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 \u201ctraditional\u201d Java enterprise developers. In this article, we\u2019ll show \u2013 from the perspective of Hans Schneider, interviewed by Nicolas Matzies \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n
Nicolas:<\/em> 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\u2019s often debate about whether this learning journey led you to the \u201cdark\u201d or the \u201clight\u201d side of the force. What\u2019s your take on that? <\/p>\n\n Hans *laughs*:<\/em> I\u2019d 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 \u201cout-of-the-box\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n In the end, it\u2019s 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 \u2013 with defined features, but also with a warranty. And both have their appeal \u2013 depending on which mission you\u2019re currently on. <\/p>\n\n Nicolas:<\/em> Okay, let\u2019s just go with that \ud83d\ude42 Let\u2019s start from the beginning: What was it like \u201ca long time ago in a galaxy far, far away\u201d?<\/p>\n\n Hans: <\/em>The start of my professional career initially had little to do with SAP. After studying \u201cApplied Computer Science\u201d 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). <\/p>\n\n Nicolas: Cool, I\u2019d say that\u2019s 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? <\/p>\n\n Hans:<\/em> 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\u2019s no getting around SAP \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n With the foundation I just described \u2013 architectural thinking, clean coding practices, and solid backend and web expertise \u2013 I had the key to quickly get started in software development around SAP BTP.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2014very 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. <\/p>\n\n Nicolas: <\/em>That really sounds like a good fit \u2013 it\u2019s great that you\u2019re 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? <\/p>\n\n Hans: <\/em>By touch \ud83d\ude09 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 \u2013 including clear goals and corresponding certifications. <\/p>\n\n We started with a BTP fundamentals journey such as \u201cDiscovering SAP Business Technology Platform.\u201d Among other things, the focus here is on: <\/p>\n\n At the end, participants receive a Record of Achievement \u2013 but above all, a clear understanding of how and for what purposes BTP can be used.<\/p>\n\n The next step was the learning journey \u201cDevelop Full-Stack Applications Using Productivity Tools in SAP Business Application Studio.\u201d It is designed for experienced developers and answers questions such as: <\/p>\n\n For traditional full-stack developers, this journey serves as the bridge from \u201cstandard\u201d cloud apps to BTP-specific development.<\/p>\n\n The actual CAP focus lies in the learning journey \u201cBuilding Side-by-Side Extensions on SAP BTP.\u201d Topics include: <\/p>\n\n This journey directly contributes to the \u201cSAP Certified Development Associate \u2013 SAP BTP Extensions with SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (C_CPE_16)\u201d certification.<\/p>\n\n Nearly every BTP solution communicates with other systems. That is why the \u201cDeveloping with SAP Integration Suite\u201d learning journey was a key component: <\/p>\n\n The goal here is the \u201cSAP Certified Development Associate \u2013 SAP Integration Suite (C_CPI_14)\u201d certification.<\/p>\n\n In this context, certifications are not trophies, but milestones: they document expertise, build trust with customers, and provide a clear structure for one\u2019s own learning path. For me, they are complemented by the certification as \u201cSAP Certified Professional \u2013 Solution Architect \u2013 SAP BTP (P_BTPA_2408)\u201d and the previously mentioned iSAQB certifications \u2013 a combination that covers both technical depth and architectural breadth in the BTP environment. <\/p>\n\n Nicolas:<\/em> Okay, that really sounds like a comprehensive overview of the platform. It\u2019s great to see that SAP provides so much free training that anyone can do on their own. \u201cNo more excuses,\u201d I\u2019d say. Did that make you feel ready for real-world client projects? <\/p>\n\n Hans:<\/em> Learning paths remain theory if they aren\u2019t 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: <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n The focus here was on supporting maintenance processes. Based on SAP BTP, tools for work planning in SAP EAM were developed \u2013 as a customized, tailored extension of the standard. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Such projects are the point where learning journeys, certifications, and architectural expertise converge. They enable the transition from \u201cBTP\/CAP developer\u201d to Solution Architect, who thinks end-to-end \u2013 from business requirements through architecture and implementation to operations and governance. <\/a><\/p>\n\n Nicolas:<\/em> So you\u2019ve clearly overcome any initial reservations \u2013 there are some exciting applications here! Finally, what advice would you give to developers whom you\u2019ve now absolutely inspired and who also want to get a taste of \u201cSAP\u201d? <\/p>\n\n Hans:<\/em> A few concrete recommendations can be drawn from my story \u2013 especially for colleagues in Business Consulting with a technical background or an architecture focus:<\/p>\n\n 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\u2019t a fresh start, but rather a specialization. <\/p>\n\n 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) \u2013 each with clear certification goals.<\/p>\n\n 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 \u2013 for example, as a BTP developer, integration specialist, or solution architect. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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 \u2013 from technical consultant to BTP solution architect. <\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n 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\u2019 digital transformation together with them.<\/p>\n\n Hans\u2019 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\u2014without having to start from scratch. <\/p>\n\n You can learn more about the features and benefits of SAP BTP here<\/a> in another blog post. It\u2019s also worth taking a look at an article here<\/a> on how BTP delivers concrete added value at every stage of an ERP transformation. <\/p>\n\n 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 \u2013 we look forward to hearing from you. <\/p>\n\n Nicolas: <\/em>Hans, thank you very much for your detailed account of your experience! I\u2019m already looking forward to our next projects together. <\/p>\n\n Hans:<\/em> You\u2019re very welcome.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Any software developer working in the enterprise sector today will find it hard to avoid the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). In this article, we\u2019ll show you what the transition from the Java\/web stack to SAP BTP and CAP looks like in practice, which SAP Learning Journeys and certifications can help you along the way, and why this path is particularly exciting for business consultants and architects. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":247877,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[300],"tags":[423,782,509,781],"class_list":["post-247875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-industries","tag-java","tag-learning-journey","tag-sap-btp","tag-sap-cap","blogauthor-hans-schneider","blogauthor-nicolas-matzies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nLearning Journeys & Certifications as a Guiding Thread Instead of Chance<\/h2>\n\n
1. Understanding BTP \u2013 laying the foundation<\/h3>\n\n
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2. Development on BTP \u2013 from idea to cloud app<\/h3>\n\n
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3. CAP as the Core for Side-by-Side Extensions<\/h3>\n\n
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4. Integration as a Key Competency<\/h3>\n\n
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Project Experience: CAP & BTP in Real-World Use at the Customer Site<\/h2>\n\n
Payment Dashboard App<\/h4>\n\n
Batch Management Engine<\/h4>\n\n
SAP EAM Maintenance Solutions on the BTP<\/h4>\n\n
AI-supported PoC for preventing duplicate payments<\/h4>\n\n
BTP Center of Excellence & CAP Guidelines<\/h4>\n\n
What other developers can take away from this<\/h2>\n\n
1. Build on existing strengths<\/h4>\n\n
2. Work strategically with Learning Journeys<\/h4>\n\n
3. View certifications as visible milestones<\/h4>\n\n
4. Seek project experience early<\/h4>\n\n
5. Combine architecture and consulting expertise<\/h4>\n\n
Conclusion and outlook<\/h2>\n\n
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