As SAP BusinessObjects BI platform continues to evolve, it is essential for customers to stay informed about changes that impact existing workflows and system landscapes.
As part of this evolution, several legacy capabilities have now been marked as Deprecated in SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025, while some features may eventually be Removed in future releases.
SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025 introduces important deprecation announcements that customers should not ignore. While these features remain functional today, the long-term direction is clear: modernization, simplification, and adoption of open standards. Understanding these changes early helps organizations build a smoother roadmap for future upgrades and avoid last-minute migration challenges.
Understanding “Deprecated” vs “Removed”
Before reviewing the impacted features, let us first understand what these terms mean in the context of SAP product lifecycle management.
Removed
A feature classified as Removed has been completely eliminated from the product. Where possible, SAP documents recommended replacement solutions or alternative workflows.
Deprecated
A feature marked as Deprecated is still available and supported for current usage; however:
- No significant future enhancements will be delivered
- Innovation investment has stopped
- The feature is expected to be removed in a future release
Customers are strongly encouraged to begin evaluating alternative solutions and transition plans as early as possible.
This approach is common across enterprise software modernization journeys — where legacy capabilities are gradually sunset to reduce technical debt, improve security posture, and align with modern architecture standards.
Deprecated Features in SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025
The following features have officially been marked as deprecated starting with SAP BusinessObjects BI platform 2025.
Deprecated Feature Details Recommended Alternative
| Deprecated Feature |
Details | Recommended Alternative |
| Visual Difference | Deprecated in BI 2025 and planned for removal in future releases | No direct alternative available |
| Workflow Assistant | No further innovation planned | Use standalone script packages leveraging the REST SDK to replace Workflow Assistant WebI Change Source templates. SAP may plan to publish samples on public GitHub. |
| PeopleSoft Integration Kit | Legacy integration approach being phased out | Use standard authentication mechanisms such as OpenID. For Crystal Reports connectivity, connect directly to underlying databases using supported drivers such as Oracle DB, ODBC, or JDBC. |
| Web Application Split Deployment (Apache/Tomcat) | Traditional split deployment architecture deprecated | Use regular web application deployment |
| DataDirect Drivers | DataDirect bundled drivers deprecated | Use certified native drivers such as:
Or purchase DataDirect drivers directly from the vendor if required. |
| SAML Authentication | SAML-based authentication deprecated | Transition to OpenID Connect / OAuth 2.0 |
| WIDX in ZIP Format | ZIP packaging format deprecated | Use WIDX in HTML format |
Why Is SAP Deprecating These Features?
A common pattern across the deprecated capabilities is the move away from:
- Legacy integrations
- Older authentication frameworks
- Complex deployment models
- Vendor-specific middleware dependencies
towards:
- Open standards
- Cloud-ready authentication
- Simplified deployment architectures
- Native and certified connectivity options
- REST API driven extensibility
This direction aligns with SAP’s broader technology strategy across analytics and enterprise platforms.
For example:
- OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 provide more modern and secure authentication flows than traditional SAML implementations.
- Native database drivers improve maintainability and certification alignment.
- REST SDK-based automation offers greater flexibility compared to tightly coupled legacy assistants.
What Should Customers Do Next?
Organizations currently using these features should begin planning proactive transition activities.
Recommended Actions
1. Assess Current Usage
Identify whether any deprecated capabilities are actively used in your SAP BusinessObjects landscape.
2. Evaluate Replacement Solutions
Review SAP-recommended alternatives and validate compatibility with existing workflows.
3. Modernize Authentication
If using SAML or legacy integration kits, start evaluating OpenID Connect or OAuth 2.0 adoption strategies.
4. Test Before Upgrading
Validate migration approaches in non-production environments before future BI platform upgrades.
5. Monitor SAP Documentation
SAP may continue publishing additional migration guidance, GitHub samples, and KBAs related to these deprecations.
Strategic Perspective: From Legacy to Modernization
Deprecation announcements are not merely technical changes — they are signals for long-term platform direction.
Much like broader enterprise IT modernization initiatives, SAP is gradually transitioning customers from legacy operational models toward simplified, API-first, and standards-based architectures.
Rather than waiting for final feature removal, customers who start early will benefit from:
- Reduced upgrade risks
- Better security alignment
- Simplified supportability
- Improved future compatibility
A well-planned transition strategy can significantly reduce operational disruption when these features are eventually removed.
For further details, refer to:
Have you already started transitioning away from any of these deprecated features? Share your experiences and migration strategies in the comments below.
