SAP Business Objects (BI/BO 4.3) Upgrade: What You Need to Know






SAP Business Objects (BI/BO 4.3) Upgrade: What You Need to Know

Upgrading to SAP BI 4.3 can seem overwhelming, but keeping your SAP Business Objects platform current is vital for maximizing performance, security, and feature access. Version 4.3 introduces major improvements across four pillars—Hybrid deployment options, an enhanced Semantic Layer, expanded Data Connectivity, and strengthened Security—benefiting both administrators and end users.

 

Key Takeaways

  • A successful SAP BI 4.3 upgrade hinges on thorough planning and execution.
  • Version 4.3 delivers significant enhancements around Hybrid, Semantic Layer, Data Connectivity, and Security.
  • Post-upgrade tasks—comprehensive testing, user training, and ongoing maintenance—are essential for a stable, efficient environment. 

 

 

Understanding the SAP BI 4.3 Upgrade

Upgrading to BI 4.3 involves choosing the right path and leveraging SAP’s tools and documentation.

Upgrade Pathways

In-Place Upgrade

  • Update your existing BI 4.x installation directly to 4.3.
  • Best for smaller landscapes with minimal custom extensions.

Side-by-Side Upgrade

  • Install BI 4.3 on a new server, then migrate content using the Promotion Management Wizard.
  • Recommended for complex environments with extensive customizations.

 

 

Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

    • Planning
      • Audit current reports, universes, and third-party integrations.
      • Consult the Product Availability Matrix for compatibility details.

     

    • Preparation
      • Back up all repositories, CMS databases, and file system content.
      • Ensure your OS, database, and Java versions meet the requirements in the SAP BI Upgrade Guide.

     

    • Installation
      • Run the BI 4.3 installer or execute the Promotion Management Wizard for automated migration.
      • Follow prompts to transfer security settings, servers, and schedules.

     

    • Content Migration
      • Use Promotion Management Wizard to move reports, universes, and publications.
      • Validate folder structures and user permissions.

     

    • Configuration
      • Update any custom SDKs or extensions for Data Connectivity and the Semantic Layer.
      • Reconfigure your web application server (e.g., Tomcat settings as per SAP Note 2456439).

     

    • Testing
      • Perform functional, regression, and performance tests.
      • Check key use cases in the Fiorified BI Launchpad and classic BI Launchpad.

     

    • Go-Live
      • Switch production workloads to the new BI 4.3 environment.
      • Monitor logs and user feedback closely for the first 48–72 hours.

    Preparation Checklist

     

    • System Requirements

    Confirm hardware, OS, database, and JVM versions against SAP documentation.

    • Backup Strategy

    Full snapshots of CMS and FileStore; verify restoration procedures.

    • Deprecated Features

    Identify and replace any removed functionalities (see SAP Note 2884819).

    • Latest Patches

    Apply all current service packs and support packages from the SAP Support Portal.

    • Performance Baseline

    Benchmark key reports before upgrade to compare post-upgrade performance.

    • Known Issues

    Review SAP Notes (e.g., 2828909) for common pitfalls and workarounds.

     

     

    New Capabilities in SAP BI 4.3

     

    • Hybrid Deployments
      Seamlessly combine on-premises servers with cloud-based SAP Analytics Cloud integrations.

     

    • Enhanced Semantic Layer
      Improved universe design tools for simpler data modeling and metadata management.

     

    • Broader Data Connectivity
      Native adapters for SAP Datasphere, BigQuery, and other modern sources.

     

    • Robust Security
      Upgraded authentication options (SAML, OAuth), certificate management, and audit logging.

     

    • Fiorified BI Launchpad
      A modern UI built on Fiori principles, without abandoning the classic portal.

     

    • Web App Deployment
      Bulk-deploy custom web applications across multiple servers in one operation.

     

     

    • Report Conversion Tool
      Automated migration for legacy Crystal Reports to the latest Crystal Reports 2020 format.

     

    Post-Upgrade Best Practices

     

    • End-User Training
      Host workshops or create video tutorials covering new features and the updated Fiori interface.

     

    • Regression Testing
      Re-run critical reports, alerts, and publications to confirm data accuracy and performance.

     

    • Patch Management
      Subscribe to SAP Support notifications and apply patch bundles promptly.

     

    • Monitoring & Alerting
      Leverage SAP’s monitoring tools or integrate with ELK/Grafana for real-time health checks.

     

    • Promotion Management
      Establish a promotion workflow between development, QA, and production—consider automated deployments with pre created Promotion Management Jobs that will sync content between two environments.

     

    • Community & Support
      Engage with the SAP BI Community forums for peer insights and consult SAP Knowledge Base articles for troubleshooting.

     

     

    Upgrading to SAP BI 4.3 demands a structured approach, but with the right preparation, resources, and expert guidance, you can minimize downtime and unlock powerful new capabilities.

     

     

     

    Back to blog