Scalable Solution vs. Solution Template
In this blog post I will outline the pros and cons of the solution types Scalable Solution and Solution Template (new with Feature Pack 4.0). As you may know, solution templates allow you to create reusable solutions that can be imported into customer-specific-solutions.
This blog post should help partners or customers that work with the SAP Business ByDesign Studio to decide whether they should use scalable solutions or solution templates.
Generally the decision is easy. If you want to create a solution for many customers you use solution type Scalable Solution. If you want to create a solution for only a few customers you use solution type Solution Template.
In my experience, working with solution templates is much easier than developing scalable solutions. The major and essential point of this statement is the different approach to deployment. In contrast to scalable solutions, you can import solution templates into customer-specific-solutions and trigger deployment to different systems yourself regardless of any SAP service agreement or downtime windows.
On deciding which solution type to use, please consider the following points:
| Feature | Solution Template | Scalable Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Content Types |
No support for key-user functionality (forms, reports, mashups) and BC sets on SAP BCOs. However, as the templates are copied into customer-specific solutions, it is possible to add these content types there. |
All |
| Copy | For testing purposes, to fix a project, and for milestones. | No support |
| Deployment |
Cannot be used in the productive environment. Before they can be used in a productive tenant, you have to import them into a customer-specific-solution. You trigger deployment of a customer-specific solution by using the download/upload functionality in the SDK. Only possible for one customer at a time. |
You trigger deployment, SAP then executes it. Coupled with the SAP patch lifecycle, for example, every two weeks. |
| Upgrade | Export and import to tenants with the same or a higher release. | You need to trigger a solution move. |
| Patching | Only possible for one customer at a time |
Simultaneously to all customers. Coupled with the SAP patch lifecycle, for example, every two weeks. |
| Support for Sales OnDemand | Yes | No support at this time. |
| Support for Financials OnDemand | Planned | No support at this time. |
| SAP Store Listing | Yes | Yes |
Thanks Sandro Schiefnerfor very informative article..:)
have one question
can't we create mashup in Solution tamplate or can't we import?
Regards:
Sunil
Hi Sunil,
for technical reasons content types that require the admin mode cannot be used in Solution Templates. As a consequence content types like mashups and reports cannot be used in Solution Templates. For further information please refer to the respective chapter in the SDK documentation (Link).
Kind Regards,
Thomas
Thanks Thomas