What is SAP NetWeaver and what is it for?

The SAP NetWeaver system and all its applications are managed and monitored through a business's SAP NetWeaver administrator. This platform can be used for both ERP systems and S/4HANA.

In this article we will delve deeper into Netweaver so that you know everything about it.

How is the SAP Netweaver administrator used in business?

We must say that all administration functions in SAP NetWeaver are grouped into work centers.

From there it is possible to access and select the workstations individually; this allows you to control the functions and their movement. Alternatively, you can also use quick links.

Other applications of SAP NetWeaver include: SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence, SAP NetWeaver Business Process Management, SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (PI), SAP NetWeaver Composition Environment (CE), SAP NetWeaver Portal.

Key features of SAP NetWeaver

SAP NetWeaver uses cloud service technologies and can connect with such services (mostly incompatible) that exist in the market. This is possible thanks to being an open cloud-based platform and its service-oriented architecture (also known as SOA).

SAP NetWeaver can be used to develop both SAP applications and third-party systems and applications, therefore offering high flexibility of use and high technology.

Thanks to SOA, developers have the possibility to integrate information and processes from any type of location and distribution with different technologies.

What is the SAP NetWeaver application server?

The basis of all applications in SAP NetWeaver is the NetWeaver application server, which is divided into ABAP and Java EE applications.

These two parts are called stacks, which can be installed individually or together. It all depends on the solution required.

When installing both stacks (also called a dual stack), the Java stack uses the user management of the ABAP stack.

In addition, Java Connector establishes automated communication connections between the two stacks. This is how the application server works.

How are SAP NetWeaver processes integrated?

SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (SAP PI) is an implementation of SOA that SAP offers as a software package. This allows for data exchange between SAP systems and those that are not SAP.

Process Integration not only connects applications from different companies: SAP PI also allows for what is called a message queue.

What is a message queue?

They are communication protocols that use a queue for the message and include functions and instructions on how to proceed with it.

SAP PI uses ABAP and Java stacks and several adapters to send and receive messages. Before communication, the adapters convert the messages to the format of the destination system, that is, they translate them.

Main strengths of SAP NetWeaver

NetWeaver combines the most important components that are relevant for business applications. These include ERP process integration, business intelligence, a portal and several application servers to ensure future interoperability..

Developers know that a great strength is the openness of the platform, which, thanks to its service-oriented architecture, allows for an efficient connection of SAP and any third-party system.

In SAP terminology, this is known as Enterprise Service-Oriented Architecture (ESOA).

Other strengths of NetWeaver:

Establishes a common data model for business intelligence:

This means that it can allow users to define, change and control decision-making logic. To do this, it applies semantically rich data models so that it can enable conceptual thinking.

Effectively capture business decisions.

It is possible to expand SQL and reduce complexity by integrating new users. This happens through social platforms, collaboration platforms, or by using mobile devices and web applications.

Improve the programming model.

Allows integrating processes across application and organizational boundaries with a broad set of code insertion capabilities.

Conclusion

With SAP NetWeaver it is possible to collect information, applications, and services into a uniform interface that enables optimal collaboration. It not only integrates SAP, but also solvess of lthe construction of your company's system.

Communication between different systems is also handled by SAP NetWeaver: the platform's mission will be to translate messages into the format of the destination solution, allowing different systems to communicate with each other.

In addition, SAP NetWeaver forms a development environment for SAP applications.