SAP HANA is an in-memory data platform that can be deployed whether in the cloud or on premise, to give you a clearer view of HANA it’s a combination of software and hardware that’s capable of processing a huge amount of data in real time. In-memory means that all of the data from the source system is stored in the RAM which is different from conventional Database systems where the data is stored on a hard disk, hence the speed of SAP HANA. SAP HANA is written in C++ and can run on only one operating system Suse Linux Enterprise Server.

Learning SAP HANA is crucial for those working in Fortune 500 companies or willing to work there as that will be an asset in your resume’. You might work as an administrator on SAP HANA or a developer so there is a wide variety of disciplines that would require SAP HANA knowledge, but before starting it’s worth noting that having a basic understanding of SQL is essential to understanding SAP HANA.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn SAP HANA, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn SAP HANA) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with SAP HANA Online from Scratch

Tutorials Point

Tutorials Point is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning SAP HANA through a text-based tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 7 main sections (plus an additional resources section) and each section is divided into lessons that cover the various aspects of that section.

Interface: The interface is very intuitive, just select the lesson that covers the topic you’re interested in from the side menu and you’ll be directed to the page where the lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover developing for SAP HANA, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners and admins.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use SAP HANA through text-based tutorials.

Guru 99

Guru 99 is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning SAP HANA through a text tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 29 lessons, each lesson covers a certain aspect of SAP HANA, the training even has a section for interview questions which is of course, helpful for many learning SAP HANA in order to get a job.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for complete beginners.

Cons

1. As with the above outlet, the training doesn’t cover developing for SAP HANA, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use SAP HANA through a text tutorial.

Teach Me HANA

Teach Me HANA is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning SAP HANA through a text-based tutorial, as with the above two outlets, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 21 lessons, each lesson covers a certain aspect of SAP HANA.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized for complete beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover as many topics as the first outlet, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a very good free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use SAP HANA through a text based tutorial.

SAP HANA Academy YouTube Channel

SAP HANA Academy YouTube Channel is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning SAP HANA through video tutorials.

Structure: The channel is divided into playlists that cover every aspect of SAP HANA, the playlist for administrators linked above is divided into 12 video lessons, and each of the lessons covers one of the tools required to administer SAP HANA.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for complete beginners.
3. The training covers every aspect of SAP HANA.

Cons

1. It’s hard to note anything here

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use SAP HANA through video tutorials.

Zero to Pro Training

Zero to Pro Training  is the fifth free online outlet where beginners can start learning SAP HANA through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The outlet has three sections covering SAP HANA, each section is divided into video lessons that cover various topics in SAP HANA.

Interface: The interface is simple, just click on the section you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the video lesson resides, click on the video lesson and you’ll be directed to a new page and the video will start right away.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-structured for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use SAP HANA through video tutorials.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning to use SAP HANA:

1. SAP HANA Academy YouTube Channel is the best outlet for beginners to start learning to use SAP HANA through video tutorials.
2. Tutorials Point is the best outlet for beginners to start learning to use SAP HANA through text tutorials.
3. If you familiar and prefer MOOCs then take a look at this course on Open SAP, you’ll need to register to have access to the training.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning to use SAP HANA.