How to configure SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 Feature Pack 3 Analysis for OLAP connectivity to SAP HANA


One of the new features listed in the What’s New guide of SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 FP3 is that ability for Analysis for OLAP to connect directly to HANA OLAP content. However, this connectivity is not available by default. In order to enable this connectivity you have to add a java .jar file, found in the HANA client install, to the “lib” directory of the MDAS Adaptive Processing Server. Below are the steps required to configure this. Please note that the SAP HANA OLAP connection will not display in the CMC OLAP connection drop-down until these steps are followed.
Configuration Steps:
  1. Using the Central Management Console (CMC), stop the Adaptive Processing Server (APS) that hosts the MDAS.
  2. Install the SAP HANA Client (64-bit). Use the hdbinst.exe installation program found in the SAP HANA client installation directory.
  3. Once the client is installed you need to copy the file ngdbc.jar from the SAP HANA client installation directory (for example, C:\Program Files (x86)\sap\hdbclient\). The file should be placed in the “\java\pjs\services\MDAS\lib\external” subfolder. If the default BI platform installation folder is used, the destination folder is: “C:\Program Files (x86)\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\java\pjs\services\MDAS\lib\external”. Note: You will need to create the “external” subfolder in the “\java\pjs\services\MDAS\lib” directory.
  4. Start the Adaptive Processing Server.
  5. Go to the CMC. The default URL is http://{HostName}/BOE/CMC where {HostName} is the name of your BusinessObjects Tomcat server.
  6. Go to OLAP Connections.
  7. Specify a Connection Name and Description.
    1. In the drop down select SAP HANA
    2. Configure the SAP HANA server host name
    3. Configure the SAP HANA port (30015 is the default)
    4. Click the connect button to test. In the test windows, enter your SAP HANA user / password for an account with access to the Analytic View.
    5. If you can connect successfully, specify how the MDAS will connect to HANA specifying a user account. You can also choose SSO or alternative credential mapping.
  8. Assuming you are connected, launch the BI Launch Pad. The default URL is http://{HostName}/BOE/BI where {HostName} is the name of your BusinessObjects Tomcat server.
  9. Launch “Analysis for OLAP” from the applications frame or dropdown menu.
  10. You should now see your SAP HANA analytic views as a possible source for OLAP analysis.