SAP Technical Architecture guide
SAP HANA Administration
Compare SAP HANA administration tools, backup types, log backups, recovery, system replication, takeover, auditing, and user provisioning.
Tool map
SAP HANA cockpit is the browser-based administration and monitoring interface. SAP HANA Studio is the older Eclipse-based administration/development client. Database Explorer supports catalog browsing, SQL execution and database-object work. HDBSQL is the command-line SQL client. DBACOCKPIT integrates database administration into the ABAP system. Choose the tool based on task and supported product version, not because the names sound interchangeable.
| Concept | Correct meaning | Key exam distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Full data backup | Backs up all data required for the data-backup scope | Foundation for delta backups |
| Differential backup | Changes since the last full data backup | Its reference remains the full backup |
| Incremental backup | Changes since the last data backup: full or delta | Smaller chain steps; depends on prior backups |
| Log backup | Persists redo log information | Automatic log backup protects recoverability and log-area reuse |
| Recovery | Restores the database to an approved target using backup/log data | A recovery operation, not a backup creation |
| System replication | Continuously replicates HANA system data to a secondary | HA/DR capability; not a substitute for backups |
| Takeover | Promotes the secondary in a replication setup | Different from registering/configuring a secondary |
Backup, recovery and replication workflow
For backup, define the retention and storage target, start the correct backup type, and verify the backup catalog and status. For recovery, identify the exact database/tenant and recovery target, confirm required backups and logs are available, stop when the impact is unclear, then validate database consistency and application access afterward.
For system replication, prepare compatible primary and secondary systems, enable replication on the primary, register the secondary with the approved operation mode, verify synchronization, and rehearse takeover/failback separately. A synchronized secondary does not remove the need for independent backups.
Active recall
Test yourself
1. Which delta backup uses the immediately preceding data backup as its reference?
Reveal answer
Incremental; differential always refers back to the last full data backup.
2. Why is HANA system replication not a replacement for backup?
Reveal answer
Replication can copy logical or operational problems; backups provide an independent recovery chain.
3. What is the difference between registering a secondary and takeover?
Reveal answer
Registration joins/configures the secondary; takeover promotes it to the active role.
Practice this module
This guide maps to 5 questions in the SAP Technical Architecture Top 40 bank.
Open practice