Conclusion
The
mainstream end of support for SAP Web Dispatcher 7.89, set for May 31, 2025,
will have significant implications for SAP applications. Continuing to operate on this version after the
support date may lead to increased security vulnerabilities, potential
operational disruptions, and compatibility issues with newer systems.
In principle, SAP Web Dispatcher is released for older
releases of SAP systems at the latest when the kernel release that the SAP Web
Dispatcher is based on is released for use as the downward-compatible kernel
for the SAP system
1. Increased Security Vulnerabilities
One of the most critical impacts of reaching the end of
mainstream support is the heightened risk of security vulnerabilities. As
legacy versions like SAP Web Dispatcher 7.89 will no longer receive security
updates, organizations may become increasingly exposed to potential threats and
exploits24. This lack of support could result in data breaches or other
security incidents.
2. Operational Disruptions
Users may experience operational disruptions if they remain
on an unsupported version. Software and system updates from SAP may not be
compatible with SAP Web Dispatcher 7.89, leading to functionality issues with
SAP applications that rely on the dispatcher for load balancing and request
management34.
3. Compatibility Challenges
Compatibility with newer SAP systems is another concern.
When the Web Dispatcher reaches the end of mainstream support, it may not work
effectively with newer versions of SAP applications, causing potential
conflicts that could hinder system performance4. Organizations may need to
undertake significant testing and adjustments to ensure compatibility when they
eventually upgrade.
4. Community Feedback and Insights
Community forum discussions reveal a mixed bag of
experiences surrounding the upgrade process. While some users have reported
successful transitions to newer versions, others have identified issues such as
missing configurations or files, which can complicate upgrades and impact
system performance . Engaging with community insights will be vital for
organizations planning their upgrade paths.
5. Proactive System Management
To mitigate the risks associated with the end of support,
proactive system management is essential. Organizations should begin to
evaluate their current use of SAP Web Dispatcher 7.89 and plan for upgrades
well before the support end date. This includes assessing the compatibility of
existing configurations, understanding the new version's features, and
exploring best practices shared in community discussions45.
By addressing these potential impacts, organizations can
better prepare for the transition to a supported SAP Web Dispatcher version and
maintain the integrity and security of their SAP applications.