With a recent announcement, SAP is bringing about significant changes to many existing data architectures
Starting in June 2026, a security patch will technically prevent the use of the Operational Data Provisioning (ODP) framework for third-party applications (see SAP Note 3255746).
This change affects a wide range of integration scenarios that are now firmly established in modern data platforms—particularly where SAP data is replicated to non-SAP target systems.
Management Summary: What the SAP Change Means for ODP-RFC
Starting in June 2026, SAP will impose technical restrictions on the RFC-based use of the ODP Data Replication API for third-party applications. This change affects key mechanisms of SAP data extraction and has a direct impact on many existing integration and data architectures.
A particularly critical issue is that ODP now serves as the foundation for delta extraction, incremental data processing, and the use of standardized extractors in many companies. If this mechanism is removed, scenarios in which SAP data is efficiently transferred to non-SAP platforms—such as data lakes or cloud systems—will be particularly affected.
Many integration solutions currently in use therefore need to be adapted or reimagined. While alternative approaches—such as those using APIs, OData, or replication technologies—are available, they often come with limitations in terms of performance, delta processing capabilities, or operational overhead.
At the same time, SAP is clearly pursuing a strategy of managing data integration more extensively through its own platforms—in particular through SAP Datasphere as a central component of the SAP Business Data Cloud. This unlocks additional functional benefits but also requires a strategic reassessment of existing data architectures.
In practical terms, this means the following for companies:
- Existing integrations should be checked for ODP dependencies as soon as possible
- Critical functions such as delta handling and incremental processing must be specifically evaluated
- Potential alternatives should be tested early on and evaluated strategically
Conclusion: This change is not only technically significant but also requires active consideration at the architectural and strategic levels. Companies should now assess whether and where action is needed to mitigate risks to data supply and business processes at an early stage.
SAP Note 3255746: Changes to the ODP Data Replication API
ODP has been a central component of data extraction in SAP systems for years. It enables efficient mechanisms such as delta processing, incremental data extraction (often used in CDC-related scenarios), and access to standardized extractors, such as those based on CDS views or classic BW extractors.
While ODP was originally designed for SAP’s own applications such as BW/4HANA or Datasphere, its use has expanded significantly in practice. Many companies also use ODP in conjunction with third-party tools to transfer data to cloud platforms, data lakes, or other analytical systems.
It is precisely this use that SAP will now technically prevent. In the future, RFC-based use of the ODP Data Replication API will be limited to SAP-specific or officially supported scenarios.
Why ODP-RFC Is Critical for SAP Data Extraction and Delta Processing
The significance of this change stems primarily from the role that ODP plays in modern data architectures. In many cases, ODP is not just one of several options, but the central mechanism for high-performance and incremental data processing. Three aspects in particular are affected:
- Delta processing, which makes it possible to efficiently extract only the data that has changed, rather than regularly reloading entire datasets.
- incremental or delta-based extraction (sometimes used for CDC-like scenarios), which supports near-real-time replication of changes.
- the use of standardized extractors that ensure stable and low-maintenance data provision.
If this mechanism is removed, many existing integrations will have to be fundamentally rethought.
Which companies and integration
scenarios are affected by the ODP-RFC restriction
In practice, this change affects nearly all scenarios in which SAP data is transferred to other platforms via external integration or replication tools. It does not matter whether these are traditional ETL processes, modern cloud integrations, or data lake architectures.
Environments where ODP is used as the primary mechanism for delta extraction or CDC are particularly critical. Here, there is a risk not only of functional limitations but also of significant impacts on performance, data freshness, and operating costs.
Indirect usage scenarios are also relevant: even if ODP is not intentionally deployed, it may be used in the background via connectors or middleware. A transparent analysis of the existing system landscape is therefore essential.
Alternatives to ODP-RFC and how the market is adapting to them
Initial market reactions indicate that many integration approaches will need to be realigned. Two perspectives are evident here: recommendations from third-party vendors and SAP’s own strategic direction.
Third-party tools such as OData, APIs, and replication
Many providers are currently relying on alternative interfaces to continue providing access to SAP data. A key approach here is the increased use of OData services or API-based access to CDS views. These interfaces are supported by SAP and are future-proof in line with SAP’s strategy. However, they come with limitations: Equivalent delta handling is often lacking, meaning that incremental logic must be implemented on the target side. Furthermore, performance challenges often arise in practice, particularly with large data volumes or complex data models, as OData is designed more for transactional access than for bulk data extraction. While ODP also supports OData delta mechanisms, these must be carefully validated in the respective application scenario with regard to performance, scalability, and operational behavior.
Another approach involves using replication technologies that operate more closely with the SAP standard, such as SAP’s own replication mechanisms or those based on supported interfaces. Functionally, these offer an alternative to traditional, technically generic CDC approaches. At the same time, however, such scenarios must be carefully evaluated from both a technical and licensing perspective—especially when non-SAP components read, replicate, or process data from SAP systems. In practice, this often leads to increased operational overhead as well as greater demands on infrastructure, monitoring, and governance.
In addition, many vendors are working to adapt their existing solutions and establish alternative extraction mechanisms. Some vendors also point to existing alternative components within their SAP-related portfolios that can be used as substitutes for ODP-based scenarios. However, it is likely that these adaptations and alternatives will take time and may not be able to fully replace the existing functionalities in all cases.
SAP's Strategic Direction: Datasphere and BDC as the Target Architecture
At the same time, it is becoming clear that SAP is increasingly relying on its own platforms as central hubs for data integration. In this context, there is growing discussion about using SAP’s own solutions as an intermediate layer to make data available in a standards-compliant format and process it further from there. In particular, SAP Datasphere and the overarching SAP Business Data Cloud are gaining importance here, as they are positioned as a central integration and delivery layer for data.
This approach is particularly appealing when, in addition to the mere extraction and distribution of data, one also wishes to leverage the platforms’ additional value-added features, such as semantic modeling, data harmonization, data fabric approaches, self-service data provision, or integrated analytics capabilities. At the same time, this clearly aligns with SAP’s strategic direction, but it also creates new dependencies and requires a deliberate realignment of existing architectures.
Reviewing the ODP-RFC: 5 Steps to Assess the Need for Action
To determine whether you need to take action, you should consider the following points:
- Analyze ODP usage:First, a systematic review should be conducted to determine where and how ODP is currently being used. This review should take into account both direct and indirect dependencies—such as those involving ETL tools, middleware, connectors, or existing integration platforms.
Evaluating business-critical functions: The next step is to analyze which data flows and functions are particularly critical for reporting, analytics, or operational processes. In particular, the focus should be on delta processing, incremental data processing, and standardized extractors.
Evaluate potential alternatives: Building on this , alternative approaches should be examined and evaluated from both a functional and technical perspective. Key considerations include not only basic feasibility but also factors such as performance, scalability, operational costs, and strategic alignment.
Validating the Impact Through Testing: It is also important to begin testing and prototyping early on. This is the only way to realistically assess the impact that alternative extraction and integration approaches will have on existing processes, data timeliness, and operational stability.
Placing the need for action in a strategic context: These changes should not be viewed in isolation as a single technical issue. Rather, it is advisable to place the results within the context of your own data and integration strategy and to prepare for potential architectural decisions at an early stage.
Strategic Context: SAP Data Integration in Transition
The restriction on ODP usage is not an isolated technical issue, but part of a clearly discernible strategic trend. SAP is increasingly positioning its own platforms as central hubs for data integration and delivery.
For companies, this means realigning their data strategy and making informed decisions about future architectural models. The key is striking a balance between openness, flexibility, and the use of standardized, vendor-supported approaches.
Support for ODP-RFC analysis and
SAP data architecture
The specific implications depend heavily on the particular system environment, the tools used, and the existing integration patterns. Consequently, the solutions must be tailored to each specific situation.
ISR can help you analyze your ODP-RFC dependencies, assess critical data flows, and develop a viable migration or target architecture path. Together, we’ll examine which integration patterns are affected, which alternatives make sense from a technical and business perspective, and how to minimize risks related to reporting, analytics, and operational data provision.
Contact us.
Carl Stegat
Professional Business Development
SAP Information Management
carl.stegat@isr.de
+49 (0) 15142205480
