# SAP Application Layer Integration

> Source: https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/070_integrations/sap/odata
> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synthesized.io/llms.txt).

The platform can read and write SAP data through OData services at SAP’s application layer, instead of a JDBC connection to the database. This is SAP’s recommended integration route. It needs no database access, so it works with RISE with SAP and wherever direct database access isn’t allowed.

## When to use it

- You’re on RISE with SAP, or your policies don’t allow direct database access.
- You want SAP’s own authorizations to decide what the platform can read and write.
- The platform can reach SAP only over HTTPS.

If you run SAP HANA yourself and your DBA approves a dedicated database user, you can also connect to the database directly. See [SAP HANA Connection](https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/070_integrations/sap/sap_hana).

## Compared with SAP HANA

  
|  | Application layer (OData) | SAP HANA (JDBC) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 
Access

 | 

An SAP user, over HTTPS

 | 

A database user, over JDBC

 |
| 

Works with RISE with SAP

 | 

Yes

 | 

Only where database access is allowed

 |
| 

Permissions

 | 

SAP authorizations, set by your SAP Basis team

 | 

SQL grants on schemas and system views

 |

## Setting it up

Your SAP Basis team installs a small transport from Synthesized through your normal change process. Contact Synthesized for the transport, and for help with the setup.

You’ll also need:

- A dedicated SAP service user, authorized by your SAP Basis team.
- HTTPS access from the platform’s workers to the SAP Gateway.
- A license key: in free mode, SAP data sources are blocked.

Then add the connection in Governor. See [SAP OData Connection](https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/070_integrations/sap/sap_odata_detail).

## Related pages

- [SAP OData Connection](https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/070_integrations/sap/sap_odata_detail)
- [SAP TDM](https://docs.synthesized.io/tdk/latest/user_guide/070_integrations/sap/): scoping, time slicing and masking for SAP.