Upgrading to SAP BI 2025? Here’s What Features\Products You’re Losing (and Keeping!)
“With many features and tools set to be retired before SAP BI 4.3 reaches end-of-life on December 31, 2026, now is the time to build a roadmap for transitioning to BI 2025-supported alternatives—and to start that planning process today”
You're facing a significant transition with SAP BI 2025. This guide specifically focuses on the move from BI 4.3 to BI 2025, where a number of long-standing features and tools are being retired.
A large number of products and features are being deprecated, and with SAP BI 4.3 going end-of-life on 31 December 2026, now is the time to evaluate your existing landscape and start planning your move to a new toolset—if needed.
With my extensive experience in SAP upgrades, I understand the uncertainty and challenges this brings. This guide is designed to provide you with clear, practical steps, ensuring your transition is smooth and informed.
If you're upgrading from BI 4.2, I strongly recommend reviewing my previous article, Evolution of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.2 to 4.3 – What's Gone, What's Next, since many critical products were deprecated earlier.
This guide also references official SAP documentation (SAP Note 3560025) for detailed insights.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Clint and I've been knee-deep in the SAP Business Objects world for over 25 years now. Yeah, I know, longer than I care to admit. My first installation was way back in SAP BI 6.5 - back when Desktop Intelligence was still a thing. Needless to say, I've seen it all.
After running two wildly successful global SAP Analytics consulting firms, being a SAP Mentor, and speaking on all things SAP Analytics and SAP Business Objects around the world, I'm here to help. I've moved to the "employee of one" model, and I'm available worldwide to assist you with your SAP BO upgrade.
I get it - I know how SAP is moving towards a "cloud first" approach, just like every other big vendor out there. But I also know that customers need to keep their on-premise BI 4.x implementation running alongside SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), as there's no seamless migration path to SAC. With all the lower versions of Business Objects, except for BI 4.3 and BI 2025, now being out of support, the need to upgrade for many customers is pressing. So, feel free to connect with me below to start the conversation or connect with me here or you can find out more about me here.
“With over 25 years in SAP Analytics, I’ve guided numerous businesses through seamless upgrades, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.”
What's Removed in SAP BI 2025
Here’s a comprehensive summary of the products and features SAP is removing in BI 2025, along with replacements, migration complexity, and direct links to SAP Notes for in-depth reference:
| Removed Product | Replacement or Alternative | SAP Note | Migration Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universe Design Tool and UNV Universes | Information Design Tool and UNX Universes | 3520314 | 🔴 High |
| Multi-source Universes | Removed from the product - no alternative | 3520229 | 🔴 High |
| OLAP Universes (SAP HANA, MS Analysis, Oracle Essbase) | Alternative methods or SAP Analytics Cloud | 3509206 | 🔴 High |
| Lumira Discovery | SAP Analytics Cloud | 3582179 | 🔴 High |
| SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for OLAP | SAP Analytics Cloud | 3520305 | 🔴 High |
| SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise | SAP Crystal Reports (CR202x) | 3509831 | 🟡 Medium |
| SAP BusinessObjects Live Office | SAP Analysis for MS Office & Web Intelligence OData | Community Blog | 🟡 Medium |
| Query and Document as Web Service (QaaWS & DaaWS) | Removed from the product - no alternative | 3557284 | 🟡 Medium |
| BI Mobile Application | Removed from the product - no alternative | 3557283 | 🟡 Medium |
| Oracle ERP Data Drivers in Crystal Reports | Removed from the product - no alternative | 3581624 | 🟡 Medium |
| Netweaver Java Support/WACS | Supported OS via PAM | 3581113 | 🟢 Low |
| Subversion (SVN) as bundled Version Management | Removed from the product - no alternative | 3581196 | 🟢 Low |
| Solaris and AIX Support | Supported OS via PAM | PAM | 🟢 Low |
| Analytics Hub | Removed from the product - no alternative | N/A | 🟢 Low |
Products Still Supported in BI 2025
Below is a concise overview of key products continuing into BI 2025:
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SAP Web Intelligence
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SAP Crystal Reports (CR202x)
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Information Design Tool (IDT)
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SAP Analytics Cloud Integration
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SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office
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SAP Data Services
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64bit .NET SDK for BI Platform and Crystal Reports
Why Does This Matter for Your Business?
Overlooking these product deprecations could lead to a cascade of operational disruptions—breaking mission-critical reports, delaying business decisions, and increasing exposure to unsupported and unpatched components. In a landscape where compliance, performance, and data trust are non-negotiable, relying on outdated or retired technologies is a tangible risk.
With only 18 months left, as of today's date, before BI 4.3 reaches end-of-life on 31 December 2026, it's critical to start putting an actionable migration roadmap in place.
By understanding what’s changing and why, you empower your organization to act proactively. You can consolidate redundant tools, optimize your BI landscape, and transition to more modern, supported alternatives. This not only safeguards business continuity but also positions your organization to take advantage of the latest innovations in SAP Analytics for years to come.
Your Immediate Action Plan
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Audit your current BI landscape.
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Identify dependencies on deprecated tools.
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Create a clear migration strategy using supported solutions.
My goal is to support you with expert advice and clarity, making your SAP BI 2025 upgrade journey strategic and seamless
Parting Thoughts (and a Bit of Guidance)
Facing the shift to SAP BI 2025 can feel daunting—especially with so many familiar features being retired. But remember, you don’t have to tackle this alone. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a chance to future-proof your BI environment and align your tools with your organization’s long-term vision.
Not sure where to begin? That’s completely normal. Reach out—I’m here to help you map out your path, weigh your options, and build a strategy that’s right for your business. Let’s talk through it and get your plan in place today.
“With many key features being deprecated ahead of SAP BI 4.3’s end-of-life, delaying your planning could leave gaps in your reporting landscape. Now is the time to assess your dependencies and begin mapping a transition strategy to BI 2025-supported alternatives.”
Here’s how we can work together:
Assess Your Current Environment
Understand your existing setup and challenges.
Develop a Customised Upgrade Strategy
Tailored to your business needs and timelines.
Execute and Support
Implement the upgrade with ongoing support to ensure success.
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I'm Ready To Learn MoreConnect with me today to ensure your SAP BI 2025 Upgrade is a success !
Alternatively please send an email to [email protected]