SAP has launched a suite of products, Web services middleware and a
cross-platform user interface under the MySAP Technology umbrella
as it fleshes out its strategy for business process
integration
Along with a host of product announcements at the Sapphire annual
conference in Orlando, SAP unveiled new technology called Web
Dynpro, designed to bridge the gap between its ABAP (Advanced
Business Application Programming) environment, J2EE (Java 2
Enterprise Edition) and Microsoft .net.
Hasso Plattner, co-chairman and chief executive officer of SAP,
described the Web Dynpro as a "technology cornerstone and Web
services foundation" for the company.
Web Dynpro
The Web Dynpro technology is designed to
create professional and easy-to-use interfaces for SAP
applications. It comprises two parts: a design time and a run-time
environment. The company positions the design-time environment as a
tool to help developers model and create user interfaces that can
run on any supported platform or via a Web browser. SAP claims the
Web Dynpro technology will bridge the gap between J2EE (Java 2
Enterprise Edition), ABAP (Advanced Business Application
Programming), and Microsoft .net.
Cross applications
SAP also announced the first
shipment of its Web Application Server, which will include the Web
Dynpro module for J2EE and ABAP. The server runs web services using
a new technology from SAP called cross applications (xApps).
The xApps technology provides a component-based, collaborative
environment designed to connect both SAP and non-SAP applications
Plattner said, "With the xApps, we want to start a new generation
of applications sitting on top of other applications." The aim is
to build on business processes and information within existing IT
systems rather than creating a new application from scratch to
serve a new business function.
SAP Exchange
During Sapphire, Plattner also presented
the company's new exchange technology, which he said should be the
underpinning for business process integration. The SAP Exchange
Infrastructure, based on the newest release of the SAP Web
application Server, uses XML messaging for process integration to
connect any component from any vendor or any technology.
A primary capability of the SAP Exchange Infrastructure is a
repository of information required to create and modify
collaboration across a heterogonous application and system
portfolio.
Business One
Business One is another product announced
at Sapphire. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses with up
to 250 users, Business One is designed to provide accounting,
logistics, sales force automation, and business reporting
functions.
Plattner said that by integrating information from SAP Business One
with mySAP.com, businesses can achieve greater control and
information flow with subsidiaries.
"This is software that can be installed in remote locations. It
rolls up all the information to the net higher regional or
headquarters," Plattner added.