Deployment of Patched Software

[Former Member]

We recently upgraded our Business Objects Platform servers from 4.0 sp4 to 4.1 sp6 fp3. We also had to upgrade the Business Objects Client.

Together the base version (4.1 sp6) and sp6 fp3 combine to be over 2.5 gbs. Its a large update to a machine.  It takes about 40 minutes to update a machine.

Our deployment team found a method to deploy as one package instead of deploying the base version and then installing the patch.   They do this by only copying over the files that are different between the patch and the base install. They used beyond compare to do the comparison.

As a result of doing this and removing language files, the single install patch is only about 1.5 gbs and takes less than 20 minutes to remove the old program and add in the new program.  It does seem to work. We have not had any problems with the software deployed through this method yet.

My question is has anyone else done or tried this? I have not found anything in the SAP literature or this merging or "slipstreaming" with Business Objects Software.

[CdnConnection]

Jayme,

      This method is supported by SAP, you will have problems with some DLL's and library files.   If you want to save disk space, there is another option (see link)

The method you are asking for of getting ONE build when doing SP + Patch is coming later this year.  SAP product team is currently test the official solution.

Thanks Kindly,

Ajay

[Former Member]

Thanks Ajay.

I did read the article. To be honest, not sure how it applies here though it would be helpfull when migrating to another machine.

When you say this method is supported by SAP, have you come accross any articles on this? I've looked and have not found anything.

My question is not concerning the platform install but the Business Objects Client Software Install.

Jayme

[CdnConnection]

Jayme,

      I work very closely with BI Platform Influence council to get product enhancement and this method of eliminating SP + Patch has been on list from over 18months.   Currently there is NO supported solution that SAP will endorse.   This is why  we working very closely with the vendor to have them provide a proper solution.

The article would help regain disk space when your BI 4.0 w/SP04 to BI 4.1 w/ SP6 first.  The second half of SP to Patch has no supported solution at this time. 

You could have saved space on the clients by un-installing ALL the tools and then installing BI 4.1 w/SP6 + Patch 03.

You may be able to get information on future enhancement from the road-map

https://websmp106.sap-ag.de/~sapidb/011000358700000395272012D.pdf

Thanks Kindly,

Ajay

[Former Member]

Probably a typo their. What Ajay meant was "This method is NOT supported by SAP,".

[Former Member]

Thanks for responding.  Loading of SAP client software is very time consuming and certainly needs an overall.