When performing a system copy, there is often the need to mask data in the target system. We have sought out two partners for this task, each uses a completely different approach. Depending on your exact requirements, the technical approach of our partner Delphix or the application-oriented approach of our partner Natuvion might be better suited for your needs. We will dig into the main differences between the two approaches below.
Another task that has to be completed while copying a system is to restore the customising and ABAP development state of the target system after copying.
This is because development and data freshness run in opposite directions e.g.: In a 3-system landscape DEV>QA>PROD, the PROD system has the oldest development status, as new “things” are developed or tested in feeder systems until they are ready to be taken to the PROD system. In contrast, current data and reports are generated exclusively in the PROD system, which is the reason for the need for a system copy (to test with current data). For the simple approach with a list of transports, we use our own AddOn QueueDiff, whereas we use the product QCopy from our partner company Galileo Group for the 100% exact restoration of the original state, including a check for partial object overlapping and automatic overtaking recognition.
This is where we check all the prerequisites for a successful copy.
During this step, many (technical) tables, users and the like are backed up
The Database is copied from the source to the target system.
Finally, the backed-up tables are restored and the BDLS is run.
The product is actually a 2-in-1 solution: it consists of database virtualization and a data masking solution. The source database is read into Delphix once. From then on, any number of snapshots and clones of this database can be created in a very space efficient manner. When creating clones, the SAP data can be masked using the data masking solution.
In the system copy process shown above, Delphix is used during the main processing step. This means that instead of making a 1:1 copy, Delphix takes care of the entire data provisioning process and masks the data during this stage.
The process of virtualisation and data masking is set up in Delphix beforehand, the whole process is then performed within BlueCopy.
Natuvion approaches the order of the process from a different angle: first the system copy is created following the steps shown below. The data is then masked inline in the system during the last step, right before the system is released. Here, too, the entire process is controlled by BlueCopy.
The scope of data masking must be determined and configured in a small project beforehand.
An important and often time-consuming step after creating a system copy is to restore the transport queue. No transport can be forgotten - all must be restored - and the order of the transports is also crucial. If the sequence is not strictly adhered to, there will be omissions such as e.g. missing table rows.
Automate the recovery of your transport queue
There is an interface between BlueCopyand QCopy to speed up and automate this process.
Use BlueCopy to copy your system while you take a coffee break. QCopy will do the import and restore quickly and correctly:
Our central management and automation platform, EPOS, has been enhanced in its latest release by the integration of our "Blue-World" products: including BlueCopy, BlueClone and BlueClient. With just ONE user interface, you can now benefit from all the advantages of EPOS and our entire range of Blue products.
“ Unsere Erwartungen, die wir mit der Verwendung des Automatisierungstools verknüpft hatten, wurden voll und ganz erfüllt. Wir profitieren davon in vielfacher Hinsicht. Mit dem Tool konnten wir mehrere Optimierungen wirkungsvoll in die Tat umsetzen.”
“ Das Vorhaben, mit einem geeigneten leistungsfähigen Automationstool deutliche Effizienzsteigerungen bei der Erstellung von SAP-Systemkopien zu erzielen, konnten wir mit Blue SystemCopy schnell und wirkungsvoll realisieren.”
“ We have reduced the BDLS runtime of the BW refresh from 6 days to 12 hours together with the Empirius software (used a customized BDLS file) in this run.”
“ Der Produktsupport ist sehr gut: Bei Problemen stehen die kompetenten Mitarbeiter mit zielführenden Hinweisen bereit und bei etwas kniffligeren Sachen hat sich der von Empirius eingesetzte Fastviewer schon mehrfach bewährt: Remote Support fast wie Vorort, nur schneller und flexibler.”
“ Supportanfragen, die unterm Strich sehr selten anfallen, dauern nicht 2 oder 3 Tage, sondern werden praktisch umgehend beantwortet.”
“ Using BlueCopy, we can make SAP system copies in just a few hours, instead of days. In addition, manual handling has been reduced to a minimum, thanks to the high-performance automation tool from Empirius.”