Business intelligence and analysis are becoming increasingly important because data-driven decisions increase efficiency, turnover, and also productivity. By using BI software, market advantages can be recognized earlier and competitive advantages can be achieved. In the SAP solution portfolio, the SAP Analytics Cloud is the BI and planning tool that visualizes data from all systems. The question here is how the solution is licensed.

Central SAP Analytics Cloud Licence Components

The following two different licence components are available for the reporting and planning functions:

  • SAP Analytics Cloud for BI (Reporting)
  • SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning (Planning)

The functional scope of the BI licence includes storytelling, dash-boarding, and application design. It thus covers all the requirements of a business intelligence tool. Planning scenarios and functions are not included in the licence.

In addition to the reporting functions mentioned above, the planning licence also includes planning functions. A distinction is made here between the licence types “Standard” and “Professional”, whereby these differ in the scope of functions. The minimum licensing is one Professional and ten Standard licences.

Connections to data sources

Basically, there are three ways to bring data into the SAP Analytics Cloud; By uploading a file, by an import connection, or by a live connection. The type of connection has no influence on the choice of licences.

  1. With the import connection, data is imported into the SAP Analytics Cloud and stored there. Imports of data can be scheduled and are carried out routinely.
  2. With the live connection, systems are connected to the SAP Analytics Cloud and thus no data is stored in the cloud.

Public or private Cloud?

When choosing a licence, there is still the question of the licence model, i.e. public or private cloud. With the public edition, several companies share the same hardware in the cloud. In a private cloud, on the other hand, each company has its own hardware in the cloud.

Good to know

In summary, there are two or three questions to be answered when looking for the right licences. The following illustration shows the various licensing options for the SAP Analytics Cloud and the decision-making process.