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reviewer1717869 - PeerSpot reviewer
Head- IT at a tech services company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Dec 13, 2021
Stable and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is easy to scale."
  • "Technical support could be better."

What is our primary use case?

We work with the latest update.

We use the solution as a database. We primarily use it for the SAP application. Some of the use cases involve CDS Views, which provides a quicker processing of the report and the application.

What is most valuable?

The in-memory database is a good and valuable feature.

What needs improvement?

Since we use BW, we are required to use an SLT tool to carry out the data for generating the reports. But, when it comes to in-memory database in respect of the realtime reporting, I do not see why this report cannot be made available from the system itself. This would allow for some partitioning of the database, so that there would not be a need for the EMP in respect of the realtime data.

The initial setup was complex. I am talking about how the data is replicated to the site. We had an Oracle Database and did replication to the VR site. Yet, when it comes to HANA, we are forced to work out the method for ensuring that this replication works as it should. It is at this point that the solution becomes stable. 

Technical support could be better. When we have requested this, the tendency has been to instruct us to implement a note and keep them apprised. In reality, there is no one who helps us with actual troubleshooting of the problem. 

The pricing is a bit on the high side. 

While I would definitely recommend the solution, I would caution that one should employ the proper resources that are geared towards the system. Unfortunately, SAP does not provide a structured training program, which means a person must rely on multiple system integrators and some service providers.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using SAP HANA for more than three years.

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December 2025
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is very good and we have encountered no issues regarding it. 

The initial setup was complex. I am talking about how the data is replicated to the site. We had an Oracle Database and did replication to the VR site. Yet, when it comes to HANA, we are forced to work out the method for for ensuring that this replication works as it should. It is at this point that the solution becomes stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is easy to scale.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support could be better. When we have requested this, the tendency has been to instruct us to implement a note and keep them apprised. In reality, there is no one who helps us to actually troubleshoot the problem. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We had already been using SAP when we switched from it to Oracle, because all of the innovations were taking place on HANA. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was complex. I am talking about how the data is replicated to the site. We had an Oracle database and did replication to the VR site. Yet, when it comes to HANA, we are forced to work out the method for for ensuring that this replication works as it should. It is at this point that the solution becomes stable.

The deployment lasted six months. 

What about the implementation team?

We deployed with the help of a vendor.

No real maintenance is required. Data volume management is needed and all the reports are available, based on which the maintenance is easy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is a bit on the high side. 

The use of hardware does not incur additional costs. 

What other advice do I have?

There are 40,000-plus users making use of the solution in our organization.

I rate SAP HANA as an eight out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Account Executive at a tech vendor with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Oct 8, 2021
Eases management of databases; rock solid with great functionality
Pros and Cons
  • "Eases management of databases."
  • "The user interface and CRM need to be more user-friendly."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for our CRM, and for our ERP, inventory, and supply chain management. It's basically used to run the majority of the company. We are customers of SAP HANA and I'm an account executive. 

What is most valuable?

SAP is great for what it does. There are likely better solutions out there but I'm not aware of them. It's a solution for big companies and in that sense it makes management of the databases much easier for higher-level people to know what's going on. 

What needs improvement?

The user interface and CRM need to be more user-friendly, it's abnormally painful. I'm a frontline user of the CRM, and it requires lots of clicks that are unnecessary. Less is more on the internet and quite often I'm clicking five, six, seven times to get where I need, and that's not effective. When an item in a certain category is not done properly, it can either lock up a system or not complete the process. We see it on a daily basis and we have to figure out a workaround to solve it. It's a technical issue that SAP's had since the beginning, and it hasn't yet been solved. With SAP everything has to be categorized. If it's not, it causes system issues and then you have to decipher the issue to try and undo it. It's an algorithm argument flaw. In the near future, I'd like to see better user interfaces and better connectors between modules.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for about eight years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is rock stable now. We have an SAP team and five or six people fixing day-to-day issues with up to 30 people working on it all the time. There is an additional team that implements new functionalities. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It can scale infinitely. We have 12,000 users internationally and we use the product extensively. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have previously used Salesforce and I don't like it. It runs like a 1980s webpage in the current era.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was painful and required a lot of work. Systems would go down all the time because there were initial errors with the SAP system. but once it was up and stabilized, things were good. It still has flaws but it's a good solution as a whole. They've implemented extra modules from SAP. If you don't implement it properly you'll feel the pain. It probably took around six months to solve all the issues because SAP is so big and so integrated and so integral, it can take a while to fix the problems. You can limp along until things are solved and find workarounds, but it takes a lot of effort. SAP helped us with the implementation. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

SAP is expensive but it's a good solution for what it does. You're going to get a $20 answer, for a $20 product. For all the functionality it offers, the cost is worth it.

What other advice do I have?

It's important to plan and then plan again before implementing. If you don't plan properly, you will fail. The solution requires planning the implementation, making sure your company is the right size for the product. If you're an SMB, this might not be the right product for you. It might cost you more than you think. If you're enterprise size, you should look at getting into SAP, because it is the right solution. It's a solid product despite some minor issues - if SAP were to fix them it would raise the level of the solution. 

As a user, I rate the solution eight out of 10. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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SAP HANA
December 2025
Learn what your peers think about SAP HANA. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
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reviewer1652946 - PeerSpot reviewer
Assistant Vice President at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Aug 23, 2021
Provides great in-memory computing with very efficient response times
Pros and Cons
  • "The in-memory computing and the efficient response time are very good features."
  • "Uses a large amount of RAM and is costly."

What is our primary use case?

We are end users of SAP HANA and I'm assistant vice president of our company. 

What is most valuable?

The solution's in-memory computing and the efficient response time are very good features. It's a good solution. 

What needs improvement?

Because SAP HANA is completely in-memory, it requires the use of bigger systems which have a higher amount of RAM. If the system does go down then coming back up is difficult and can take 30 to 40 minutes. It's a big drawback of the solution and one they ought to solve because the multiple downtimes are a problem.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for six years. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable so if you want to increase your node capabilities, it's very easy to scale out. You just have to add the node and it gets started.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support people are very competent.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and there were no problems with deployment. 

What other advice do I have?

I recommend this solution but running SAP HANA requires deep pockets - it's costly.

I rate this solution eight out of 10. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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reviewer1593270 - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Jun 8, 2021
New technology with good stability
Pros and Cons
  • "We like that the product is both vertically and horizontally scalable, allowing us to do around 86 percent compression of documentation from 50 to seven terabytes."
  • "It would be nice to know when SAP plans to stop its maintenance of a previous version of SAP ECC ERP because, at this point, anyone utilizing SAP will have no choice but to go on S/4HANA Database."

What is our primary use case?

We always make use of the latest version. 

We like that SAP HANA is a new technology. We also like that the product is both vertically and horizontally scalable, allowing us to do around 86 percent compression of documentation from 50 to seven terabytes.

In light of the hosting cost, we find this to be very interesting. We also like the warm and cold data in respect of the solution's technology. There is a real team involved. The customer can initially utilize SAP ECC on the HANA interface and then go on S/4HANA. From this point on, doing upgrades will be very easy and smooth and the risk management will be extremely light.

What needs improvement?

Since only some accommodation exists, there is a need to enquire of SAP about which environment would be good. While I know the HANA database on the Azure environment comprises a good solution, for example, it does not easily accommodate SAP. HANA is a new technology which only dates back to 2004 and we must give it adequate time before assessing its room for improvement. This is in contrast to DB2, which has been  around for 40 years or more years. Perhaps the flow will be improved. As of now, the technology is too new to properly comment on.   

The documentation is not an issue and, if anything, a surfeit of it is made available. This is actually one of SAP's stronger points.

Capabilities are also not at issue at present. When it comes to how EAP connects with SAP we are looking at a revolutionary paradigm. For now, we could not ask for there to be more features. This area is wonderful. We find the solution to be very helpful, safe, good and secure. Only with the passage of time will we be afforded a proper understanding of where the technology can be improved. 

This said, it would be nice to know when SAP plans to stop its maintenance of a previous version of SAP ECC ERP because, at this point, anyone utilizing SAP will have no choice but to go on S/4HANA Database. This will be contingent on when SAP will stop doing maintenance for the ECC version 6.0. 

We saw this with the 4.6 version ECC. Once SAP stopped its maintenance those with SAP were forced to go on the new version. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using SAP HANA for a couple of years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is secure and stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

As the solution allows for document compression, I would consider it scalable. 

How are customer service and technical support?

We have had occasion to make use of technical support, although its level varies according to the locale of SAP's global presence. 

What about the implementation team?

While I was not personally involved in the installation, my engineers were. 

My deployment and maintenance team comprises around seven people, although I could not tell you which percentage of this is made up of managers, administrators and engineers. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

A monthly or yearly license must be purchased, although its utility will be based on the cost-benefit analysis that is reached by the individual customer. 

What other advice do I have?

The solution is cloud based

I would recommend S/4HANA to other users. 

I rate SAP HANA as a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Senior Engineering Manager at a logistics company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
May 16, 2021
Stable, scalable, and easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "It's easy to use, and the Hana Studio is pretty good."
  • "The JDBC connectors are very slow."

What is our primary use case?

We are solution providers. We are a supply chain organization and we deploy and supply chain solutions for our customers.

We have a host of solutions and for each of our customers based on their environments. We customize their platform and deploy it.

SAP HANA is one of our database endpoints.

What is most valuable?

It's easy to use, and the Hana Studio is pretty good.

What needs improvement?

The main issue that we are facing is with the connectors. The JDBC connectors are very slow. We have been trying to connect with our SAP HANA database to our customers.

It's a simple Java driver and there is no proper documentation available anywhere with clear steps. We have to rely on several documents which creates confusion.

The initial setup could be simplified.

Also, we don't have to option to pull up the data from the object structure in SAP HANA. We can only pull up certain objects. It doesn't provide you with a comprehensive list.

There are limitations in connection with SAP HANA. There has to be a better or easier way to connect the databases with other platforms, maybe using Java code or other types of code. It would be very good to have the documentation on how to connect.

I would like to have flexible connecting mechanisms for connection with Java or different types of solutions to SAP HANA on cloud or non-cloud solutions.

They could come up with something similar to the SAP HANA Studio type of modeling.

I would also like to see the capabilities to extend the API. If they had specific APIs, it would be easy for us to connect.

For how long have I used the solution?

My company has been using SAP HANA for ten years.

We are using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's a scalable solution. Because it's an on-premise infrastructure and SAP this is the best support for most of our customers, scalability is taken care of.

We are an SAP house. We have more than 1,000 people who use this solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not interacted with the technical support. Other teams may have, but my involvement is more with the integration. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was a bit complex. We were told to download it from the marketplace, but when we tried, it didn't work. We may have been doing something wrong, but we did not have a clear understanding of how it should be done. We also had difficulties with the trial version, it was not working.

There are two options:

  1. Download SAP HANA then import it
  2. Go to the marketplace and download the connector

For testing purposes, if they could provide us with clear documentation, it would be very helpful.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Licensing is on a yearly basis.

We are using the paid version. We pay $200 on a monthly basis.

What other advice do I have?

I am not an expert in HANA. I build the enterprise bus that integrates with SAP HANA as well as other systems. We have built our own integrated platforms.

The recommendation of this solution would depend on the use case and the requirements, and the price will be considered.

I would rate SAP HANA an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
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Vice President at a recruiting/HR firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Feb 28, 2021
Flexible processing, overall great functionality, and highly scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The main feature is that the processes are very flexible, they are able to be adapted to the business and their departments."
  • "There could be better management for faster updates, last year there were some changes in India to the e-invoicing feature."

What is our primary use case?

We use it for database virtualization.

What is most valuable?

The main feature is that the processes are very flexible, they are able to be adapted to the business and their departments. The solution is very good and has covered all functional areas needed in this type of solution.

What needs improvement?

There could be better management for faster updates, last year there were some changes in India to the e-invoicing feature. During that time, there was a couple of updates that we had to wait until the release happened before we could do the implementation, this was a time we had to wait. They are pretty good at releasing updates but that time it was not the fastest.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for a few months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found the solution to be stable, it is very robust.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There is the ability to scale the solution by increasing capacity with no problem, it is very flexible. We have almost 34,000 users using the solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

We had some issue with support in the past because they did not have enough availability. However, they have improved and now they are okay. 

How was the initial setup?

Since we have been using the solution before we did not have any issues with the install. There were not any major complex operations. However, there were some challenges but we had the full documentation with us and it was not a problem. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of the solution could be reduced, it is expensive. If they wanted to go into other industries and sectors the cost is on the higher side. They cannot go into each and every sector. If the cost was more reasonable, then it would be easy for them to enter more markets. This would be a disruptor in the industry because it would be used more often than other solutions, which would be good for the company.

What other advice do I have?

I do recommend this solution but at the same time, it is expensive. The cost will not be able to be afforded by everyone such as medium and small scale businesses.

I rate SAP HANA an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
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Chief Executive Officer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Real User
Sep 17, 2020
Stable, with very good technical support and easily scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "We've had good experiences with technical support."
  • "The solution is very expensive for us."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use SAP HANA for machine learning and deep learning.

What is most valuable?

The solution is very stable.

The solution can scale well.

We've had good experiences with technical support.

The performance is excellent.

What needs improvement?

We use SAP HANA in our projects but it's very expensive for our projects. We need a relational database in-memory that can handle these issues.

The solution is very expensive for us.

It's hard for us to find test users and sometimes we need them to connect to SAP from Iran, however, this is an issue due to the sanctions against the country.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using the solution for more than six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We've found the solution to be very, very stable, especially when you compare it to other solutions.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale quite well. If a company needs to expand it so that it fits their growing needs, they can do so easily. 

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support on offer is very good. We're quite satisfied with their level of service.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We tried GQ database but it's not a stable database. Sometimes the results weren't correct. SAP HANA is much more stable, which is why we use it, even though it's expensive. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is very pricey. We're looking into other options because of this.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We're looking at Oracle products as an option right now. We're also looking at MAT-V, a CPU-based database it's very fast, however, we do occasionally face issues with it.

What other advice do I have?

We are a customer. We don't have a professional relationship with SAP.

SAP HANA is not just a memory database, it's a big platform. It's a very, very safe database. It's a very safe database and the performance is very, very good for an in-memory database. For example, sometimes we use Oracle databases 18C or 19C. The data is in the memory, however, when data is running, it's very slow, due to the fact that all data is in the memory and you need to and go to write disk. 

Sometimes when the data is very large, we might scale up our approach, and, in the scale-up approach, sometimes it is slow in HANA. That said, the scale-up approach is very, very good. SAP has got one problem. When you start the database, all data from the tool's memory takes a very long time. We've found that IBM's non-volatile memory is better than internal memory.  New users just need to be aware of that.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten. The solution, overall, has fantastic performance, however, the cost makes it really hard for us to keep using it.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
SAP Technical Architect at a pharma/biotech company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Oct 17, 2022
Great database that saves data easily and good reliability
Pros and Cons
  • "We can save data very easily."
  • "The pricing is expensive."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is mainly for in-memory computing and past data processing, both columns or databases. It's a very good database.

What is most valuable?

The solution offers very good in-memory computing.

We can save data very easily.

It is easy to set up. The implementation process is quite straightforward for us. 

The solution is stable.

What needs improvement?

There are limitations on tables. There is a two billion record limitation on a table. We'd like it if there could be more. If a table passes two billion records, SAP goes down.

The pricing is expensive. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've dealt with the solution since 2012. It's been about ten years or so. We've used it for around a decade now. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's very stable. We've been using it for almost ten years and haven't had any issues. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

How was the initial setup?

The solution is very straightforward and simple. It's not overly complex or difficult. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It's quite a costly product. It is expensive. I'd rate it four out of five in terms of the level of expense. 

What other advice do I have?

I'd rate the solution ten out of ten. It's one of the best databases in the world. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free SAP HANA Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: December 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free SAP HANA Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.