EP: NW & The Portal Importance of Upgrades/SP’s/Patches
Introduction
The process and tasks associated with upgrading the Enterprise Portal will be familiar to anyone operating within a NW (Netweaver) Java based environment on a regular basis. Often when we encounter an issue we might come across “solution” references which entail different Patch implementations, SP (Support Packages) or complete Version upgrades but at first glance might not see the benefit associated in performing such a feat.
Latest Solution Fixes
SAP highly encourages both the application and deployment of the latest Patch Level Releases & SP’s (Support Packages). The reasoning behind such encouragement is not solely based on accessibility to new features but also the avoidance of errors. Applying the latest documented fixes is a “clean” means to ensure “easily avoidable” issues do not arise in the first place.
Latest Product Versions
A vital point to highlight and consider surrounding NW & EP Versions is that by the end of 2017, EP 7.0X versions will no longer be supported, and therefore we suggest to upgrade to a higher version now and not wait till the last moment.
We suggest an upgrade to a Product Version of EP 7.5, which has the longest maintenance period, and moreover, you have many new features including the Fiori Framework Page and other features that are only available in the latest versions.
Why you should Upgrade your Enterprise Portal?
The following informative blog posting has been documented and put forward by my Development Colleagues as a means of outlining the important reasons behind EP-based upgrades. Within the blog posting you will find a comprehensive overview on the operational ehancements now available with new Product Versions and also the limitations which exist surrounding older releases (+ known issues).
- For more information please refer to the following blog: http://scn.sap.com/community/enterprise-portal/migration-and-upgrade/blog/2016/08/10/why-should-i-upgrade-my-sap-enterprise-portal
In terms of strategic planning and preparation surrounding possible upgrades or any queries you might have the following documentation guide can be used as primary source of cross-referencing:
This document includes all relevant information, and is an entry point for many other documents\blogs.
SAP Service Marketplace + Software Download Centre
The SAP Service Marketplace (SMP) provides customers with a means of browsing through useful resource areas across a wide range of topics which include the following:
- Help & Support
- Software Downloads
- Keys & Requests
- Data Administration
- Maintenance & Services
- SAP Solution Manager
- Release and Upgrade Info
- Knowledge Exchange
The URL https://support.sap.com/swdc will bring you to the SAP Service Marketplace and the SWDC (Software Download Centre).
- Follow the link service.sap.com/swdc to the Download Center of the SAP Service Marketplace.
- Logon to the SAP Service Marketplace.
- Go to Support Packages and Patches.
- In the left pane, click the link Search Support Packages and Patches.
Reference Point: Component Depdendency Analysis Tool
This tool is also a useful means of viewing the basis guidance required to implement Patch Level Releases & Dependencies if required.
You can find more information surrounding the tool within my blog posting outlined below:
https://blogs.sap.com/2016/11/03/ep-portal-component-dependency-analysis-tools/
Hi Troy,
Very informative blog, Thanks.
Regards,
Rohit Gera