What is the difference between SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite?

 What is the difference between SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite?

Introduction

In today’s evolving cloud landscape, integration plays a critical role in connecting enterprise systems and applications. SAP has introduced multiple integration tools over the years, and understanding their differences is vital for IT professionals. Many learners pursue SAP CPI Training to gain expertise in SAP’s integration technologies. One common area of confusion is distinguishing between SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) and SAP Integration Suite, both part of the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

What is the difference between SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite?

1. Understanding SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration)

SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) is an integration-as-a-service (iPaaS) offering that enables cloud and on-premise applications to connect seamlessly. It provides tools to design, deploy, and manage integration flows (iFlows) that handle data transformation, routing, and connectivity between diverse systems.

SAP CPI primarily focuses on integrating SAP and non-SAP applications, supporting a variety of adapters like HTTP, SOAP, SFTP, IDoc, and SuccessFactors. It offers pre-packaged integration content via the SAP API Business Hub, reducing development time for standard integrations.

2. Introduction to SAP Integration Suite

SAP Integration Suite is the evolved version of SAP CPI, encompassing a broader set of integration capabilities beyond standard iFlows. It combines multiple services such as API Management, Event Mesh, Integration Advisor, and Open Connectors under one unified environment.

This suite enables businesses to manage not only point-to-point integrations but also event-driven and API-based architectures. It represents SAP’s vision of intelligent enterprise connectivity, providing tools for developers, business users, and architects to build scalable and reusable integrations.

3. Key Differences between SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite

While both tools aim to integrate systems, they differ in scope, features, and purpose. Below are the major distinctions:

1.     Scope and Purpose:
SAP CPI is mainly focused on message-based integration between cloud and on-premise applications, whereas SAP Integration Suite includes CPI along with additional services for API and event-driven integration.

2.     Components:
SAP CPI revolves around integration flows and adapters, while the Integration Suite adds components like API Management, Integration Advisor, Event Mesh, and Open Connectors.

3.     Deployment Model:
SAP CPI was initially available in the Neo environment and later extended to Cloud Foundry. SAP Integration Suite is fully hosted on the SAP BTP Cloud Foundry environment, offering enhanced scalability and flexibility.

4.     Capabilities:
The Integration Suite supports advanced features like API rate limiting, event-driven architecture, and low-code integration tools that CPI alone does not provide.

5.     User Experience:
SAP Integration Suite provides a unified dashboard and streamlined interface that consolidates various integration services under one view, unlike CPI’s standalone interface.

4. The Evolution from SAP CPI to SAP Integration Suite

SAP CPI can be considered the foundation of the SAP Integration Suite. Over time, SAP enhanced CPI by integrating additional services that extended its capabilities, eventually rebranding it as part of the Integration Suite.

Today, the Integration Suite is a comprehensive integration platform that includes SAP CPI as one of its core services. Professionals who have completed SAP CPI Training Online often find it easier to transition to the broader Integration Suite, as many of the underlying principles, tools, and processes remain consistent.

5. Why Businesses are moving toward SAP Integration Suite

Organizations are rapidly adopting the Integration Suite because it aligns with modern integration needs. Some reasons include:

1.     Hybrid Integration Support:
The suite supports connecting on-premise ERP systems with cloud-based applications like SuccessFactors, Ariba, and Salesforce.

2.     API-Led Connectivity:
It enables businesses to design, manage, and monetize APIs to foster digital innovation and secure data exchange.

3.     Event-Driven Architecture:
Real-time event streaming ensures faster business responses to changes across systems.

4.     Low-Code/No-Code Development:
Citizen developers can now design integration workflows without deep coding expertise.

5.     Enhanced Monitoring and Security:
It provides centralized visibility, advanced analytics, and robust authentication mechanisms for secure integrations.

6. Choosing Between SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite

The decision between SAP CPI and the Integration Suite largely depends on an organization’s integration strategy:

·         If your company requires basic message-based integrations, SAP CPI might suffice.

·         If you aim for comprehensive enterprise connectivity involving APIs, events, and external systems, the SAP Integration Suite is the better option.

Before making a choice, it’s essential to analyze scalability requirements, system complexity, and cloud adoption strategy. For professionals aiming to build a career in SAP integration, enrolling in SAP CPI Online Training can provide a strong foundation to master both platforms effectively.

FAQ,s

1. What is SAP CPI?
SAP CPI connects SAP and non-SAP systems for smooth cloud and on-premise integration.

2. What is SAP Integration Suite?
It’s an advanced integration platform combining APIs, events, and automation tools.

3. How does SAP CPI differ from Integration Suite?
CPI focuses on iFlows, while Integration Suite adds API, event, and advisory services.

4. Why are businesses moving to SAP Integration Suite?
For hybrid, API-led, and event-driven integration with better scalability and security.

5. Is SAP CPI still relevant in 2025?
Yes, it remains the core of SAP Integration Suite, essential for enterprise integration.

Conclusion

SAP CPI and SAP Integration Suite share the same integration roots but serve different scopes of enterprise connectivity. While CPI remains a crucial component for integration flows, the Integration Suite represents SAP’s holistic vision of end-to-end digital integration. Learning both helps professionals stay relevant in the evolving SAP ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity across hybrid environments and future-ready enterprise solutions.

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