Choose an SAP-certified Azure virtual machine for a given SAP workload

Selecting the right virtual machine is crucial for optimal performance and reliability. In this article, we will explore how to choose an SAP-certified Azure virtual machine for a given SAP workload, using the latest guidance from Microsoft.

1. Understand the SAP certification process:

Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to understand the SAP certification process for Azure virtual machines. Azure offers several virtual machine types that are certified by SAP based on rigorous testing and performance benchmarks. These certifications ensure that the virtual machines meet the performance and reliability requirements of SAP workloads.

2. Assess your SAP workload requirements:

The first step in choosing the right virtual machine is to assess your SAP workload requirements. Consider factors such as the number of users, database size, and the specific SAP applications you are running. This analysis will help you determine the CPU, memory, and storage requirements for your SAP environment.

3. Consult the SAP Product Availability Matrix (PAM):

The SAP Product Availability Matrix (PAM) is a valuable resource that provides detailed information about SAP software and the certified hardware and software platforms. Check the PAM for the specific SAP application you are running to identify the certified virtual machine types and their corresponding configurations.

4. Consider the SAPS rating:

SAPS (SAP Application Performance Standard) is a hardware-independent unit that measures the performance of SAP applications. It represents the number of SAPS that a given system can produce, and it’s a useful metric for comparing the performance of different virtual machines. Look for virtual machines with a higher SAPS rating to ensure optimal performance for your SAP workload.

5. Evaluate virtual machine types:

Azure offers various virtual machine types, each with different characteristics and performance profiles. For SAP workloads, it is recommended to choose virtual machines from the M-series or E-series. The M-series is designed for memory-intensive workloads, while the E-series is suitable for general-purpose SAP workloads.

6. Select the appropriate VM size:

Once you have identified the virtual machine types suitable for your SAP workload, select the appropriate VM size based on your requirements. Consider factors such as CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth. Azure provides a wide range of VM sizes within each series, allowing you to find the optimal balance between performance and cost.

7. Consider high availability and disaster recovery:

For mission-critical SAP workloads, it is important to design a high availability and disaster recovery strategy. Azure offers various options such as Availability Zones, Availability Sets, and Azure Site Recovery to ensure business continuity. Incorporate these features into your architecture to minimize downtime and maximize resilience.

8. Leverage Azure VM management capabilities:

Azure provides a rich set of management capabilities for virtual machines running SAP workloads. Use features like Azure Monitor, Azure Advisor, and Azure Automation to monitor the performance, optimize costs, and automate routine tasks. These tools can help you ensure the health and performance of your SAP environment.

In conclusion, choosing an SAP-certified Azure virtual machine for your SAP workload requires careful analysis of your requirements and the available options. By following the SAP certification process, assessing your workload needs, and leveraging Azure’s management capabilities, you can confidently select the right virtual machine for optimal performance and reliability.