How a Structured Learning Journey Turns “Traditional” Developers into In-Demand SAP BTP Experts
Anyone working as a software developer in the enterprise environment today can hardly avoid the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). With the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP), BTP offers a development model that feels surprisingly familiar to many “traditional” Java enterprise developers. In this article, we’ll show – from the perspective of Hans Schneider, interviewed by Nicolas Matzies – what the path from the Java/web stack to SAP BTP and CAP might look like in practice, which SAP learning journeys and certifications can help, and why this path is particularly exciting for business consultants and architects.
From the Traditional Enterprise Stack to SAP BTP with CAP
Nicolas: Hey Hans, thanks for taking the time to tell us about your journey from Java architect to CAP architect. To get one thing out of the way right off the bat: When I share this story, there’s often debate about whether this learning journey led you to the “dark” or the “light” side of the force. What’s your take on that?
Hans *laughs*: I’d say every technology stack has its pros and cons: In the classic Enterprise Java environment, you have tremendous freedom, maturity, and stability, but often also more complexity and maintenance overhead. On the BTP with CAP, you benefit from clear standards, a lot of “out-of-the-box” functionality, and strong integration into the SAP world, but in return you have to make compromises in some areas and conform more closely to a predefined model.
In the end, it’s less of a switch to the good or dark side and more of a role change: from forging a lightsaber in your own basement to a mass-produced lightsaber – with defined features, but also with a warranty. And both have their appeal – depending on which mission you’re currently on.
Nicolas: Okay, let’s just go with that 🙂 Let’s start from the beginning: What was it like “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”?
Hans: The start of my professional career initially had little to do with SAP. After studying “Applied Computer Science” at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences (Dipl. Informatiker (FH)), I began developing client/server applications and web-based database applications in 2007. My focus was on Java (SE/EE), Spring, Jakarta Enterprise Beans, web development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like Angular, as well as persistence with JPA/Hibernate on relational databases such as Oracle, MariaDB, MySQL, or SQL Server. At the same time, I systematically expanded my architectural expertise through iSAQB CPSA-F and CPSA-A certifications and worked intensively with clean code, code reviews, test automation, and agile development (Scrum).
Nicolas: Cool, I’d say that’s a pretty well-rounded architect profile! And then you felt ready for even more of a challenge and wanted to get to know the SAP world?
Hans: With the increasing cloud orientation of customer projects, it became clear: If you want to remain relevant in the enterprise environment in the long term, there’s no getting around SAP – and BTP in particular. The platform offers core services for extensions, integration, security, AI , and workflow, and supports established technologies such as Node.js, Java, modern frontend frameworks, and DevOps approaches.
With the foundation I just described – architectural thinking, clean coding practices, and solid backend and web expertise – I had the key to quickly get started in software development around SAP BTP.
For me, CAP was the natural starting point: domain modeling via Core Data Services (CDS), service-oriented architecture (OData/REST), business logic in Node.js or Java, and a clear structure with testable layers—very close to what I knew from the classic enterprise world. The transition was therefore not a break, but a logical extension of existing skills into the SAP ecosystem.
Nicolas: That really sounds like a good fit – it’s great that you’re now developing resilient enterprise applications in the SAP ecosystem! Still, for many developers, the first steps on a new platform are often the hardest. How did you overcome those initial reservations?
Learning Journeys & Certifications as a Guiding Thread Instead of Chance
Hans: By touch 😉 SAP Learning Journeys were the key to success on my journey into the SAP BTP world. Instead of working your way through documentation and blog posts haphazardly, these learning paths provide structure – including clear goals and corresponding certifications.
1. Understanding BTP – laying the foundation
We started with a BTP fundamentals journey such as “Discovering SAP Business Technology Platform.” Among other things, the focus here is on:
- the big picture of SAP BTP and the Intelligent Enterprise strategy,
- integration and extension options,
- cross-cutting topics such as analytics, data management, security, and sustainability.
At the end, participants receive a Record of Achievement – but above all, a clear understanding of how and for what purposes BTP can be used.
2. Development on BTP – from idea to cloud app
The next step was the learning journey “Develop Full-Stack Applications Using Productivity Tools in SAP Business Application Studio.” It is designed for experienced developers and answers questions such as:
- How do I build and deploy cloud applications in SAP Business Application Studio?
- How do I use productivity tools and templates efficiently?
- How do I integrate CAP and other BTP services into a full-stack application?
- What does a consistent CI/CD approach for BTP deployments look like?
For traditional full-stack developers, this journey serves as the bridge from “standard” cloud apps to BTP-specific development.
3. CAP as the Core for Side-by-Side Extensions
The actual CAP focus lies in the learning journey “Building Side-by-Side Extensions on SAP BTP.” Topics include:
- Building side-by-side extensions with CAP (Node.js),
- Modeling entities and services using CDS,
- Exposing services as OData,
- Event handlers, business logic, and UI integration (e.g., with SAP Fiori elements),
- various deployment scenarios and CI/CD.
This journey directly contributes to the “SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP BTP Extensions with SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (C_CPE_16)” certification.
4. Integration as a Key Competency
Nearly every BTP solution communicates with other systems. That is why the “Developing with SAP Integration Suite” learning journey was a key component:
- Design and implementation of integration scenarios,
- APIs, integration flows, and process modeling,
- governance and operational aspects.
The goal here is the “SAP Certified Development Associate – SAP Integration Suite (C_CPI_14)” certification.
In this context, certifications are not trophies, but milestones: they document expertise, build trust with customers, and provide a clear structure for one’s own learning path. For me, they are complemented by the certification as “SAP Certified Professional – Solution Architect – SAP BTP (P_BTPA_2408)” and the previously mentioned iSAQB certifications – a combination that covers both technical depth and architectural breadth in the BTP environment.
Nicolas: Okay, that really sounds like a comprehensive overview of the platform. It’s great to see that SAP provides so much free training that anyone can do on their own. “No more excuses,” I’d say. Did that make you feel ready for real-world client projects?
Project Experience: CAP & BTP in Real-World Use at the Customer Site
Hans: Learning paths remain theory if they aren’t put into practice. So, as you say, the decisive factor was, of course, applying them in real customer projects. Here are a few notable examples:
Payment Dashboard App
The goal was a BTP-based solution to prevent duplicate payments across systems and company codes. We used SAP BTP, SAP CAP, CDS, Node.js, JavaScript, and SAP Fiori. Tasks included developing a side-by-side extension with CAP and integrating various peripheral systems for invoice and PDF data.
Batch Management Engine
This project created a centralized solution to standardize the complex and error-prone assignment of batch numbers across multiple ERP systems. Technologies: SAP CAP, CDS, SAP Integration Suite, Node.js, TypeScript, Jest. The focus was on architectural design, development of the CAP app, and the creation of an HTTP API via the Integration Suite.
SAP EAM Maintenance Solutions on the BTP
The focus here was on supporting maintenance processes. Based on SAP BTP, tools for work planning in SAP EAM were developed – as a customized, tailored extension of the standard.
AI-supported PoC for preventing duplicate payments
In a proof-of-concept, a Business Technology Platform solution was developed to extend the SAP standard in the area of duplicate payment prevention. Technologies: SAP BTP, SAP CAP, Node.js, SAP AI Hub, SAP Document Extraction Service. A key focus was on integrating AI services into the CAP application and extending the architecture for intelligent scenarios.
BTP Center of Excellence & CAP Guidelines
In addition to the delivery perspective, establishing a BTP Center of Excellence with a Target Operating Model for the BTP organization was a key component: processes, roles, skills, and best practices were defined. This was complemented by development guidelines for CAP applications to establish standards and reusability within the company.
Such projects are the point where learning journeys, certifications, and architectural expertise converge. They enable the transition from “BTP/CAP developer” to Solution Architect, who thinks end-to-end – from business requirements through architecture and implementation to operations and governance.
What other developers can take away from this
Nicolas: So you’ve clearly overcome any initial reservations – there are some exciting applications here! Finally, what advice would you give to developers whom you’ve now absolutely inspired and who also want to get a taste of “SAP”?
Hans: A few concrete recommendations can be drawn from my story – especially for colleagues in Business Consulting with a technical background or an architecture focus:
1. Build on existing strengths
Anyone who already has experience with Java, Node.js, web development, databases, and architecture has the perfect foundation. Getting started with SAP BTP and CAP isn’t a fresh start, but rather a specialization.
2. Work strategically with Learning Journeys
SAP Learning Journeys are an effective way to work your way through the material in a structured manner, from foundational knowledge (understanding BTP) through development (Business Application Studio, CAP) to integration (Integration Suite) – each with clear certification goals.
3. View certifications as visible milestones
Certifications such as C_CPE_16, C_CPI_14, and, in the future, P_BTPA_xxxx make competencies visible both internally and externally. They help sharpen professional profiles – for example, as a BTP developer, integration specialist, or solution architect.
4. Seek project experience early
Theory only truly comes together through real customer requirements, integration scenarios, and production operations. Those who have the opportunity to collaborate on BTP and CAP projects early on accelerate their learning curve significantly.
5. Combine architecture and consulting expertise
Especially in business consulting, the intersection of business and IT understanding is crucial. The combination of BTP/CAP know-how, integration knowledge, and architectural expertise opens up new roles – from technical consultant to BTP solution architect.
Conclusion and outlook
This story shows that the path from a traditional enterprise developer to an SAP BTP/CAP solution architect does not require a radical fresh start, but rather a well-planned learning path that leverages existing skills and systematically transfers them into the SAP world.
- Learning journeys provide structure and guidance.
- Certifications make progress and expertise visible.
- Project experience ensures that theory translates into measurable customer value.
For us in Business Consulting, this means: SAP BTP and CAP are not just a technical topic, but a strategic lever for shaping the next stage of our customers’ digital transformation together with them.
Hans’ career path exemplifies how adesso specifically supports its employees: Participation in the SAP Learning Journeys and the associated certifications was actively supported and made possible in the first place. adesso consciously invests in the continuing education of experienced developers because it is precisely this combination of a deep technical foundation and SAP BTP/CAP expertise that makes the difference in client projects. This opens up exciting opportunities for existing developers: Those who already have solid enterprise experience can focus on new, highly sought-after SAP topics through targeted training—without having to start from scratch.
You can learn more about the features and benefits of SAP BTP here in another blog post. It’s also worth taking a look at an article here on how BTP delivers concrete added value at every stage of an ERP transformation.
We provide comprehensive support to companies as they transition to BTP, both technically and organizationally. Would you like to learn more about how adesso can support you with your SAP BTP and CAP projects? Then please feel free to contact us – we look forward to hearing from you.
Nicolas: Hans, thank you very much for your detailed account of your experience! I’m already looking forward to our next projects together.
Hans: You’re very welcome.
