The Challenge of a Complex Data Landscape
In today's data-driven environment, organizations often face the difficulties of a fragmented data landscape. Managing multiple vendors, negotiating various contracts, and integrating different tools can increase operational costs and lead to a higher total cost of ownership (TCO).
The SAP open data ecosystem addresses these challenges. It offers a flexible, integrated framework that simplifies how you acquire, manage, and connect partner technologies, ensuring your entire data landscape functions as a unified and efficient system.
Simplify Procurement and Integration with SAP-Managed Solutions
To optimize your system architecture and reduce TCO, SAP provides a centralized experience for acquiring and integrating selected partner solutions. This is managed through two primary models: OEM Integrations and Solution Extensions.
The main benefit is a streamlined operational process, covering everything from procurement to provisioning.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Integrations
OEM integrations represent a deep level of partnership. These partner tools are embedded directly into the SAP ecosystem and are sold and supported by SAP.
With OEM, partner technology is integrated so thoroughly that it functions like a native SAP service.
You can provision these services directly from SAP for Me using your existing SAP credits, such as those from your Cloud Platform Enterprise Agreement (CPEA). The process is the same as provisioning a native service like SAP Datasphere or SAP Analytics Cloud.
This model offers maximum simplicity with one contract, one invoice, and a single support channel through SAP.
Solution Extensions (SOLEX)
Solution Extensions are specialized partner applications sold, validated, and supported by SAP to enhance the SAP portfolio.
With SOLEX, you use a standalone partner application that is purchased through your existing SAP contract.
Solution Extensions are added as a line item to your SAP contract, which simplifies vendor management and financial planning. Although the tool is developed by a partner, SAP manages the commercial relationship and ensures the integration is certified and reliable.
This provides all-in-one procurement, giving you access to strategic, SAP-certified tools without the need to manage separate vendor relationships.
The following table compares the main differences between these two integration scenarios.
Quick Comparison: OEM vs. Solution Extension
| Aspect | OEM Integration | Solution Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement | Through SAP, using SAP credits (CPEA/PAYG) | Through SAP, as a line item on your SAP contract |
| Provisioning | Self-service | SAP-led provisioning process |
| Support | Single channel through SAP | Single channel through SAP |
| Integration | Deeply embedded; functions like a native SAP service | SAP-certified, purpose-built integration |
| Example | SAP Databricks | SAP Snowflake |
Leverage Your Existing Investments with Open Connectivity
SAP recognizes that you may already have established contracts and instances of partner platforms. The open data ecosystem supports these "bring-your-own-license" (BYOL) scenarios.
Using SAP BDC Connect and pre-built connectors, you can link your existing partner tools—such as Databricks, Snowflake, or Google BigQuery—to SAP Business Data Cloud. This allows you to share data products across your landscape without moving or re-purchasing data.
This approach protects your existing investments while eliminating data silos.
Enhance Your Capabilities with Endorsed Applications
In addition to SAP-sold solutions, the open data ecosystem includes a curated selection of partner applications that are tested, certified, and recommended by SAP.
These third-party solutions undergo a premium certification process to ensure high performance and seamless integration with SAP software.
You purchase these applications directly from the partner. The "Endorsed App" status confirms that the solution meets SAP's standards for quality and integration.
This model provides both confidence and a wider range of choices. Examples of endorsed applications include Collibra and DataRobot.
Summary
The SAP open data ecosystem allows you to build a robust data architecture while reducing complexity.
- With OEM, you purchase a powerful SAP service powered by partner technology.
- With a Solution Extension, you purchase a partner's branded solution through SAP for commercial and technical simplicity.
- With open connectivity, you unify all your data within the SAP business context, regardless of where it is stored.
- With endorsed applications, you can extend your SAP systems using specialized, best-of-breed solutions for data governance and AI/ML.