SAP Cloud ALM
With SAP Cloud ALM, SAP is setting new standards for Application Lifecycle Management. In this article, we take a look at the functions, benefits and challenges of SAP Cloud ALM and how it compares to SAP Solution Manager.
What is SAP Cloud ALM?
SAP Cloud ALM is the new, cloud-based solution from SAP for Application Lifecycle Management (ALM). It is aimed at companies with a cloud-first strategy and offers a future-proof platform for SAP operations in the cloud. The solution actively supports companies in their transformation to the cloud. As a cloud provider, SAP ensures high-performance and reliable services. However, the responsibility for maintaining and optimizing the applications remains with the customer. With SAP Cloud ALM, SAP provides a comprehensive tool suite that helps to make operations efficient and optimally support the use of cloud services.
Is CALM the successor to the Solution Manager?
Maintenance of SAP Solution Manager officially ends in 2027, with an optional extension until 2030 for an additional fee. SAP Cloud ALM is not a direct successor solution to Solution Manager, but a newly developed platform based on new technologies. Both solutions differ in their range of functions and are aimed at different target groups. Important to note: CALM does not cover the full range of functions of Solution Manager. In particular, teams that rely on Change Request Management (ChaRM) could experience challenges during the changeover, as SAP Cloud ALM does not currently offer an equivalent solution for this requirement. Technologically, the two solutions are also based on different foundations: SAP Cloud ALM is based on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and is developed in Java, while Solution Manager is based on SAP NetWeaver and is programmed in ABAP.
What criticism is there on SAP Cloud ALM?
Limited functions for complex scenarios: Although Cloud ALM provides a comprehensive solution for many standard requirements, it is criticized for having limitations in highly complex or customized environments.
Lack of parity with SAP Solution Manager: Many companies that have used Solution Manager complain that SAP Cloud ALM does not offer all the features and integrations available in SolMan. One point that is often criticized is the lack of functions such as ITSM or change request management.
Cloud constraints: CALM is exclusively cloud-based and requires companies to migrate to the cloud. Companies that still use on-premise systems see this as a limitation.
Product maturity: As SAP Cloud ALM is a relatively new solution, it is often seen as less mature compared to older solutions such as Solution Manager. Some functions, such as change management, are still being developed or are not fully mature.
SAP Cloud ALM vs. Solution Manager
SAP Solution Manager and SAP Cloud ALM are both Application Lifecycle Management solutions, but differ fundamentally in their architecture, focus and target group. SAP offers both solutions as separate strategic ALM options. While SAP Solution Manager offers a comprehensive on-premise management solution, CALM is characterized by its cloud nature, which offers a more easily scalable and less maintenance-intensive solution. It eliminates many complicated installation and maintenance activities, making adoption easier. Cloud ALM is ideal for companies that prefer to dynamically adapt to their cloud strategy, whereas Solution Manager supports more extensive customization for traditional environments.
| Feature | SAP Cloud ALM | SAP Solution Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud-based, no local installation required | On-premises, local installation required |
| Flexibility | High scalability and automatic updates | Limited by local infrastructure and manual updates |
| Target group | Companies with a cloud-first or hybrid IT strategy | Companies with on-premises system landscapes |
| Maintenance effort | Low, thanks to automatic updates in the cloud | High, requires regular manual maintenance |
| Innovations | Regular introduction of new features by SAP | Slower introduction of new functions |
| Monitoring | Real-time monitoring with cloud-based dashboards | Extensive monitoring functions, but limited to local systems |
Cloud ALM: Functions
The SAP solution combines powerful functionalities with a user-friendly interface to give companies holistic control over their SAP systems.
Advantages of the new SAP ALM tool
SAP Cloud ALM offers a wide range of benefits that help companies to optimize their SAP processes and make them future-proof:
- Increased flexibility: Companies can react quickly to market changes as the solution enables agile adaptation of processes.
- Cost efficiency: The elimination of maintenance costs for local infrastructure leads to significant savings, which lowers the total operational expenses.
- Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring functions allow companies to react promptly to problems and make optimizations.
- High level of automation: Many processes are automated, which increases efficiency and reduces human error, as well as contributing to faster implementation times.
- Fast implementation of updates: Regular updates and new functions can be integrated quickly.
- Integration of SAP solutions: CALM acts as a central platform for project management so that all activities can be efficiently processed and documented in one tool.
Conclusion: ALM for the cloud
SAP Cloud ALM is a powerful solution for companies looking for a cloud-based alternative to traditional on-premises solutions. Despite some criticisms, CALM remains a promising solution for companies looking to modernize their SAP systems. Nevertheless, companies that rely on specific functions such as Change Request Management or ITSM should carefully examine whether the new ALM solution can fully cover their requirements.
FAQs: Cloud Application Lifecycle Management
Cloud ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) is a cloud-based solution that helps companies to manage and optimize their SAP applications. It offers functions such as real-time monitoring, test management, troubleshooting, Change Management and seamless integration with other SAP solutions.
The ALM suite is part of SAP Enterprise Support. The use of CALM is already included in the SAP Cloud Service subscription and in Enterprise Support.
Cloud ALM is not the direct successor to Solution Manager, but a cloud-based solution that has been specially developed for companies that rely on cloud products. While Solution Manager can still be used for on-premise environments, SAP Cloud ALM offers an alternative for companies pursuing a cloud-first strategy.
CALM does not include an IT Service Desk. You must therefore fall back on alternative solutions such as SmartITSM.