Open Operational DataStore Layer

In the LSA++ for BW on HANA, the Open ODS layer is used to integrate data into the Data Warehouse. This layer encompasses the classic BW data acquisition layer, but it also offers more extensive and more flexible options for data integration: everything from consuming and combining to physical integration.

This allows data sources to be consumed virtually: the data sources are made known to the BW by means of a modeling object named Open ODS view. They can be used directly in BW for query purposes, for example, without needing for separate BW persistence. These data models can be located in an external schema (of the SAP HANA database in BW), which is not managed by BW. Alternatively, the models can be located in other databases, which are connected to the SAP HANA database in BW using SAP HANA Smart Data Access.

Open ODS views also allows virtually consumed data sources to be combined with BW models. This means it is possible to connect Open ODS views to InfoObjects, or to connect Open ODS views to BW InfoProviders (with help from the CompositeProvider).

Open ODS views also enable physical integration into BW, because DataSources can be generated from the views for ETL purposes.

Here it is important that the degree of integration for models and architectures can be developed over time, without invalidating any modeling objects (for example, analytical queries, authorizations) that are based on these models and architectures.