SAP vs. ADF: A Plot Twist in Data Integration

A question I've been getting asked a lot lately is: "Should Azure Data Factory (ADF) customers stop using the SAP CDC connector?" Or something like it. Pick your favourite third-party data tool; this applies across the board.

The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Also Yes ... but let's talk about why.

SAP has officially prohibited third-party tools, including ADF’s CDC connector, from using the ODP framework’s RFC modules. Translation? That method is no longer supported. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning your migration to OData-based extraction, before the integration police show up with handcuffs and licensing audits.

What SAP Note 3255746 Says

SAP Note 3255746, updated February 2, 2024, spells it out:

“The usage of RFC modules of the Operational Data Provisioning (ODP) Data Replication API by customer, or third-party applications … is NOT permitted by SAP.”

SAP also reserves the right to technically block these interfaces. Not just a guideline ... this is now a firm “no.”

Why is SAP Doing This?

• Tighter control and governance: SAP wants to funnel data traffic through its own highways (like DataSphere), not allow third-party toll roads pulling from ODP directly.
• Licensing enforcement: Even though SAP Notes aren’t contracts, they can influence licensing terms. And SAP knows how to write a fine print clause like nobody else.
• (Unofficially?) Pushing DataSphere Let’s be honest, this move conveniently nudges customers toward SAP’s DataSphere platform. Is it good tech? Absolutely. But is this also a push to increase recurring revenue? Well… let’s just say it wouldn’t be the first time a tech vendor nudged us toward a subscription.

Implications for Azure Data Factory

• The ADF SAP CDC connector relies on now-deprecated ODP-RFC calls. (Still crying? You’re not alone.)
• According to Microsoft Learn:
  • ODP-RFC is no longer supported.
  • You must use the OData API for compliant extraction.
• Official documentation confirms: “Synapse Data Factory connector SAP CDC is using SAP ODP RFC API which is not supported anymore … ODP ODATA API should be used instead.” (Microsoft Learn)

What You Should Do Now

1. Stop building new integrations using the ADF SAP CDC connector based on RFC/ODP.
2. Plan your migration to use SAP’s DataSphere or OData API-based approaches.
3. Watch for updates. Microsoft is working on an OData-enabled CDC connector—no ETA, but it’s in the works.

Performance Considerations

• RFC-based extraction was fast. Too fast. It had to be stopped. (Kidding... sort of.)
• OData is more compliant but in practice, much slower, especially with large data volumes.
• Prepare to adjust expectations, and possibly your batch window.

Final Takeaway

Yes, you should stop using the SAP CDC connector in ADF if it leverages ODP-RFC. Transition instead to SAP’s supported DataSphere and/or the OData API for compliant data extraction from SAP systems.

Keep an eye on Microsoft’s roadmap for future OData-enabled CDC options. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by performance tuning, pipeline rewrites, or need help crying into your coffee, reach out. We’ve got your back.