A system copy is a duplicate of an SAP system. You re-install all instances of the SAP system, but create the target database as a copy of the source database (database copy). Some settings in the target system may be different from those in the source system.
The following conditions must be met to create a homogeneous system copy:
Target and source systems use SAP MaxDB as their database.
The databases on the target and source computers have the same version in the first three places of the version number (7.<minor>.<servicepack>). As of SAP MaxDB 7.6, the service pack level of the database on the target computer can be higher than the service pack level of the database on the source computer.
Build level of the database on the target computer ≥ build level of the database on the source computer (7.<minor>.<servicepack>.<build>)
The computer on which the database of the target system is run uses the same byte order as the computer on which the source system is run (compatible process architecture).
Example
Database computer of the source system: Little Endian —> Database computer of the target system: Little Endian
Database computer of the source system: Little Endian —> Database computer of the target system: Big Endian
To create a homogeneous system copy you need, among other things, a database copy.
More information:
Concepts of the Database System, Database Copy
SAP Note 129352 (Homogeneous System Copy with MaxDB)
The target system can use a different database system than the source system.
Example
Database of the source system: Oracle —> Database of the target system: SAP MaxDB
The computer on which the database of the target system is run uses a different byte order than the computer on which the source system is run.
Example
Database computer of the source system: Little Endian —> Database computer of the target system: Big Endian
Database computer of the source system: Little Endian —> Database computer of the target system: Little Endian
SAP Note 1014782 (FAQ: MaxDB System Copy)