A complete guide to SAP Cloud Platform integration

Editor's note

SAP Cloud Platform lies at the heart of SAP's digital transformation strategy.

Viewed in its most basic terms, SAP Cloud Platform is a PaaS that enables organizations to build, test and run SAP HANA-based applications in the cloud. However, this only scratches the surface of SAP's larger aims for the platform. The vendor positions SAP Cloud Platform integration as the entire foundation for the "intelligent enterprise," a way to extend existing applications or develop new ones that can transform existing business processes or develop new business models.

SAP Cloud Platform integration can knit together data from an organization's venerable ERP applications -- the systems of record -- with next-generation technologies from the SAP Leonardo portfolio, including IoT, AI, machine learning, blockchain and advanced analytics.

SAP Cloud Platform is designed to be open and flexible, with different methods for consuming cloud services, open APIs and tools like the software developer's kit (SDK) for Apple iOS systems. These SAP Cloud platform integration options are intended to give developers the ability to extend SAP Cloud Platform-based applications beyond the confines of the traditional SAP ERP Central Component on-premises environment.

SAP Cloud Platform has grown rapidly, according to SAP, but it's an open question how widespread adoption will eventually be. Nevertheless, it's not hard to find examples of companies that are using the platform for innovative digital transformation projects, including German manufacturer Kuka AG, which uses SAP Cloud Platform integration to connect robotics in manufacturing processes, and global healthcare company Aesculap, which developed an Apple iOS app on SAP Cloud Platform.

This Essential Guide provides a handy overview of the issues and technologies in the SAP Cloud Platform environment, including news, analysis and real-world examples of how organizations are using the platform to transform their businesses.