Amazon EC2 U7i High-Memory Instances: Optimized for Large In-Memory Databases

Organizations rely on real-time data processing to stay competitive, with in-memory databases like SAP HANA playing a critical role in managing and analyzing large datasets for essential functions such as financial planning, supply chain optimization, and fraud detection. These workloads demand specialized infrastructure to handle real-time processing, ensure scalability and performance for growing datasets, and maintain business continuity with high availability and fault tolerance. Organizations often seek cost-efficient solutions and seamless integration with cloud environments to enhance agility and flexibility, making cloud-native platforms like AWS EC2 High Memory instances a vital component in supporting these mission-critical applications.

To support these needs more effectively, AWS has announced the general availability of its new Amazon EC2 U7i instances, developed with HPE to handle large, mission-critical workloads like SAP HANA. Built on HPE’s Compute Scale-up Server 3200 and powered by Intel Xeon Scalable processors, the U7i offers 32 TB of memory, 1,920 virtual CPUs (vCPUs), and enhanced bandwidth for faster data operations. It doubles the vCPUs of earlier instances and supports SAP-certified applications like SAP S/4HANA and SAP BW/4HANA. With the ability to scale up to 128 TB in clusters, this instance is ideal for running massive in-memory database workloads efficiently.

Amazon EC2 U7i instances can deliver up to 45% better price performance compared to U-1 instances and offer up to 135% more compute performance and 115% higher memory performance. U7i instances, built with HPE’s Compute Scale Up Server, are the first 32TB virtualized cloud instance with SAP certification for both OLTP and OLAP workloads. These instances simplify management by running databases and business applications in the same VPC while ensuring reliable and high-performance operations.

According to a SAPinsider report, 58% of SAP customers are using AWS for their SAP workloads. This means AWS infrastructure is trusted for running critical SAP workloads, with SAP itself using Amazon EC2 instances for offerings like RISE with SAP. The recently introduced SAP-certified Amazon EC2 U7i instances deliver unmatched compute power and the largest memory capacity available on AWS, making them an excellent choice for SAP customers transitioning to the AWS platform. These instances enable organizations to take advantage of enhanced security, scalability, and performance through the joint strengths of AWS and SAP.

What Does This Mean for SAPinsiders?

Explore how cloud-based deployments can support your digital transformation goals. Digital transformation goes beyond simply upgrading systems or software; it involves rethinking and reshaping business processes, company culture, and customer experiences to adapt to evolving market demands. Transitioning to the cloud plays a key role in this process by centralizing data and making it accessible across the organization. SAP users managing large in-memory databases like SAP HANA should consider utilizing the flexibility and scalability that environments like Amazon EC2 can deliver.

Leverage Simplified Management and Cost Efficiency
U7i instances allow organizations to run databases and business applications within the same Amazon VPC, reducing networking complexity and ensuring consistent performance. This allows them to co-locate related systems from multiple providers streamlining performance and reducing integration points. These environments also offer up to 45% better price performance compared to older U-1 instances, making them a cost-effective solution for SAP workloads and organizations looking to manage costs and streamline administrative overhead.

Ensure Business Continuity with AWS’s Trusted Infrastructure
With an increased emphasis on resilience and the need to keep key business systems available, organizations today need to ensure ongoing business continuity. By migrating SAP workloads to U7i instances, organizations can benefit from AWS’s proven reliability, security, and scalability. This enables better support for real-time data processing, enhanced agility, and reduced operational risks for critical business processes.