SAP Analytics Cloud(SAC) - Overview on Connection Types (2024)

SAP Analytics Cloud can connect to various data sources both cloud and on-premise. Two most common methods are Live and Acquire(Import) data connection.

Live Data connections - Data is“live”, meaning that when a user opens a story inSAP Analytics Cloud, changes made to the data in the source system are reflected immediately. As long as customer wants to fully keep control of data privacy, live connection is the best choice.

With live connection, data volume is processed in your back-end system. There is no theoretical limitation. Query is executed in back-end system. Query should limit volume returned to Web Browser by applying adequate input control or aggregation.

1. CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) Live Connection:

CORS is a mechanism that allows restricted resources on a web page to be requested from another domain outside the domain from which the first resource was served.

CORS defines a way in which a browser and server can interact to determine whether or not it is safe to allow the cross-origin request.

Configure Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) if you are using on-premise SAPNetWeaver system(SAP BW) as your backend.

Note: If you are using SAP NetWeaver version 7.52 or above, you must apply SAP Note 2531811 or import ABAP 7.52 SP1 to fix CORS related issues in SAP NetWeaver.

2. Tunnel Live Connection:

Consider SAP Analytics Cloud Tunnel Connection if there is a need to share business findings and insights with external stakeholders, without giving VPN rights.

For example: If your organization wants to expose some of your data to users outside of your corporate network, without giving them VPN rights.

This means you can access SAC URLs securely from your personal laptop\Desktop and mobile devices.

Acquire(Import) connection – This type of connection connects to the data source and in order to retrieve the data set, data is actually imported /copied to SAP Analytics Cloud. This type of connection can be scheduled so SAC can keep a back to back data refresh with the database timestamp.

What is the difference between SAP Analytics Cloud Tunnel Connection, Direct Connection and Import Connection?