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Author's profile photo Jens Fieger

Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is Now Generally Available

In this blog I describe the general availability of Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA.

Abstract: With SAP S/4HANA 2021 and SUM 2.0 SP 12, the Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is generally available. This blog describes the prerequisites to successfully leverage ZDO for SAP S/4HANA.

Initial version (November 17, 2021): Blog published

Minor update (January 20, 2022): Youtube link to SAP TechEd 2021 replay added

Training material update (June 17, 2022): ADM330e and ADM330k have been re-released with updated content

Training material update (April 29, 2023): ADM330e and ADM330k have been replaced by new SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning

Overview

Until now, Zero Downtime Option of Software Update Manager for SAP S/4HANA was only available to pilot customers like described in the SAP Community blog Leveraging Zero Downtime Option of SUM for SAP S/4HANA release upgrades and updates.

We’re pleased to announce that as of November 17, 2021, Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA is generally available.

 

Availability and Boundary Conditions

Let’s take a look to the availability in terms of supported products and add-ons and how you can get educated on Zero Downtime Option.

General%20availability%20of%20the%20Zero%20Downtime%20Option%20for%20SAP%20S/4HANA

General availability of the Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA

First: the general availability of ZDO for SAP S/4HANA applies to systems running SAP S/4HANA 2020 or higher. There, ZDO can be used to perform major release upgrades as well as feature or support package updates.

Besides SAP S/4HANA 2020 (or higher), also SAP S/4HANA Foundation 2020 (or higher) is supported by ZDO. Please note that the product SAP S/4HANA Foundation is not allowed to be used standalone but only as a foundation in combination with a defined list of add-on product versions. Further details can be found in the release information SAP Notes:

  • SAP Note 2912919 – SAP S/4HANA FOUNDATION 2020: Release Information Note
  • SAP Note 3015497 – SAP S/4HANA FOUNDATION 2021: Release Information Note

The supported update and upgraded paths to utilize Zero Downtime Option for SAP S/4HANA are described and visualized in SAP Note 2707731 which is the comprehensive entry point to get all relevant information before starting a ZDO project.

Second: SAP S/4HANA supports add-ons from different vendors like SAP or 3rd party:

  • Standard add-ons delivered by SAP for SAP S/4HANA
  • Add-ons delivered by SAP Innovative Business Solution Organization (former SAP Custom
    Development)
  • Partner add-ons

For details, see SAP Note 2214409 – SAP S/4HANA: Compatible Add-Ons.

However, not all add-ons available for SAP S/4HANA implicitly are equipped with zero-downtime maintenance capability. Hence, Software Update Manager is equipped with an automated check that detects if all products and add-ons installed in the system are supported by ZDO. The full list of add-ons supported by ZDO is attached to the central SAP Note 2707731. If ZDO is not possible because of addon products in the system, potentially a custom-specific project can be started.

Third: Along with the general availability, the SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning was launched. Both, the e-learning, as well as the assessment are mandatory in order to get started using ZDO. The two new training modules are part of the Learning Journey “Software Lifecycle Management Tools“.

After graduating from the mandatory SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning, you’ll receive a digital badge from credly.com.

By having the digital badge, you’ll be eligible to request a password which is asked by Software Update Manager after choosing the Scenario Strategy Zero Downtime Option (ZDO):

Selection%20of%20ZDO%20in%20Software%20Update%20Manager%202.0%20SP%2012%20and%20higher

Selection of ZDO in Software Update Manager 2.0 SP 12 and higher

 

Summary

  • Zero Downtime Option (ZDO) does not require an additional license as it comes along with the standard tool for maintenance: Software Update Manager.
  • ZDO for SAP S/4HANA reduces the overall business downtime for maintenance events like upgrades and updates.
  • From SAP S/4HANA 2020, ZDO is generally available. For details on prerequisites and restrictions, see SAP Note 2707731.
  • The SAP Learning Journey Leverage SAP S/4HANA Updates and Upgrades with Zero Downtime Option of SUM on SAP Learning.

 

More Information

For more information, you can refer to the following sources:

 

Jens Fieger

Product Management SAP SE, Software Logistics

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      11 Comments
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      Author's profile photo Sergio Ferrari
      Sergio Ferrari

      The support of jump upgrades is really very important !

      Another great news from SAP TechEd 2021 😉

      Author's profile photo Jens Fieger
      Jens Fieger
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Sergio,

      thanks for adding this!

      Indeed, jump upgrades are now also supported by ZDO starting from SAP S/4HANA 2020. Details can be found in the visualized upgrade paths attached to SAP Note 2707731.

      Best,

      Jens

      Author's profile photo Sachidananda Sahoo
      Sachidananda Sahoo

      Great news..Jens!

      Author's profile photo Vivek Chaudhary
      Vivek Chaudhary

      .

      Author's profile photo Vivek Chaudhary
      Vivek Chaudhary

      Superb

      Author's profile photo Sajeev Pillai
      Sajeev Pillai

      Thanks Jens!.

      Do you know if this would becoming available in SAP learning hub under "edition for SAP Enterprise support"?  Thanks.

      Author's profile photo Jens Fieger
      Jens Fieger
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Sajeev,

      the e-learning as well as the knowledge badge assessment are available in the following SAP Learning Hub editions:

      • Professional Edition
      • Partner Edition
      • Edition for Digital Platforms

      An overview on all available editions in SAP Learning Hub can be found here: https://training.sap.com/learninghub

       

      Best,

      Jens

      Author's profile photo Achim Vornberger
      Achim Vornberger

      Will it be possible to order the training without a valid subscription in the Learning Hub like ADM329?

      Author's profile photo Jens Fieger
      Jens Fieger
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Achim,

       

      No, the e-learning can only be booked with a subscription but not as standalone course.

       

      Best,

      Jens

      Author's profile photo Rohit Kumar Sharma
      Rohit Kumar Sharma

      Hi  Jens,

      Thanks for posting . It's really helpful.

      Kindly suggest if ZDO is general available for SAP Business Suite as well ?

      Reference SAP Note 2163060 - Prerequisites and restrictions of Zero Downtime Option of SUM for SAP Business Suite

      Thanks,

      Rohit Sharma

      Author's profile photo Jens Fieger
      Jens Fieger
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Rohit,

      for SAP Business Suite, ZDO is only available on request. That means you need to create a formal registration ticket like described in SAP Note 2163060.

      Best regards,

      Jens