Episode 17: BTP Sub Account for Applications

Summary

This video explains the essential services and tools required to build and run applications in SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). It covers development services like Build Apps and Build Code, process automation, and runtime options such as Cloud Foundry and ABAP. The video also highlights Fiori app deployment, Work Zone for centralized application access, and Task Center for unified inbox management. Additionally, it discusses HANA Cloud integration, connectivity services for external systems, and supporting tools like Cloud Logging and Notification Services to enhance application functionality and troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide helps users understand the key components needed to start building in BTP.

Takeaways

• 😀 Build Apps is a low-code/no-code service for building applications in SAP BTP.
• 😀 Build Code is a pro-code tool for developers to build applications and is the successor of Business Application Studio.
• 😀 Build Code offers a central lobby to manage various projects and comes with features like storyboard and AI to assist in building applications.
• 😀 Process Automation allows you to design workflows and automations, with the service requiring activation in both test and production systems.
• 😀 Cloud Foundry and ABAP are the most commonly used runtimes in SAP BTP, with KMA being a less common but emerging option.
• 😀 HTML5 App Repository in Cloud Foundry enables you to deploy Fiori applications without using Cloud Foundry memory, making it free to use.
• 😀 Work Zone serves as a centralized launchpad for all BTP applications, integrating on-premise and cloud applications into one unified interface.
• 😀 Task Center allows the creation of a single inbox to manage tasks from various cloud or on-premise SAP solutions.
• 😀 HANA Cloud requires the creation of an HDI container to connect applications to the database in BTP.
• 😀 Connectivity and Destination Services are essential for integrating external data sources (both on-premise and cloud) into BTP applications.
• 😀 Other services like Cloud Logging and Notification Services help with debugging and automation tasks during application development in BTP.

Q & A

What is the main difference between 'Build Apps' and 'Build Code' in BTP?

'Build Apps' is a low-code/no-code tool designed for users to create applications without much technical expertise. In contrast, 'Build Code' is a pro-code tool for developers to build more complex applications with full control over the code, and it is a successor to the Business Application Studio.

Do the services required for application development in BTP need to be activated in all environments?

No, the services for development, such as 'Build Apps' and 'Build Code', only need to be activated in the development sub-account. They are not required in the test or production environments, except for 'Process Automation', which needs activation in both test and production systems.

What is the significance of the 'Process Automation' service in BTP?

Process Automation in BTP allows users to design workflows and automations. Unlike other services, it requires activation both in the development environment for design time and in the test/production environments for runtime, enabling the automation of business processes across systems.

What are the primary runtimes available in BTP for running applications?

BTP primarily supports two runtimes for running applications: Cloud Foundry and ABAP. Cloud Foundry is commonly used for backend services and APIs, while ABAP is used for more specialized backend logic. A third runtime, KMA, is available but used less frequently.

What is the HTML 5 App Repository Service used for in BTP?

The HTML 5 App Repository Service in BTP allows users to deploy Fiori applications without consuming Cloud Foundry memory, making it a cost-effective solution. It requires activation and creation of an instance within Cloud Foundry but doesn't require Cloud Foundry memory allocation.

What is the role of 'Work Zone' in BTP?

Work Zone serves as a unified launchpad in BTP, providing a centralized access point for all applications, whether they are hosted on BTP, on-premise, or from other cloud solutions. It simplifies user navigation by combining all these applications into one interface.

How does the 'Task Center' service benefit users in BTP?

The Task Center service allows users to consolidate tasks from different SAP cloud or on-premise solutions into a single 'My Inbox'. This streamlines task management and enhances productivity by providing one centralized location for all user tasks.

Why is it important to use the 'HDI Container' when connecting to HANA Cloud?

The HDI Container is necessary for building applications that connect to HANA Cloud. It provides the required access to the HANA Cloud database, allowing the application to interact with the data stored there. It is essential for any integration with HANA Cloud in BTP.

What does the Connectivity and Destination service in BTP allow users to do?

The Connectivity and Destination service in BTP enables users to connect to different source systems, including on-premise or other cloud solutions, to retrieve and combine data. It acts as a bridge for integrating data from various sources into BTP applications.

What are some other services that can be used to enhance BTP applications?

Other services in BTP, such as Cloud Logging and Notification Services, can enhance applications by enabling intensive logging for debugging and triggering notifications or automations. These services help in managing application behavior and ensuring smooth operations.