Specify an Azure support plan for target infrastructure

When planning and administering Azure for SAP workloads, it is crucial to have a comprehensive Azure support plan in place. Azure provides different support plans based on your specific requirements. Here, we will discuss the steps to specify an Azure support plan for your target infrastructure.

1. Identify your support requirements:

Start by understanding the specific needs of your SAP workload infrastructure. Consider factors such as the criticality of the workload, expected usage patterns, and any regulatory or compliance requirements. This will help you determine the level of support needed from Azure.

2. Review Azure support plans:

Azure offers various support plans, including Basic, Developer, Standard, Professional Direct, and Premier. Each plan provides different levels of support, ranging from self-help documentation to direct access to Azure support engineers. Review the features and benefits of each plan to determine the most suitable one for your requirements.

3. Evaluate service level agreements (SLAs):

SLAs define the uptime and availability of different Azure services. For mission-critical SAP workloads, it is essential to choose an Azure support plan that aligns with your uptime requirements. Consider SLAs for Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, and other relevant services to ensure consistent performance and availability.

4. Understand support response times:

Azure support plans offer different response times for support requests. Response times can vary from a few hours to minutes depending on the support plan chosen. For SAP workloads with high business impact, consider support plans that provide faster response times to minimize downtime and disruption.

5. Consider support options:

Azure support plans offer various support options such as web support, email support, and phone support. Analyze your organization’s preferences and requirements to choose the most appropriate support option. Phone support can be particularly helpful when dealing with critical issues and expedited resolution.

6. Ensure escalation paths:

In complex SAP environments, it is crucial to have access to escalation paths for faster issue resolution. Azure support plans like Professional Direct and Premier offer enhanced escalation management, ensuring that critical issues are promptly addressed by experienced support engineers.

7. Review cost implications:

Azure support plans have associated costs depending on the level of support and responsiveness required. Evaluate your budget and align it with the support plan that best fits your needs. Keep in mind that higher-tier support plans provide additional benefits but come at a higher cost.

8. Leverage Azure support resources:

Alongside the chosen support plan, Azure provides a wealth of support resources, including documentation, forums, and knowledge bases. These resources can assist in troubleshooting common issues and provide insights into best practices for managing SAP workloads on Azure.

9. Consider proactive support:

Azure support plans like Premier provide proactive monitoring and management services. Such services can help identify potential issues before they manifest, minimizing any negative impact on your SAP workloads. Evaluate if proactive support is essential for your organization.

10. Regularly re-evaluate your support plan:

As your SAP workloads and infrastructure evolve, it is important to reassess your Azure support plan periodically. This ensures that the support plan continues to align with your changing requirements and enables you to take advantage of any new features or benefits offered by Azure support.

By following these steps and selecting an appropriate Azure support plan, you can ensure that your target infrastructure supporting SAP workloads receives the necessary support and attention. Planning for a suitable Azure support plan is integral to the successful administration of SAP workloads on Azure.