🚀 Migrating SAP Archive Files from ECC to S/4HANA RISE Landscape – A Practical Guide
As enterprises embrace SAP’s modern cloud offering, RISE with SAP, one of the critical decisions during migration is what to do with legacy archived data. Organizations running SAP ECC with established archive files (often stored in third-party storage or legacy content servers) face important questions:
- Should archived files be migrated to the new S/4HANA RISE landscape?
- What are the cost implications?
- How do we retain access to historical data while optimizing performance?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through key considerations and approaches for migrating SAP archive files from ECC to the S/4HANA RISE environment.
🧭 Understanding the Archive Landscape
SAP Archive files typically consist of:
- ADK-based archive files generated during data archiving runs
- Linked content repositories for document archiving (e.g., invoices, PDFs)
- Storage media such as SAP Content Server, OpenText, or file systems
In ECC, many customers archive large volumes of data to reduce DB size. However, when moving to S/4HANA RISE (a SaaS model hosted on hyperscalers), direct access to legacy archive storage may not be feasible or cost-effective.
🔍 Challenges in RISE Migrations with Archived Data
- Storage Costs: Hosting archive files in the RISE cloud can incur additional storage costs — especially for terabytes of cold data.
- Restricted OS-level access: Unlike on-premise systems, RISE doesn't offer direct file system access for attaching legacy paths.
- Access to historical data: Archived documents must remain available to business users for audit, reporting, or compliance.
✅ Migration Approaches
1. Retain Archived Files Outside RISE Using SAP BTP
Best for cost optimization and flexibility.
- Move legacy ADK archive files and document content to SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) using a custom or certified content storage solution.
- Establish a remote content repository using CMIS protocol or SAP ArchiveLink over HTTP/S.
- Configure S/4HANA RISE to point to this external storage via logical repository settings.
🔧 Example: Use SAP BTP + OpenText Archive Center or Amazon S3-based custom repository to store legacy archive files.
2. Import Archived Data into RISE System
Best for simplicity but with cost trade-offs.
- Migrate archive files into the RISE file system (if allowed) or into RISE-supported cloud content repository.
- Requires coordination with SAP RISE operations to load archive files.
- Higher cost due to hyperscaler storage and backup policies.
3. Hybrid Access via ArchiveLink Bridge
Best for enabling access without duplication.
- Archive files remain in existing legacy storage (e.g., on-prem or private cloud).
- RISE connects via a bridge service (typically hosted on BTP or a middleware) to access content on-demand.
💡Key Considerations for Success
- Metadata Consistency: Ensure logical archive paths and repositories are aligned between ECC and S/4HANA.
- Security & Compliance: Archive files should meet GDPR, HIPAA, or other data retention regulations.
- Test Access Early: Validate archive access from S/4HANA before go-live using transaction codes like SARA or OAC0.
- Automation: Consider SAP BTP automation tools or AI-based workflow triggers for archive file migration and validation.
🛠 Tools & Technologies
- SAP ILM (Information Lifecycle Management)
- SAP BTP Document Management Service
- CMIS Adapters / ArchiveLink Connectors
- OpenText Archive Center, PBS ContentLink, Amazon S3
📝 Final Thoughts
As your organization moves from ECC to S/4HANA RISE, don’t overlook your archive strategy. With storage costs rising and compliance requirements tightening, placing archived data in the right environment—externally integrated, cost-efficient, and secure—is vital.
If you're planning your SAP S/4HANA RISE journey and need help architecting an archive migration strategy, feel free to connect with our experts.
💬 Need help?
Reach out to us at +91-9038004845 for a tailored consultation or demo on archive integration options with S/4HANA RISE.