SAP System Multi Tier Client/server Solutions

In general, client/server is a style of computing that distributes the workload of a computer application across several cooperating computer programs. This type of computing separates user-oriented,application, and data management tasks. Client/server is mainly a software concept that includes a set of service providers and service requesters. In client/server computing, individual software components act as service providers, service requesters, or both. These software services communicate witheach other via predefined interfaces.

Major advantages of the client/server approach are as follows:

·         Flexible configuration. With the deployment of standard communication interfaces, there are many possibilities for distributing and planning a client/server installation: from a centralized configuration to a highly distributed system.

·         Workload distribution. Since application servers work in parallel and communicate with the database, user can be evenly distributed based on their jobs tasks. Also, there is the possibility of deploying dedicated application servers to specific business areas.

·         High scalability. Client/server permits users to adapt the capacity of their hardware according to the performance needs of their businesses, such as adding additional application servers when there is an increase in number of users, when additional modules start production, and when the database becomes larger. This enables companies to protect software and hardware investments.

One of the widely used client/server configuratins with the R/3 system is the three-tiered architecture (see the picture below), which separates a system’s computers into three function groups: presentation, application, and database. Since client/server is a software concept, it must be clear that an service requester of the database services.

SAP R3 three tiered client-server architecture

With the three-tiered architecture, each group is set up to support the demands of its functions. The central server contains the database, widely known as the database server. Application servers include the processing logic of the system, including services such as spooling, dispatching user requests, and formatting data. The tasks related to presentation of the data are handled by the presentation servers, which typically are personal computers or workstations, enabling easy access to the system.

Communication among the three tiers or server types is accomplished with the use of standard protocol services, such as the ones provided by TCP/IP or CPIC.

CPIC stands for Common Programming Interface Communication and includes standard functions and services for program-to-program communication with the ABAP programming language.

The section entitled “R/3 Basis Software” in the next post i will shows in greater detail the services, processes, and components of the client/server architecture of SAP R/3.

• What is SAP R/3
• SAP AG: The Company Behind R3
• SAP Service Overview
• SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)
• SAP Partners

Definition of SAP System

From previous sections, it became clear what the use of this software system is and who decides to implement it : SAP R/3 controls business processes and manages esential company information. Enterprises needing those services implement this standard software.

To manage the complex business needs of companies, the R3 product family offers leading technology solution:

·         Multitier client/server architecture.

·         Based on middleware for supporting open systems technology.

·         Business Framework architecture, open to total integration with other components and applications, including the internet world. This is achived by the use of standard Business Application program interfaces (BAPIs).

·         Homogeneous user interface among applications.

·         Comprehensive development environment.

·         Total application integration.

·         Solution Sets for configuring the system.

·         Wide range of services including hotline support, training, consulting, quality checks, and so on.

·         Complete support for solving all the problems arising from the millenium change (Y2K) and the appearance of the new European currency, the euro.

SAP System Component

The picture above shows the R3 components from a functional point of view. The overall SAP R3 system is represented by everything included inside the ellipse.

The lower layer is made of the operating system, physical database (whose software is included in the SAP kit), and the network. The middleware layer, which is above it, interfaces with the lower one and integrates the SAP R/3 applications on top of it. This middle layer is known as the basis system, as the basis system, and includes components such as the ABAP development workbench, the system administration tools, batch job handling, authorization and security management, and all cross-application modules.

ABAP/4 is a fourth-generation programing language that was used to develop all R/3 application modules. When releases 4.0 and 4.5 were introduced, and SAP’s strategy began to focus on object orientation, it was decided to rename the programming language to simply ABAP, abandoning the 4 in reference to fourth generation.

Middleware are the layered software components that facilitate the development of client/server applications that can be deployed in heterogeneous vendor platforms. The basis system, also known as the kernel, is the SAP R/3 middleware.

The upper layer, the functional layer, contains the different business applications: financial, human resources, sales and distribution, materials management, and so on. The integration of all applications relies on the basis system.

SAP defines client/server also from a business solution point of view: a technology concept that leverages computing power to link core business processes with software, trying together various functions, such as financials, human resources, sales and distribution, logistics, and manufacturing.

Related Post:

• What is SAP R/3
• SAP AG: The Company Behind R3
• SAP Service Overview
• SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)
• SAP Partners

SAP Partners

SAP standard software and consulting services are complemented by a comprehensive parnership program to help customers fulfill their needs and to help SAP cope with the strong demand for supporting the R3 system, implementations, additional industry solution developments, new add-on products, training, business process reengineering consulting, outsourcing, and so on.

In 1997 SAP introduced the TeamSAP concept, a significant step in the SAP partner policy and strategy of aiming for efficiency when implementing R3, with the objective of providing end-to-end service to customers during the full system life cycle. TeamSAP is defined as a symbol of distinction of the best SAP and partner resources, and includes three main areas:persons, processes, and products.

SAP has the following types of TeamSAP partners:

·         Consulting Partners. The world’s biggest consulting and multinatioanl system integration organizations provide solid experience in technology, industry solutions, and SAP implementations. Because of their worldwide presence, SAP calls them global logo partners. On the national scale, there are many smaller and highly professional consulting firms specializing in SAP projects, customizing, and certain industry areas. These are known as national logo partners.

·         Technology Partners. These are leading hardware and software vendors of databases, networking, hardware, operating systems, and add-on products that are tightly integrated in SAP systems.

·         Value-added resellers. System vendors which provide support to small and medium sized companies to implement SAP solutions.

·         Complementary Software Partners. These include software companies that develop add-on products and solutions certified to work with SAP products.

·         Outsourcing partners. These are oganizations that have the resources and knowledge to run and outsource customers R3 installations.

 R3 Complementary Software Certification.

A strategic move by SAP to maintain and further advance its leadership in the client/server market with R3 is the integration of third-party software that adds value to SAP’s solutions.

SAP has estabilished a certification program for the interfacing between SAP applicatons and third-party software to guarantee ready-to-use solutions for mutual customers. All third-party software must be certified by SAP through this program, which has already certified add-on solutions in the areas of plant data collection devices, process control systems, and geographical information systems. To date, there are already more than 100 partners with certified solutions.

Related Post:

• What is SAP R/3
• SAP AG: The Company Behind R3
• SAP Service Overview
• SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)
• Definition of SAP System