation ALM platform for managing cloud-centric and hybrid environments. It’s the go-to option for organisations seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution with powerful capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Operations & Service Management: Simplifies monitoring with no need for agents and integrates seamlessly with SAP services.
  • Implementation Support: Provides tools for testing, deployment management, and solution documentation as functionality expands over time.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces operational costs with out-of-the-box capabilities designed for minimal effort.
  • Business Process Monitoring: you have the opportunity to monitor end-to-end business processes with the help of a predefined process structure and key performance indicators (KPIs) - check our latest blog about this topic here


SAP Cloud ALM - Scope in Detail

Fig 2: SAP Cloud ALM - Scope in Detail

SAP Focused Run: Advanced Monitoring for Hybrid Landscapes

For enterprises managing large-scale, high-volume SAP environments, SAP Focused Run offers unparalleled capabilities for advanced monitoring, alerting, and diagnostics.

Key Features:

  • High-Volume Monitoring: Scalable system and application monitoring for hybrid landscapes.
  • Advanced Analytics: Built-in tools for root cause analysis, anomaly prediction, and metric forecasting.
  • Centralised Management: Consolidates operations for multi-tenant landscapes, ensuring security and transparency.

SAP Focused Run - Operations Dashboard

Fig 3: SAP Focused Run - Operations Dashboard

The Future of ALM Operations with SAP

SAP Cloud ALM delivers a unified, user-friendly platform that supports today’s intelligent enterprises. With its modular design, customers can start small and scale up as their requirements grow, ensuring a future-ready ALM strategy.

Transitioning your operations platform is more than a technical update—it's a strategic investment in the future of your business. Whether you choose SAP Cloud ALM or SAP Focused Run, making this shift ensures your organisation is equipped to handle the complexities of modern IT landscapes.

The transformation of operations is pivotal to the success of broader business transformations. A robust, future-ready ALM foundation enables customers to not only streamline current processes but also embrace innovation, maintain agility, and drive long-term success in an ever-evolving digital world. Start planning your transition now to position your business as a leader in operational excellence.

Contact us today at Rapid X for expert guidance and support on your ALM transformation journey.

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Jose Cabrita

Jose is a Product Owner for SAP Cloud ALM and a certified SAP Solution Transformation Consultant with over 10 years of experience in the SAP ecosystem (especially with SAP Solution Manager). As an expert in Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), he brings a deep understanding of SAP projects and a proven track record of helping organisations optimise their SAP landscapes. Jose is passionate about driving digital transformation and enabling businesses to maximise the value of their SAP investments, ensuring sustainable success and long-term impact.

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