HYBRID ARCHITECTURE IN PRACTICE: INTEGRATING CLOUD SERVICES WITH ON-PREMISE ERP SYSTEMS

Abstract

This article presents a practical study of hybrid IT architecture implementation through the integration of cloud services with legacy ERP systems, with a focus on SAP ECC 6.0 EHP8. The paper analyzes practical scenarios that demonstrate how organizations can strategically extend the capabilities of their on-premise ERP landscape by leveraging the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP). Instead of pursuing a disruptive, full-scale migration to SAP S/4HANA, the proposed architecture patterns offer a controlled and evolutionary modernization pathway that aligns with business and technical constraints.Three architectural scenarios are presented, each reflecting a different level of abstraction, integration complexity, and technological maturity. The first scenario focuses on lightweight user interface extensions using Cloud Foundry Runtime and HTML5 App Repository, enabling rapid delivery of Fiori applications that consume OData services from the backendERP system. The second scenario explores the use of the ABAP Environment on SAP BTP and the RESTful ABAP Programming Model (RAP) to encapsulate business logic in reusable service layers. The third and most advanced scenario showcases the use of SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP) in combination with SAP Build Work Zone to build modular, scalable, and user-centric SaaS applications integrated with the existing ECC system via secure connectivity mechanisms.The architectural approaches emphasize key enterprise requirements such as end-to-end user authentication through Principal Propagation, secure data access via SAP Cloud Connector, and centralized access control.These patterns promote compatibility, flexibility, and operational continuity by minimizing changes to the legacy core system while introducing modern development paradigms. The proposed solutions are particularly relevant for organizations in the energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors that operate complex IT landscapes and require reliable, phased modernizationstrategies.In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hybrid architectures can serve as effective transitional models, enabling organizations to harness the advantages of cloud integration while maintaining core business processes and protecting prior investments.