How does SAP HANA work compared to traditional databases?

To comprehend the transformative impact of SAP HANA, it is essential to examine traditional database systems. In traditional systems, data is typically stored on hard drives. When a query or analysis is performed, the data must be loaded from the hard drive into memory, which can lead to significant delays, especially with large amounts of data. SAP HANA, on the other hand, stores all operational and analytical data directly in main memory. This eliminates the need to read data from the hard drive, resulting in dramatic speed improvements. However, this is just the beginning:

• Column-based storage: Column-based storage is a storage structure that differs from traditional row-based databases. In contrast to traditional row-based databases, SAP HANA employs a column-based storage structure. This results in more efficient data compression and faster analytical queries.
• Parallel processing: SAP HANA employs parallel processing to fully utilise the multi-core technology of modern processors, executing queries and calculations in parallel.
• Real-time data processing: By eliminating delays in data transfer from the hard drive to the memory, real-time data processing is enabled.
• Unified database: SAP HANA unifies OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) in a single database, eliminating the need for separate systems for operational and analytical purposes.