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SAP Exacc Single Instance Databases have gained attention in recent years due to their ease of use and simplification of IT landscapes. Meanwhile, there is a lack of knowledge about their specifics. This article aims to provide an insight into Single Instance Databases, how they compare to conventional Exacc Systems, and what benefits and drawbacks they entail.

Understanding the Basics: Exacc System Configuration

Before diving into the specifics of Single Instance Databases, let’s review how Exacc Systems are generally configured. A typical Exacc System consists of multiple components such as the ASCS (ABAP Service Class), ERS (Enqueue Replication Service), SCS (Schema Service), PAS (Primary Application Server), and AAS (Additional Application Server.) Each component has its own role in the system and contributes to the overall system architecture.

Those familiar with Exacc know that every component is crucial to the system’s functionality and that installing them separately is essential. Nevertheless, SAP Single Instance Database simplifies this process.

Single Instance Databases: Simplification and Easier Maintenance

Single Instance Databases merge all Exacc components into a single stack, creating a simplified architecture and offering multiple advantages. Having all the components in one central place allows easier installation and reduces the complexity of the IT landscape.

Mainly, the simplification is due to the removal of separate ASCS and ERS components, which were previously essential to the system architecture. Although this change simplifies maintenance and reduces hardware requirements, the centralized approach introduced by Exacc may have drawbacks.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Single Instance Databases

Interestingly, while Single Instance Databases seem like a perfect solution due to their reduced IT footprint and simplified maintenance, they can come with their set of problems. Here are a few advantages and potential issues.

Benefits:

• Reducing the number of components diminishes the required hardware, ultimately decreasing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

• Single Instance Databases streamline the upgrade process.

• The Exacc architecture is now easier to manage for new users.

Drawbacks:

• Since the components of Single Instance Databases are tightly integrated, they’re going to be at the mercy of a joint disaster in case one part of the system crashes or stops working.

• Unlike a regular Exacc system, an SCS can no longer be built as a shared Enqueue (or schema) Service for other systems in the same landscape.

Installing a Single Instance Database: A Walkthrough of Configuration Steps

A Single Instance Database installation resembles an Exacc setup with minor differences. However, there are important differences during a Single Instance deployment. Along with the installation setup steps in the SAP software provision manager, you will need to update several ” Parameter files”. For more detail about SAP parameters, visit: SAP Documentation Page.

This is some sample code using “sapcontrol” to collect various information of an SAP system. Specifically in this line we find the ID and domain of the SAP system with instance number 01 (Primary Application server). The above process provides that users know how to leverage ” sapcontrol”.

However, although maintenance has been simplified in the recent versions of Single Instance Databases, removing the need for ” Distributed Systems”, SAP systems can be more complex to comprehend.

Security with Exacc Single Instance Databases

Exacc Single instance system requires the same preparation as a regular System for disaster recover and/or Backup. Note: it will also need to handle the recovery of the entire database within strict Server RTO/RPO so that full DB data recovery is complete upon a disaster scenario. Some SAP systems can deploy “ASCS/ERS replication for the use case recovery in Central Service Systems”. Such mechanisms are possible with a regular SAP system with separation of the ACS/ERS server. Also based on version chosen all three Central instance types require the hosting by OS and can be run on an available HANA and “cloud Provider including HANA. SAP Cloud Integration requires either Azure or AWS etc… although, OS can integrate.

Do you have an Exacc System or Single Instance Database and require help with setup, management, or maintenance. For SAP consulting services, you can check out options by visiting the PersonIT website www.person-it.com to ensure an expert will guide you through key options.

Meanwhile Single Instance Exacc Systems can have unique considerations when deciding how to build Disaster Recovery for that Exacc and associated SAP system will support. Maintaining the most up-to-date versions of SAP Single Instance, together with their patches, provides the relevant benefits in a most accessible way. However, Exacc Single instance might may make requirements reach specific time.