SAP IQ Reviews

Users found the ROI from SAP IQ to be excellent with very high returns. The cost of implementing and maintaining SAP IQ is low. Hardware savings reached tens of thousands of dollars. There was an investment worthiness, though exact calculations were not always disclosed. ROI stood at about 60%, but some users lacked necessary authorization to provide further details on returns from SAP IQ.

SAP IQ pricing is competitive and often lower than other RDBMS products, offering multiple licensing models to fit various organizational needs. Understanding requirements for performance, backup, and virtual environments is crucial before selecting licenses. While flexible licensing options are available, simplification is suggested. Recent adjustments have improved pricing, especially for partitioning. Standard licensing includes some modular enhancements, with major costs typically tied to add-ons like partitioning and multiplexing. Implementation costs are approximately $3,000.

• "The cost of implementation is about $3,000."
• "It's not that costly. So, the pricing is cheap."
• "The only costs after standard licensing fees are for add-ons and upgrades."

SAP IQ is mainly used for data warehousing, business intelligence, and as secondary storage for SAP systems. Users employ it for reporting, database security, and testing networking tools, leveraging its columnar database capabilities. It's integral to Software-as-a-Service architectures, underpinning SAP BusinessObjects platforms. Users also implement new databases and data migration in both production and development settings. Military and joint ventures also rely on it for quick processing of large data volumes.

Customer service for SAP IQ is generally rated as satisfactory, with users highlighting constant support across global time zones. Technical support experiences vary, with many reporting insufficient expertise and delayed responses. Several note a shortage of knowledgeable experts, citing instances of underwhelming assistance and prolonged escalation processes. Certain users express challenges in reaching out directly, relying on intermediaries instead. Support needs significant improvements, as feedback suggests a lack of comprehensive understanding of advanced issues among support staff.

SAP IQ's initial setup is often described as straightforward, especially in recent versions, with ease for junior DBAs if familiar with architecture. Simplex setup is simpler than Multiplex, which starts complex but becomes manageable. Complexities arise with differences from other Sybase products and confusing documentation. Storage configuration presents challenges due to SAP IQ’s specific parameters, often causing bottlenecks. Documentation scarcity and extended installation time are noted, though implementation and operation remain manageable.

SAP IQ demonstrates notable scalability. Users note it handles expansion via CPUs or nodes effectively without data reorganization. Deployments have managed tens of TBs, easily accommodating multiple applications and users. Multiplex architecture is highlighted as a beneficial approach. Some users mention device limitations and bugs, but implementing MPX is straightforward. Organizations appreciate its ability to scale vertically and horizontally, working well across PCs and servers. Users value its flexibility in expanding storage capacities seamlessly.

SAP IQ is described as extremely stable by most users, with some noting stability improvements in newer versions. Instances of crashes were mentioned, often linked to earlier software versions or external factors like disk space. Users reported rare crashes in recent versions. Stability during performance under high loads is noted, although some users found it less stable compared to HANA. Many users effectively manage large data volumes and transactions, praising its stability over years of usage.