In the vast world of data management, the acronym SAP HANA is frequently mentioned. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why is backing it up so crucial? This article covers all you need to know about SAP HANA backup.
The Importance Of SAP HANA
SAP HANA (High-Performance Analytic Appliance) is an in-memory, column-oriented, relational database management system developed by SAP. The real-time data processing capabilities and the combination of a robust database with advanced analytics make SAP HANA benefits from linchpin in modern business operations.
The Basics Of SAP HANA Backup
Backup refers to creating a copy of data that can be used to restore the original in case of data loss. Just like backing up your personal files is crucial, so is backing up the data in SAP HANA Implementation. It safeguards valuable business information from losses due to errors, system crashes, or disasters.
The Architecture Of SAP HANA Backup
There are three types of backups you can create in SAP HANA: data backups, log backups, and snapshot backups. Data backups are copies of all current data. Log backups, on the other hand, contain changes that have been made to the data. Finally, snapshot backups are disk-based backups that offer a quick alternative to traditional backups.
Mechanisms Of SAP HANA Backup
SAP HANA basic training utilizes delta backups and auto-save points to optimize the backup process. Delta backups involve backing up only changes made since the last full backup, reducing the amount of storage required. Auto-save points provide additional protection by regularly saving the database state.
Implementing SAP HANA Backup
Stage 1: Construct The Backup User For The Database Through HANA Studio
Select a database username in accordance with the company’s guideline. It is important that this user profile is established within SYSTEMDB.
Initiate the user within SYSTEMDB
Through SAP HANA Studio SYSTEMDB, navigate to System > Security > Users > New User.
Designate a username and a password.
Set the option for Force password change on next logon to No.
HANA 1.0: Click on the System privilege tab and allocate privileges by opting for the following:
- Backup admin
- Catalog read
- Database admin
HANA 2.0 (SPS01 to SPS04): Select the System privilege tab and allocate privileges by opting for the following:
- Backup admin
- Catalog read
- Database admin
- Database start
- Database stop
HANA 2.0 (SPS05): Select the System privilege tab and allocate privileges by opting for the following:
Backup admin Catalog read Database backup operator Database recovery operator Database admin Database start Database stop
Stage 2: Retrieve the instance and SQL port numbers The HANA instance and SQL Port numbers are required for both system DBs
Execute the newly made system user by clicking the green arrow.
HANA 1.0 HANA 2.0 The succeeding instructions detail how to procure the instance and SQL port numbers from a HANA 1.0 single container system:
- Navigate to System.
- Select the Landscape tab.
- Take note of the SQL port value for indexserver.
Stage 3: Develop the SAP HANA hdbuserstore key for system DB backup users
The Backup and DR Service suggests the following nomenclature for the userstore key name: For SYSTEMDB, set the key name (Database backup username) For instance: Database backup username (Actbackup) Configure SYSTEMDB—key_name— (ACTBACKUP)
Procedure for a singular node HANA system
- Establish a connection to the HANA database system through SSH and log in to (sid)adm: su – (sid)adm
- Modify directory: cd exe
- Generate entries in hdbuserstore using the hdbuserstore command:
./hdbuserstore SET (key_name) (server):(port) (DB_user_name) (DB_user_password)
In the instance above:
./hdbuserstore SET ACTBACKUP s4hana:30013 ACTBACKUP (DB_user_password)
- Examine the keystore: ./hdbuserstore list
Step 4: Configure the log mode and log backup in HANA Studio
Employ the HANA Studio to set the HANA log mode and log backup location for Backup and DR to create backups of HANA DB transaction logs:
1. Within SAP HANA HDB studio, ensure the log backup is correctly set under DATABASE (SYSTEMDB FOR HANA 2.0) > Backup > Configuration page:
- Destination type is File.
- Destination is determined as a local file system mount path.
- Backup interval corresponds to the necessary RPO.
- Automatic log backup is active. Check under Database configuration: DATABASE (SYSTEMDB FOR HANA 2.0) > Configuration page. In the filter, enter basepath.
2. Confirm that basepath_logbackup is set correctly:
- Align the basepath_catalogbackup to the same as basepath. logbackup.
- Access the basepath_catalogbackup edit page.
- Determine the New value to be the same as basepath_logbackup and click Save. This safeguards the backup of the catalog with log backup for point in time recovery.
What Are Other Different Types Of Backups In Hana?
1. Delta Backups: Delta backups are more efficient than full backups as they only backup data that has changed since the last backup. Delta backups are further divided into two types:
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- Incremental Backups: These backups only store data changes since the last incremental backup. Incremental backups are faster and require less storage space than full backups, but restoring data from incremental backups can be more time-consuming because each incremental backup since the last full backup needs to be processed.
- Differential Backups: These backups store data changes since the last full backup, irrespective of other differential or incremental backups that have occurred since then. While differential backups require more storage space than incremental backups, they offer faster data recovery times as they only need the last full backup and the last differential backup for a restore operations.
- Redo Log Backups: The Redo Log is a critical component in HANA system, capturing all changes made to the database. Regular backups of the Redo Log are crucial for database recovery to the most recent committed transaction in the event of a database failure. Redo Log backups help in ensuring minimal data loss during a recovery scenario.
2. Native Encryption of Backups: SAP HANA supports native encryption of backups for added security. This feature encrypts the data while creating a backup, providing an extra layer of protection for sensitive information against unauthorized access. The encryption and decryption processes are managed within HANA and are transparent to the user.
3. Backups created using third-party backup tools: In addition to its own native backup and recovery tools, SAP HANA also supports backups created using third-party backup tools. This interoperability provides flexibility for SAP businesses to choose the backup solutions that best fit their requirements and infrastructures.
Also check my blog on guide on SAP Product Availability Matrix
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing SAP HANA backup is crucial for every business using SAP HANA from DTS. With careful planning, regular testing, and vigilant monitoring, you can safeguard your business’s valuable data against unexpected losses.
