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Mastering SAP R3 Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)’s core architecture, SAP R/3, has completely changed how businesses run their internal operations. In this comprehensive course, we will examine the components, layers, and benefits of SAP R/3 architecture to fully comprehend how its modular structure and multi-tier architecture enable smooth integration across functional domains..This article goes into SAP architecture’s complexities, providing a full description of its components, concepts, and functionality.

Table of Contents

Introduction of SAP R/3 Architecture

SAP R3 architecture is widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that helps businesses organize and automate their business processes. The structure, designed to provide flexibility and capacity to businesses of all sizes, is a major and critical feature of SAP R/3 .SAP R/3 architecture is based on a three-tiered client-server model that includes an interface layer, an application layer, and an application layer.

Definition of SAP R/3 Architecture

R3 means real-time. SAP R/3 software facilitates and connects all transactions of an organization with real-time integration. For example, any change or upgrade in one application requires the data in the other applications concerned to be automatically modified or updated.

SAP R3 means

SAP R-3 is an acronym that stands for System, Applications, and Products in Data Processing Release 3. SAP’s third-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is referred to. SAP R/3, which was released in the early 1990s, swiftly established itself as one of the world’s leading systems.

The letter “R” in SAP R3 stands for real-time, indicating the system’s capacity to process and send data fast in order to make informed business decisions based on current information. Furthermore, “3” marks the third major release of this program, following prior versions R/1 and R/2.

SAP R/3 Architecture: Explained

SAP R/3 Architecture facilitates all business transactions of an organization and connects them together using real-time integration. Real-time integration ensures that any change or upgrade in one application causes the data to be modified or updated automatically in the other applications involved.

We know that SAP R/3 architecture, particularly the client-server software, This ensures that the groups and layers that make up the R/3 system are built to operate concurrently through various computer systems. When a company installs SAP software, each part (or “layer” in the case of R/3) is stored, controlled, and processed via the hardware of separate and specialized computer systems.

Each layer is capable of calling on all of the other layers to complete the job . The components or layers that request services are called “clients,” and the components or layers that deliver services are called “servers.” This is the term-“ client/serve r.

The three Conceptual Layers of this R/3 Architecture are The classic configuration of the R/3 Framework includes the following layers of software:

Components of SAP Architecture

The presentation layer.

It receives input from the user and generates a method request. The Presentation Layer is an interface for the user, and various different graphical user interfaces (GUIs) can be used. SAP GUI is SAP’s own user interface program (over 20 languages).

Usually, the presentation or GUI layer collects keyboard or mouse data from the user and sends the data to the application layer to process requests for further processing. When the layer receives output from the application layer, it reformats the data and displays text and graphical data on the user’s PC screen.

The Application Layer

It uses the Software Logic Application to receive and process a request for a process. The application layer consists of the core components of R/3. Most R/3 business logic processing takes place in the application server layer. This is where the dispatcher controls the job procedures. Application servers provide the complete logic of R/3 applications for business processes. The number of application servers may be linked to a network and spread geographically.

The Database Layer

stores and recovers all data. The database layer handles both the application elements of the R/3 Framework and the operational data of the enterprise. Applications are downloaded from the database as needed, loaded into the application layer, and run from there.

The database layer includes an engine whose sole function is to store and retrieve data on behalf of the application layer. SAP R/3 uses the industry-standard database access language SQL (pronounced “SEE”-“QUEL”-Structured Query Language) as an interface for accessing its supporting database

How does the SAP process work?

SAP R/3, a system designed for user convenience, allows users to handle their requests through the Presentation Layer, which offers a graphical or web-based interface. Users have the power to initiate requests by entering data, such as creating purchase orders or querying inventory levels. The application Layer diligently processes the user’s input, performs necessary calculations, and validates the data. All relevant data is securely stored in the Database Layer, and when required, the Application Layer promptly queries the database to retrieve it. The real-time operation of SAP R/3 ensures the availability of up-to-date information, such as inventory levels and financial records, giving users a sense of control and empowerment. 

The SAP System Landscape

Understanding the system landscape is necessary for comprehending the intricacies of SAP architecture. It is typically made up of numerous systems, such as:

  • Development System is where new programs and settings are built and tested.
  • Quality Assurance System (QAS) is a system for rigorous testing and quality control.
  • Production : The production environment in which actual firm processes take place is referred to as the production system.

Why R/3 architecture?

R/3 architecture primarily aims at providing a range of tightly coupled, large-scale business applications. For any R/3 method, the normal set of applications is as follows:

  • Production Planning
  • Materials Management
  • Sales and Distribution
  • Financial Accounting
  • Controlling, Etc

SAP R/3 Competitive Factors outlined below

SAP R/3 Architecture Work Processes

SAP R/3 processes are used to efficiently handle operating system resource demands for the software application. The method is very closely associated with the software application. Memory and access to system resources are available for any operation. The kind of work that is carried out in the application server determines the on-request

SAP’s proprietary control agent, the SAP DISPATCHER, is in the middle of the R/3 basis kernel. The dispatching device handles the R/3 applications’ services and the respective operating system to control its process operations. The exact number of processes depends on the configuration and varies. The dispatcher’s primary function is to process pending applications.

Special work processes are available for:

  • Dialogue Online work Process: -Interactive SAPGUI screen processing request
  • Update work process updating of the database
  • Background Work Process: Background processing such as Batch jobs
  • Spool work process: spooling and printing process
  • Enqueue work, process-lock management

Principles of SAP R/3 Architecture

SAP architecture is based on a set of fundamental principles that assure its efficacy and long-term viability.

Scalability

SAP solutions are built to scale and adapt to the changing needs of your organization. This ensures that your SAP system can scale with your company.

High Availability

The current degree of commercial activity downtime is untenable. SAP architecture includes redundancy and failover solutions to achieve high availability while minimizing downtime.

Integrity of Data

Precision in data is critical. SAP’s architecture safeguards data integrity using techniques such as data clustering and mirroring.

SAP is very concerned about security . User authentication, authorization, and data encryption protect your critical business information.

In our effort to provide the most in-depth knowledge about SAP architecture, we hope that this tutorial has exceeded your expectations. Every organization that employs SAP systems must understand the complexities and principles of SAP architecture.

This guide explains SAP R/3’s three-tier architecture, focusing on its presentation, application, and database layers. The presentation layer provides user interfaces, the application layer executes business logic, and the database layer stores data. SAP R/3 is more than an ERP system ; it’s a powerful tool for efficient data management, transforming organizations and unlocking business potential.

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What Is SAP R/3 architecture?

SAP R/3 architecture refers to a three-tier client/server framework that its ERP system uses for information processing. It comprises three layers—presentation, application, and database—in its composition.

What Is The Presentation Layer In SAP R/3 Architecture?

In SAP R/3 architecture, the presentation layer displays data and provides user interface features. Also referred to as the front-end layer, users interact directly with this component.

What are the purposes and functions of SAP R/3 architecture’s application layer?

In SAP R/3 architecture, the application layer serves two primary roles – processing business logic and carrying out transactions – and acting as the middle layer in which application servers reside.

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Understanding the Key Components of the SAP Architecture

Home > Insights > Understanding the Key Components of the SAP Architecture

SAP has established itself as a leading provider of enterprise software solutions, empowering organizations to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and gain invaluable insights for strategic decision-making.

SAP Architecture offers a robust framework designed to support enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, consisting of multiple layers, including the presentation, application, and database layers. This architecture enables seamless integration, scalability, and real-time data processing, facilitating efficient business operations and decision-making.

This article will discuss all the components and capabilities of SAP system architecture and where our team of SAP consultants can come in to help manage work processes and optimize your overall investment. Read on to learn more!

What is SAP Architecture?

SAP Architecture refers to the set of principles, trends, patterns, and best practices that comprise and outline the internal architecture of a company’s SAP landscape. As a software-as-a-service solution, SAP runs in the cloud, which makes it easier for users to access their company’s database system.

With a well-defined SAP Architecture, companies can build a more reliable foundation for their core server processes and leverage an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) to run and manage more efficient business processes across the entire organization.

Core SAP System Strategy

  • SAP Business Suite: Includes comprehensive SAP ERP system and CRM, SCM, SRM, and PLM applications, offers a complete functional set of undefined processes, and is deployed on-premise
  • SAP Business by Design: Includes a functional set of predefined processes and is hosted on defined client-server architecture
  • SAP All-in-One: Includes the same software as the SAP Business Suite, offers predefined standard processes, and is deployed in on-premise architecture
  • SAP Business One: Includes different software that offers only the most basic functions, targets small businesses and is deployed in a hosted environment

How Does the SAP Process Work?

The SAP Logon process is the first step of the SAP authorization process, which involves entering the assigned SAP identification number, providing a password, and confirming access through a personalized confirmation message.

Once a user receives a confirmation message, they can access the main menu in their SAP system and navigate through different business-critical activities, like performing transactions or signing contracts.

These activities can be divided into two different categories that determine their level of priority:

  • Critical work process: High-priority processes that need to be executed immediately and can be assigned to specific users depending on user requests and availability.
  • Reading work process: A work process that involves “reading” the data or retrieving data from the database to get a response when there is no data in the buffer.
  • Kill work process: A work process that involves removing existing data in the buffer to increase the performance of the technical architecture.

What is 3 Tier Architecture in SAP?

SAP’s three-tier architecture provides a stronger foundation for data management and communication across teams and a more intuitive space for users to complete tasks. Here are the three layers of the SAP Architecture, each operating on its own with pre-built connections to the other layers.

1) Presentation Layer

The presentation layer is responsible for providing the graphical interface for users and configuring the system to ensure users can access the data they need to complete tasks and promote a stronger user experience. With this layer, users enter data on the screen, and the system will process and show the data to the user, facilitating more efficient data exchange processes across their SAP landscape.

This layer does not have any knowledge of the underlying data stores in the database layer and exists to help users easily access data from SAP systems and external systems.

2) Application Layer

The application layer is responsible for receiving and parsing other user’s data before it can be used across any part of the organization, providing data in the correct format to the right SAP application, and ensuring the data is secure before sending it to the next layer of the architecture.

This layer of the architecture is a critical component, simplifying the creation and management of work processes across the entire SAP environment. It enables users to create and leverage their own work processes, automatically generate records for the process, and ensure they have access to the data they need within their specific area of the database or SAP architecture as a whole.

3) Database Layer

The database layer is responsible for managing and storing all the data across a company’s SAP environment, making it easier for users to keep business rules, processes, and data in the same place for improved process efficiency across teams. This layer exists between the application server layer and the presentation layer.

With this layer, users are able to build a more solid foundation for their data management processes and facilitate more efficient data storage and processing functions across the SAP landscape.

Understanding the Design of SAP NetWeaver Application Server

The SAP NetWeaver Application Server acts as the central foundation for the entire SAP software stack, providing robust technical components and fully supported applications. Let’s take a closer look at the core components of the SAP NetWeaver architecture:

The Application Server Java (AS JAVA) provides a Java EE 1.6-compliant environment that allows users to develop, deploy, and run Java EE programs more efficiently across teams. The Java runtime environment is designed and optimized to run business-critical applications, including the simplification of server process infrastructure and central cache and session management. The AS Java architecture is comprised of:

  • A S Java Cluster Architecture: Involves the building units of each application server, including all the components that allow user requests to be processed accurately and efficiently.
  • SAP JVM: Involves the implementation of the Java Virtual Machine, the runtime platform of AS Java.
  • AS Java System Architecture: Involves the logical layers of the AS Java system components and the relationships between them.
  • Zero Administration: Involves a dynamic configuration environment that simplifies technical configuration tasks within AS Java.

The Application Server ABAP (AS ABAP) provides the technology configurations and infrastructure needed to run ABAP applications. It includes the message server that represents the application layer of SAP’s multi-tier architecture, making it easier to execute ABAP applications and communicate with other components across the landscape. AS ABAP is made up of a few core components, including:

  • Work processes: Facilitates the execution of ABAP work processes and applications and links each application to a memory area that contains the context of each one.
  • Gateway: Acts as the interface for communication protocols of the SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP system and initiates communication between other ABAP application servers, SAP systems, and non-SAP systems.
  • Dispatcher queue: Provides a link between work processes and the users logged in to the ABAP application server, receives requests for dialog steps from SAP GUI, and directs screen output to the appropriate users.
  • Shared memory: Offers a common main memory area to save concepts for work processes or buffer data in the local environment.

SAP NetWeaver can act as both a web server and a web client, making it easier for customers to send, manage, and process HTTP requests across their entire SAP landscape.

As a web server, SAP NetWeaver can accept HTTP requests from any web client, process each request, and send a response to the client. As a web client, it allows users to create HTTP requests in an application program, send requests to a web server, and send responses to clients to proceed as advised.

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SAP : Three-Tier Architecture

With SAP R/3, SAP ushers in a new generation of enterprise software — from mainframe computing (client-server architecture) to the three-tier architecture of database, application, and user interface.

Three Tier Architecture

Three-Tier Architecture of SAP R/3

Presentation Servers

Presentation servers contain systems capable of providing a graphical interface.

  • Presentation Layer is also known as client Layer
  • Presentation Layer is a user interaction
  • In SAP-User interaction purpose we use GUI
  • GUI stands for Graphical user interface
  • Example − Desktop, Mobile Devices, laptops

Presentation Server

Application Servers

Application servers include specialized systems with multiple CPUs and a vast amount of RAM.

Application Layer is also known as Kernel Layer and Basic Layer.

SAP application programs are executed in Application Layer.

Application Layer serves as a purpose of a communicator between Presentation and Database Layer.

Application server is where the dispatcher distributes the work load to the different work processes makes the job done.

Application servers

Database Servers

Database servers contain specialized systems with fast and large hard-drives.

  • Database layer stores the data
  • Data store can be Business data, SAP system data, SAP tables, Programs.
  • Examples − Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB/2, Siebel, Sybase, etc.

Database Servers

Three-Tier Architecture

What is a Client?

A client is a logical portion of an SAP R/3 physical database. From a business standpoint, a client can be interpreted as a logical group of companies.

Client

Points to Remember −

All customizing (configuration) and development (ABAP) work in SAP R/3 is performed in a client.

However, the data from both customizing and development work may be stored within an individual client (client dependent data) or among all clients (client independent data) in the system.

Client-Dependent vs. Client-Independent

The data in each client may be separate from that of the other clients. There are basically two types of data in an SAP R/3 system − Client-dependent and Client-independent data.

Client-dependent data is defined as data specific to an individual client. Examples of client-dependent data include number ranges, ABAP variants, and user masters as well as the data that is created or updated through SAP R/3 transactions.

Client-independent data can be defined as data contained across all clients in the system. Examples of client-independent data include data dictionary objects (tables, views), ABAP source code, screens, and menus.

Clients

Data resides in tables. To determine if a particular table is client-dependent or client-independent, the table structure needs to be reviewed. The table structure can be viewed by the data dictionary (SE11). If MANDT (client in German) is the first key field of the table, then the table is client-dependent; otherwise, the table is client-independent.

For example, the TSTC table is client-independent; however, the USR01 table is client-dependent.

SAP R/3 Delivered Clients

Every SAP R/3 system contains the three clients 000, 001, and 066. Let’s review these clients and examine what they contain.

These clients provide different features and must not be deleted.

Client 000 performs special functions. In particular, it is given extended functionality during upgrades.

Client 001 is basically a copy of 000 and can be used as a basis for a new customizing client.

Client 066 is a special client which is provided for operational system monitoring. It is used by SAP R/3’s Early Watch Service to provide performance recommendations.

Delivered Clients

In releases prior to 3.0, client 000 contained a model company. As of Release 4.0 clients, 000 and 001 are identical. Client 000 no longer contains a model company. Either client can be used as the basis for configuration through a client copy. Typically, most projects start with a copy of client 000 to begin building configuration. Customer work should never take place in the three delivered clients.

TutorialsCampus

In this topic, we described about the below sections -

  • Kernel and Basis Services
  • ABAP Workbench
  • Presentation Components
  • Presentation layer
  • Application layer
  • Database layer
  • RFC Interface
  • Internet Communication Manager (ICM)
  • ABAP Channels

What are the views of R/3 System?

The R/3 system is the platform for all other applications in the R/3 System. In R/3, R stands for Real-time and 3 stands for 3-tier architecture. The R/3 System can have different set of views in different prospects. The main views among them are -

  • Logical view
  • Software Oriented View

What is the logical view of R/3 System?

The below diagram represents the logical view of the R/3 system -

R/3 System Logical View

The difference between “logical view” and "hardware or software-based view” is, not all the above components assigned to a specific hardware or software unit. The above diagram explains how the R/3 basis system constructs a central platform within the R/3 System. The tasks of three logical components tasks of the R/3 Basis system are described below -

Kernel and Basis Services –

The kernel and basis services is a runtime environment for all R/3 applications (i.e. hardware, operating system, and database specific). The runtime environment is mainly written in C and C++. However, some parts are also written in ABAP.

The tasks of the kernel and basis services are - “running applications”, “user and process administration”, “database access”, “communication” and “system monitoring and administration”.

ABAP Workbench –

The ABAP Workbench is a complete development environment for applications in the ABAP language. We can create, edit, test, and manage application developments using workbench. Workbench is itself written in ABAP and is fully integrated in the R/3 system.

Presentation Components –

The presentation components are responsible for the interaction between the R/3 System and the user.

What is Software Oriented View of R/3 system?

The software-oriented view specifies the different software components (i.e. all the SAPgui components and application servers) that produce R/3 system. The below diagram represents a software-oriented view of the R/3 System.

R/3 System Software Oriented View

SAP R/3 system is a multi-tier client-server architecture. The SAP R/3 architecture is basically divided into three layers and those are -

Presentation layer –

Presentation layer is an interface between the R/3 system and its end-users. Presentation layer is a distributed to the workstations of end users. The end users can be client or customer or individual users.

Presentation layer receives the data from the input devices and sends it to the application layer (server) to process the data. And, responsible to receive the processed data from the application layer and sends the same to the devices where the result requires to display.

The data or input can be entered by using the input devices. The input devices can be browsers, mobile devices, font-end GUI systems and so on.

The presentation layer is normally distributed across several presentation servers. The presentation layer analyzes user inputs and transfers these to the application layer.

Application layer –

The application layer is an intermediate layer. This layer process the inputs from the presentation layer and one messaging server. The application layer is implemented using application servers. Application server(s) can be one or multiple. Each Application server can contain either one or multiple services to run an R/3 system.

It communicates to the database layer with the input received from the presentation layer, processes input and sends the results back to the presentation layer. The application layer contains the ABAP runtime environment where the ABAP programs are executed.

All the services are distributed to the more than one application server. Messaging server contains the information about the application groups and load balancing information. Messaging server is responsible for the communication between the existing application servers.

Messaging server is responsible for -

  • Passes the requests from one application server to another.
  • Assigns appropriate application server when users logged in.

Database layer –

Database layer is layer contains the central database system of all the data in R/3 system. Normally, this database layer installs on the different server due to the security, performance and processing issues.

This layer is responsible for processing the requests from the application layer and sends back the required information. In general, either SQL or ORACLE servers can be used.

All R/3 data stores in the database. Database layer contains two components -

  • Database Management Systems

The communication flow happens from the presentation layer to database layer and vice versa. Technical distribution of the system is independent of the layers. I.e., All the three layers can be installed on the same machine or can be installed on different individual machines.

What are the external communication components of R/3 system?

These three layers are coming up with the following communication components -

RFC Interface –

This is the traditional functional interface of ABAP. A remote function call is a call of a function in other system that is different from the calling program running system. Calls are possible between different ABAP systems or between an ABAP system and an external system. On ABAP, the functions are implemented in function modules.

Internet Communication Manager (ICM) –

ICM is a process of ABAP that allows ABAP to communicate directly with the Internet using HTTP/HTTPS/SMTP. ICM is used to connect Web-based components such as SAPUI5, Web Dynpro ABAP, and BSP. ICM allows an ABAP to be used both as a client and as a server for Web services. ICM is accessed within ABAP programs using the classes and interfaces of Internet Communication Framework (ICF).

ABAP Channels –

ABAP Channels are a framework for event-based communication between application servers and the Internet. ABAP Messaging Channels (AMC) are used to exchange messages between ABAP programs on different application servers. ABAP Push Channels (APC), allow two-way communication between ABAP and the Internet using the WebSocket or TCP socket protocol.

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What are the 3 layers in SAP Workflow Architecture?

November 12, 2022

Platform As A Service

What are the 3 layers in SAP Workflow Architecture?

SAP R/s system contains pre-determined SAP business workflows that aid in designing business processes. The workflows in the SAP system ensure the channeling of the right tasks in the correct sequence to the right audience. The workflow architecture automates and aids business processes that require human effort.

It is fundamental to business process integration. The SAP business suite facilitates easy monitoring of business transactions and holistic completion of processes. This article contains detailed information about the 3 layers of SAP workflows architecture.

What are SAP Business Workflows?

SAP systems use business workflows to implement business processes. They are essential components in an SAP system that help to design simple releases to complex recurring processes. Workflow engines help users manage business processes with efficiency.

The 3 Layers in SAP Workflow Architecture

SAP workflow architecture comprises three layers: business object, business process, and organization model.

Business Object

A business object denotes the collection of an entity’s procedures, techniques, or events in the business process. The main SAP business objects include materials, customers, and dealers. The Business Object is the lowest level in SAP workflow architecture.

The SAP system uses business objects to provide services in the form of executable procedures. A Business Object Repository models business processes and objects. Business objects reduce the SAP system’s complexity by breaking it down into smaller units. The attributes of business objects include:

• The use of Object Type ID to internally identify the business object. • Use of the Object Name for external identification of the business object. • Inheritance of business object components from the Super Type It. • Each business object bears a descriptive name and a brief description of the business object’s type. • A component is assigned to each business object.

Business Process

In SAP workflow architecture, business processes are defined in the Workflow Builder. Work processes are referred to as high-availability activities and entail single-step tasks/workflow templates. Business processes occupy the middle level of a workflow architecture. Business processes specify the steps to be taken in the workflow.

Organizational Model

The organization model occupies the top layer of SAP workflow architecture. It defines the people responsible for actions in business workflow. These individuals are also known as the actual agents involved in business workflow.

What is SAP R/3 Architecture?

SAP architecture can be described as a set of principles, patterns, and best practices outlining an organization’s SAP environment architecture. Companies can create secure and reliable platforms to run their processes effectively using SAP architecture. SAP R/3 is a 3-tier architecture that consists of three layers: the presentation layer, the application layer, and the database layer. In SAP R/3, R represents a real-time system.

The Presentation Layer

The presentation layer of the three-tier architecture is composed of the SAP graphical user interface (SAP GUI). SAP GUI provides a graphical user interface where users can enter and display data. This layer of the SAP software architecture is the interface between the SAP R/S3 system and its users. It conveys the user’s input to the application server and displays the data received from the server.

Application Layer

The layer contains one or more application servers and an SAP message server. Each application, server provides a set of services for running the R/3 system. The message server facilitates communication between the application servers in the SAP architecture, passing requests between the servers. It uses application server groups and current load-balancing information to assign the most suitable server to a user whenever he/she logs onto the software system.

Database Layer

The database layer comprises a central database system in which all the data in the R/3 system is stored. The database system contains the database management system (DBMS) and the database. SAP HANA is SAP’s own manufactured database that is compatible with others such as the Oracle database.

These files contain data necessary for customization and control of the R/3 system, as well as application code. The applications are composed of screen definitions, program codes, menus, crystal reports, and function modules that are stored in the R/3 repository.

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SAP R3 Architecture

Last updated on Jun 12, 2024

Manikanth

  • by Manikanth

SAP R3: SAP R/3 has been one of SAP's main products, where R stands for RealTime and 3 refers to three-tier application architecture (Database,Application Server and Client). In the modern environment, the SAP R/3 system powers the majority of businesses. This software was used by approximately 80% of the businesses. SAP Ariba Training

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Why SAP R3 architecture?

The primary goal of R/3 Architecture is to provide a set of tightly coupled, major business applications. The typical range of hypotheses for any R/3 process is as follows:

  • Production Planning
  • Materials Management
  • Sales and Distribution
  • Financial Accounting
  • Controlling, Etc

SAP R3 Architecture:

SAP R/3 Architecture simplifies and connects all of an organization's business transactions through real-time integration. Real-time integration ensures that any change or upgrade in one application causes the data in the other applications to be automatically modified or updated.

We are aware of the SAP R/3 Architecture, specifically the client-server software. This ensures that the R/3 system's groups and layers are designed to run concurrently on a number of different computing devices. When a business wants to install SAP software, each component is stored, regulated, and filtered using the equipment of completely separate and specialized computer systems.

Each layer has the ability to call on all of the other layers built to complete the task. Clients are components/layers that request services, while servers are components/layers that deliver services. This is referred to as "client/server."

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This R/3 Architecture's three Conceptual Layers are... The R/3 Framework's classic configuration includes the following software layers:

  • Presentation layer
  • Application layer and 
  • Database layer

Presentation layer:

Receives user input and produces a method request. The Presentation Layer is a user interface that can use a variety of different graphical user interfaces ( GUIs). SAPGUI is SAP's proprietary user interface program over 20 languages.

The presentation or GUI layer includes collaborating keyboard and mouse information from the device and submits it to the application layer inside the form of workflow requests for the further computation. When the layer receives application layer outcome, it recopy it and exhibits text and graphical data on the user's PC screen.

Application layer:

Receives and processes a process request using the Software Logic Application.

The application layer is made up of R/3's core components. The application server layer is where the majority of R/3 business logic processing takes place. The dispatcher is in charge of the job procedures here.

The comprehensive logic of R/3 implementations for business operations is provided by the database server. A system may well be connected to a range of different application servers that are geographically distributed.

Database Layer:

All data is saved and recovered. The Database Layer is in charge of both the R/3 Framework's application elements and the enterprise's working data. As needed, applications are downloaded from the database, loaded into the application layer, and executed from there.

The database component contains an engine whose sole purpose is to retrieve the data on the application layer's behalf. SAP R/3 interfaces with its supporting databases using the industry-standard database access language SQL.

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Components of SAP R3 architecture:

In the application layer there are several elements or components that carry out different operations. Now we will check one after the other.

  • Message Server: In an ABAP system, it handles communication between distributed dispatchers.
  • Dispatcher Queue: This queue stores various types of work processes.
  • Dispatcher: This component distributes requests to work processes.
  • Gateway: It allows collaboration between some of the SAP systems and external systems.
  • ABAP-Work processes: It implements dialog steps in R/3 applications separately.
  • Memory-pipes: It allows ICM and ABAP work processes to communicate with one another.
  • Message Server: It is in charge of java dispatchers and server processes.
  • It allows for communication within the Java runtime environment.
  • Enqueue Server: It manages logical locks set by a Java application program in a server process.
  • Central Services: A specific example of the central services is required by Java cluster for managing locks and transmitting messages and data. A Java cluster is a
  • collection of processes that collaborate to create a dependable system. An instance is a collection of resources such as memory and work processes.
  • Java Dispatcher: This process receives client requests and routes them to the server process.
  • J2EE components are installed using SDM: Software Deployment Manager.
  • Java Server Processes: It can handle a large number of requests at the same time.
  • Threading: When different tasks execute independently in the background, this is referred to as threading.
  • ICM: It facilitates communication between the SAP system and the HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP protocols. This means that by entering the system URL into the browser, you can also access SAP from the browser.

How does SAP R3 architecture work?

SAP R/3 Processes are being used to successfully manage os resource requirements for the software program. The technique is inextricably linked to the software application. Memory, as well as system support for renewable energy, are accessible for any operation. The on request is determined by the type of work performed in the application server.

The SAP DISPATCHER, SAP's proprietary control agent, is located in the R/3 Basis kernel. The deploying device, in collaboration with the respective operating system, manages the facilities used by R/3 systems to control their operational activities. The exact number of activities varies depending on the configuration. The dispatcher's main function is to filter the working process that has been submitted.

There are specific work process models for:

  • Online work process dialogue -Interactive SAPGUI screen processing request
  • Updating the database as part of the work process
  • Background Work Process -used for background processing, such as batch jobs.
  • Spool work procedure-Spooling/Printing procedure
  • Work process-lock management should be enqueued.

Conclusion:

In this blog post we had clearly disused all the points related to the SAP R3 architecture in a clear cut manner. If you have any queries please drop your comments to get them resolved. Happy learning at HKR trainings.

About Author

Manikanth

As a Senior Writer for HKR Trainings, Sai Manikanth has a great understanding of today’s data-driven environment, which includes key aspects such as Business Intelligence and data management. He manages the task of creating great content in the areas of Digital Marketing, Content Management, Project Management & Methodologies, Product Lifecycle Management Tools. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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  • Architecture

SAP Architecture – Detailed Explanation

What is sap, sap 3 tier architecture: different sap layers, 1. presentation layer, 2. application layer, 3. database layer, sap architecture components, how does the sap process work, additional resources.

SAP architecture is a set of principles, patterns and best practices that outline the architecture of an organization’s SAP environment. By using it, organizations can build a more secure and reliable platform for running business processes across their organization. SAP is a software-as-a-service solution, which means it’s cloud-based. This has implications for your SAP architecture. Your users will be accessing SAP via a web browser; they won’t be installing software on their desktops and laptops like they would with desktop applications.

That means you need to think about your SAP architecture beyond the technical components necessary to run SAP itself. You need to think about how to structure your system so that it is easily managed, supported and updated over time while remaining secure and reliable at the same time. This article covers everything you need to know about SAP architecture

SAP is a global leader in providing software solutions that enable organizations to process data efficiently and communicate information effectively. SAP was founded in 1972 and has grown from a small, five-person program development firm to a multinational corporation with more than 105,000 employees worldwide since then. Walldorf, Germany is SAP’s headquarters, where it’s run by more than 100,000 employees worldwide.

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SAP stands for “ Systems Application Program .” The SAP acronym is a widely used shorthand term for software, computer programs, and applications that all fall under the umbrella of SAP systems.

Some examples of applications that fall under the SAP acronym are accounting software, inventory management software, database management software and web application software. To be more specific, SAP is a business-to-business (B2B) application development platform which allows organizations to manage and optimize their business processes in order to increase productivity and profitability. By providing organizations with real-time access to critical information from multiple sources, such as financial data, inventory records and customer profiles, SAP systems enable them to effectively manage their operations. By streamlining business processes and reducing operational costs, SAP systems can help companies achieve greater growth and profitability.

The SAP System Architecture includes Presentation, Application, and Database layers. Each of these programmes operates on its own. In contrast, MiniSAP has all the components in one machine. We may distribute the whole system across diverse machines or it may also be on one machine like ours. The database and the application server can be on the same machine if we want to get an idea of the SAP system architecture in greater depth. In addition to these application servers, other applications are run on separate machines. To better grasp the SAP architecture, let’s look at these three elements in more detail.

The SAP System Architecture consists of the Presentation, Application, and Database layers.

  • The presentation layer is responsible for the user experience and for making sure that the SAP system is responsive and easy to interact with.
  • The presentation layer does not have any knowledge of the underlying data stored in the data layer.
  • The data layer holds all the data that is being stored in the SAP system. The data layer is the realm where all the business rules and processes take place.
  • The data layer exists between the presentation layer and the application server.
  • When you connect to the application server and start to do work, the application server, which is the realm where all the logic happens, knows nothing about the data layer.
  • This layer of the architecture is responsible for receiving and parsing data before it can be used by any part of the organization.
  • This layer is also responsible for providing data within the correct format for each application.
  • The last responsibility of the application layer is to ensure that the data is secure before it is sent to the next layer.
  • This layer of architecture is a critical component to the success of your digital transformation. The work process must be carried out by a user who is registered in the system. For this reason, we define the work process as a user of the system. The work process will register itself in the database, and when it is required to create a new record in the system, this is done by the work process. The work process can be created by the system administrator through the SAP system. In the case of the SAP system, this can be done by setting the role of the user to a specific value. What happens when you do this is that the SAP system will create a new user in the database system. This user will register itself in the database, and when the system needs to create a new record, the user can do this. The user will create the work process, and when the system requires the work process to create a new record, the user will create the process.
  • The system architecture is what defines how your SAP system is set up.
  • If you were setting up a new company, you would choose a system architecture based on the type of business you want to start.
  • For example, a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters would be best served by a system architecture that focuses on production and inventory. A hotel would do best with a system architecture that focuses on customer relations. Once you have chosen the setting for your new company, you need to choose the SAP system architecture. The application and database layers receive information about actions performed on the presentation layer and then query the results. As a result, you can see the results of processing on the presentation layer.

The SAP R/3 3-tier Architecture is a popular application server topology for developing large-scale enterprise applications. With the increased use of web-based technologies and the ever-increasing importance of user experience, application servers are being replaced by web-based applications. However, there are certain situations where the usage of web-based applications is not possible, due to the size of the system, regulatory compliance, or other business reasons. In such cases, the usage of 3-tier application servers is unavoidable. The most common application server topology is the SAP R/3 3-tier Architecture.

  • The role of the Message Server is to handle communication between ABAP Dispatchers that are distributed across the system.
  • In this Dispatcher queue, process work of several different types is stored.
  • Work processes are allocated by the dispatcher.
  • Gateway provides access between SAP systems and external systems.
  • Each R/3 dialog step is separately executed by ABAP-Work processes.

The following describes the types of work processes:

  • An ICM work process can communicate with an ABAP work process via a memory pipe.
  • The Java dispatcher and server processes are handled by the Message Server. Within the Java runtime environment, the Message Server enables communication.
  • A server process is configured by a Java application program to handle logical locks. The queue server handles them.
  • The central services are used to manage locks and transmit messages and data when working in a Java cluster. Java clusters are sets of cooperating processes that create a dependable system. A group of resources, such as memory, work processes, and so on, is known as an instance.
  • The Dispatcher handles the incoming client requests and dispatches them to the correct server process.
  • To install J2EE components using SDM, you must first download and install Software Deployment Manager.
  • A high quantity of requests can be handled by a Java Server Process.
  • Threading refers to the method of processing multiple items at once in the background.
  • SAP can be accessed from a browser by entering the system’s URL. Because of this, ICM can also be used for communication.

When using the ABAP and Java systems, we use another component called a JCO to handle communication with the ABAP dispatchers. ABP+Java uses Java dispatchers to handle communication.

  • The SAP Logon process is the first step of the SAP authorization process. This is a simple process which involves entering the identification number that you were assigned when you created an account with SAP.
  • After this, you will be asked to provide your SAP password.
  • After you successfully enter your SAP password, you will be sent a confirmation message confirming your successful logon. From here, you will be able to access the main menu of SAP.

Although the process may seem simple at first glance, it can sometimes be challenging to perform correctly. Therefore, it is recommended that users practice logging in before conducting business-critical activities such as signing contracts or performing transactions.

  • The Dispatcher listens to user actions such as clicks on links or forms and forwards them to corresponding actions. When the action receives the request, it handles the request and returns the response to the Dispatcher. The Dispatcher forwards the response to the system.
  • Once a process is assigned, the dispatcher will check if the resource is available in the Service Request Pool. If it is not, the dispatcher will go ahead and start the process and assign another work process when the work process is available. If the resource is available in the Service Request Pool, the dispatcher will find another process and assign that one and so on.
  • The work process is responsible for putting work into the system and delegating it to other processes. Processes can be divided into two categories depending on their priority. These are critical processes which need to be executed immediately. These processes are called high priority. Critical processes and other high-priority processes can be assigned to users. Thus, depending upon user request work process is assigned.
  • In the process of work, if a user does some changes in the process and the process is not completed, then the User will get an alert message. In the case of the dialogue step, when a user authorizes the work process, then shared memory will be checked. If any other user’s data is present in shared memory then the process will be stopped and an alert will be displayed.
  • Another work process is reading. If there is no data in the buffer then data has to be retrieved from the database to get a response. And this process is called reading. If there is data in the buffer then it has to be removed. And this process is called kill. This process increases the performance of the system. It is very important to keep these work processes in mind while designing your application.
  • A dispatcher is a class that receives requests from the GUI and sends the requests to the server. The server receives the request and executes the query and returns the result to the dispatcher which then updates the GUI. A dispatcher can be registered at the startup of the application and it can be unregistered at any time to stop the dispatching. By using this approach, the data is synchronized between the server and the GUI.
  • If the shared data is not being used by any other user, it will eventually be evicted from shared memory and the system will have less memory to service other workloads. It is important to monitor data in shared memory for signs of stagnation, because once data is in shared memory it cannot be purged.

SAP architecture is the overall structure of an organization’s IT systems. It describes how these systems are put together, what roles they play, and how they relate to one another. One key goal of SAP architecture is to create a stable foundation that can support future growth. Following the right design patterns can help ensure this. One important aspect of SAP architecture is componentization. Each component should do one thing well, and it should be easy to replace or upgrade if necessary. Ideally, each component should also have a clear interface so that other components can easily interact with it.

When designing an SAP architecture, focus on creating a cohesive whole that works together as a cohesive whole. Another key goal of SAP architecture is to ensure that it scales with the business. As the business grows, so does the need for effective IT solutions. Scaling up or down as needed should be part of the plan from the beginning.

Finally, remember that SAP architecture is more than just technology. It’s about ensuring that all aspects of IT are working together in harmony to deliver maximum value for customers and shareholders alike.

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Understanding Different Layers of ABAP Application Server Layers

Developed by SAP®, Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) is a programming language built for developing applications used on SAP® R/3 system, and executing within the SAP Web Application Server – at application layer. Also, it is used for customization and implementation of SAP® R/3 system.

ABAP encompasses Logical Databases (LDBs) which differentiates database, operating system and applications. ABAP is also used for boosting SAP applications and allows customers to prepare customized reports and interfaces.

Working on ABAP Application Server

The Application Server ABAP offers run time environment; integrated change and transport system (CTS), and Workbench for creating applications in ABAP. It uses a couple of protocols for SAP GUI that are Remote Function Call (RFC) protocol and HTTP/HTTPS/SMTP for Internet. Thus software can be used with web browsers or SAP GUI or some software via. Network.

Components of Application Server ABAP

The main components of Application Server ABAP are divided into different layers. They are:

Presentation Layer: As the name suggests, this layer receives and presents data to the users. This layer comes into play when web browsers act as a user interface to invoke application programs and Internet Connection Framework (ICF) interface to wrap the HTML pages. Web Dynpro ABAP (platform-independent web-based interfaces) and Business Server Pages (BSP, HTML pages) control web browser presentation. In case of MS Windows, Java and Web Browsers (SA GUI), display of user interface happens in windows using Web DynPro technology. Web DynPro, developed by SAP SE, is a web application technology (proprietary) used for server-side business applications development.

Application Layer: This layer serves as a platform for executing application programs. With its kernel made in C/C++, it uses ABAP Objects, ST, JavaScript, and XSLT to provide virtual machines.

Persistence Layer: Persistent data is present in database. Using ABAP programs which employ database interface, containing Native SQL (database-based SQL instructions) interface and Open SQL (part of the Structured Query Language -SQL) interface, database can be accessed.

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Overview of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP

The following sections describe three different views of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP.

The difference between the logical view and a hardware- or software-oriented view of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP is that not all of the components shown can be assigned to a particular hardware or software unit. The following illustration represents this logical view in form of a block diagram.

what is presentation layer in sap

The following is a list of the tasks of the three logical components in SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP.

Kernel & Administration Services

The kernel and administration services component is a runtime environment for all ABAP applications that is hardware-, operating system- and database-independent. The ABAP runtime environment is written principally in C and C++. However, some low-level parts are also written in ABAP itself. The tasks of the kernel and administration services component are as follows:

  • Running applicationsAll ABAP applications run on software processors (virtual machines) within this component.
  • User and process administrationNetWeaver AS ABAP is a multi-user environment, and each user can run several independent ABAP applications. In short, this component is responsible for the tasks that usually belong to an operating system. Users log onto the SAP NetWeaver Application Server and run ABAP applications within it. In this way, they do not come into contact with the actual operating system of the host. SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP is the only user of the host operating system.
  • Database accessEach SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP is linked to a database system, consisting of a database management system (DBMS) and the database itself. The ABAP applications do not communicate directly with the database. Instead, they use administration services.
  • CommunicationABAP applications can communicate both with other SAP Systems and with external systems. It is also possible to access ABAP applications from external systems using a BAPI interface. The services required for communication are all part of the kernel and administration services component.
  • Control and administration of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAPThe component contains programs that allow you to monitor and control the SAP NetWeaver Application Server while it is running, and to change its runtime parameters.

ABAP Workbench

The ABAP Workbench component is a fully-fledged development environment for applications in the ABAP language. With it, you can create, edit, test, and organize these application programs. It is fully integrated in SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP and, like other ABAP applications, is itself written in ABAP.

Presentation Components

The presentation components are responsible for the interaction between the ABAP applications and the user (input and output) and for desktop component integration (such as word processing and spreadsheets) into the SAP NetWeaver Application Server . 

The following illustration represents the software-oriented view of an SAP System. In an ABAP-based SAP System, SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP comprises all SAP GUI components and the ABAP application servers.

what is presentation layer in sap

An SAP System is a multi-tier client/server system. The individual software components are arranged in tiers and function, depending on their position, as a client for the components below them or a server for the components above them. The classic configuration of an SAP System contains the following software layers:

Database Layer

The database layer, which is accessed by SAP NetWeaver AS, consists of a central database system which in turn is made up of the database management system (DBMS) and the database itself.

The database does not only contain the master data and transaction data from your ABAP application programs; all data for SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP is stored there. For example, the database contains the control and Customizing data that determines how SAP NetWeaver AS runs and the ABAP application programs themselves. The components (program texts, screen definitions, menus, function modules, and so on) are stored in a special part of the database known as the Repository, and are therefore also referred to as Repository objects. You work with them in the ABAP Workbench.

Application Layer

The software components of the application layer of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP consist of one or more ABAP application servers and a message server. Each application server contains a set of services used to run the SAP NetWeaver Application Server . Theoretically, you only need one application server to run a SAP NetWeaver Application Server . In practice, the services are distributed across more than one application server. This means that not all application servers will provide the full range of services. The message server is responsible for communication between the application servers. It passes requests from one application server to another within a SAP NetWeaver Application Server . It also contains information about application server groups and the current load balancing within them. It uses this information to choose an appropriate server when a user logs onto the system.

Presentation Layer

This layer is the interface between the SAP System and its users. Using its software components referred to as SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface) this layer provides an intuitive graphical interface for entering and displaying data. The presentation layer sends the user's input to the application server, and receives data for display from it. While a SAP GUI component is running, it remains linked to a user's terminal session in SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP.

This software-oriented view can be expanded to include further layers, such as an Internet Transaction Server (ITS).

Software-Oriented View and Hardware View

The software-oriented view has nothing to do with the hardware configuration of the system. There are many different hardware configuration possibilities for both layers and components. When distributing the layers, for example, you can have all layers on a single host, or, at the other extreme, you could have at least one host for each layer. When dealing with components, the distribution of the database components depends on the database system you are using. The application layer and presentation layer components can be distributed across any number of hosts. It is also possible to install more than one ABAP application server on a single host. A common configuration is to run the database system and a single ABAP application server (containing special database services) on one host, and to run each further application server on its own host. The presentation layer components usually run on the desktop computers of the users.

Advantages of the Multi-Tier Architecture

The distribution of the SAP System over three layers means that the system load is also distributed. This leads to better system performance. Another benefit is the high scalability achieved due to the fact that you can distribute the software components of an SAP System among different hardware units virtually without any restrictions. This is particularly valuable in the application layer, where you can easily adapt SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP to meet increasing demand by installing further ABAP application servers.

The architecture of the SAP System allows you to install the application layer and the database layer on separate hosts and let them communicate using the network. This considerably reduces the load placed on the database system which contains the central data storage for SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP and therefore needs to fulfill high demands while the system is running.

Likewise, the separation of the presentation and the application layer reduces the load placed on the ABAP application servers by isolating user entry processing and data output formatting from actual program execution. It is important to note that the SAP GUI and the ABAP application server are set up in a way that reduces the movement of data between the two layers to the smallest possible degree. As a result, the components of the presentation layer can even be used on hosts that have slow connections to application servers a long way away.

The following illustration represents a SAP GUI user view of the SAP System:

what is presentation layer in sap

For the user, the visible components of the SAP System are those that appear as a window on the screen. These windows are created by the presentation layer of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP.

Before the user logs onto the SAP System, he or she must start a SAP GUI utility called SAP Logon, which is installed at the front end. In SAP Logon, the user chooses one of the available SAP Systems. The program then connects to the message server of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP in the SAP System selected and obtains the address of a suitable (most lightly-used) ABAP application server. It then starts a SAP GUI, connected to that application server. The SAP Logon program is then no longer required for this connection.

SAP GUI starts the logon screen. Once the user has successfully logged on, it displays the initial screen of the SAP System in a window on the screen. Within SAP GUI, each window is represented as a session. After logging on, the user can open up to five further sessions within the single SAP GUI. These behave almost like independent SAP applications. The different sessions allow you to run different applications in parallel, independently of one another.

Within a session, the user can run applications that themselves call further windows (such as dialog boxes and graphic windows). These windows are not independent - they belong to the session from which they were called. These windows can be either modal (the original window is not ready for input) or amodal (both windows are ready for input and interact with each other).

The user can open other SAP GUIs, using SAP Logon, to log onto the same system or another SAP System. The individual SAP GUIs and corresponding terminal sessions of a user are totally independent. This means that you can have SAP GUIs representing the presentation layers of several SAP Systems open on your desktop computer.

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Presentation Layer in OSI model

Prerequisite : OSI Model

Introduction : Presentation Layer is the 6th layer in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. This layer is also known as Translation layer, as this layer serves as a data translator for the network. The data which this layer receives from the Application Layer is extracted and manipulated here as per the required format to transmit over the network. The main responsibility of this layer is to provide or define the data format and encryption. The presentation layer is also called as Syntax layer since it is responsible for maintaining the proper syntax of the data which it either receives or transmits to other layer(s).

Functions of Presentation Layer :

The presentation layer, being the 6th layer in the OSI model, performs several types of functions, which are described below-

  • Presentation layer format and encrypts data to be sent across the network.
  • This layer takes care that the data is sent in such a way that the receiver will understand the information (data) and will be able to use the data efficiently and effectively.
  • This layer manages the abstract data structures and allows high-level data structures (example- banking records), which are to be defined or exchanged.
  • This layer carries out the encryption at the transmitter and decryption at the receiver.
  • This layer carries out data compression to reduce the bandwidth of the data to be transmitted (the primary goal of data compression is to reduce the number of bits which is to be transmitted).
  • This layer is responsible for interoperability (ability of computers to exchange and make use of information) between encoding methods as different computers use different encoding methods.
  • This layer basically deals with the presentation part of the data.
  • Presentation layer, carries out the data compression (number of bits reduction while transmission), which in return improves the data throughput.
  • This layer also deals with the issues of string representation.
  • The presentation layer is also responsible for integrating all the formats into a standardized format for efficient and effective communication.
  • This layer encodes the message from the user-dependent format to the common format and vice-versa for communication between dissimilar systems.
  • This layer deals with the syntax and semantics of the messages.
  • This layer also ensures that the messages which are to be presented to the upper as well as the lower layer should be standardized as well as in an accurate format too.
  • Presentation layer is also responsible for translation, formatting, and delivery of information for processing or display.
  • This layer also performs serialization (process of translating a data structure or an object into a format that can be stored or transmitted easily).

Features of Presentation Layer in the OSI model: Presentation layer, being the 6th layer in the OSI model, plays a vital role while communication is taking place between two devices in a network.

List of features which are provided by the presentation layer are:

  • Presentation layer could apply certain sophisticated compression techniques, so fewer bytes of data are required to represent the information when it is sent over the network.
  • If two or more devices are communicating over an encrypted connection, then this presentation layer is responsible for adding encryption on the sender’s end as well as the decoding the encryption on the receiver’s end so that it can represent the application layer with unencrypted, readable data.
  • This layer formats and encrypts data to be sent over a network, providing freedom from compatibility problems.
  • This presentation layer also negotiates the Transfer Syntax.
  • This presentation layer is also responsible for compressing data it receives from the application layer before delivering it to the session layer (which is the 5th layer in the OSI model) and thus improves the speed as well as the efficiency of communication by minimizing the amount of the data to be transferred.

Working of Presentation Layer in the OSI model : Presentation layer in the OSI model, as a translator, converts the data sent by the application layer of the transmitting node into an acceptable and compatible data format based on the applicable network protocol and architecture.  Upon arrival at the receiving computer, the presentation layer translates data into an acceptable format usable by the application layer. Basically, in other words, this layer takes care of any issues occurring when transmitted data must be viewed in a format different from the original format. Being the functional part of the OSI mode, the presentation layer performs a multitude (large number of) data conversion algorithms and character translation functions. Mainly, this layer is responsible for managing two network characteristics: protocol (set of rules) and architecture.

Presentation Layer Protocols : Presentation layer being the 6th layer, but the most important layer in the OSI model performs several types of functionalities, which makes sure that data which is being transferred or received should be accurate or clear to all the devices which are there in a closed network. Presentation Layer, for performing translations or other specified functions, needs to use certain protocols which are defined below –

  • Apple Filing Protocol (AFP): Apple Filing Protocol is the proprietary network protocol (communications protocol) that offers services to macOS or the classic macOS. This is basically the network file control protocol specifically designed for Mac-based platforms.
  • Lightweight Presentation Protocol (LPP): Lightweight Presentation Protocol is that protocol which is used to provide ISO presentation services on the top of TCP/IP based protocol stacks.
  • NetWare Core Protocol (NCP): NetWare Core Protocol is the network protocol which is used to access file, print, directory, clock synchronization, messaging, remote command execution and other network service functions.
  • Network Data Representation (NDR): Network Data Representation is basically the implementation of the presentation layer in the OSI model, which provides or defines various primitive data types, constructed data types and also several types of data representations.
  • External Data Representation (XDR): External Data Representation (XDR) is the standard for the description and encoding of data. It is useful for transferring data between computer architectures and has been used to communicate data between very diverse machines. Converting from local representation to XDR is called encoding, whereas converting XDR into local representation is called decoding.
  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL): The Secure Socket Layer protocol provides security to the data that is being transferred between the web browser and the server. SSL encrypts the link between a web server and a browser, which ensures that all data passed between them remains private and free from attacks.

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  1. Sap R/3 Architecture Tutorial

    Sap R/3 Architecture Tutorial

  2. Presentation layer

    ABAP Keyword Documentation → ABAP Glossary →. Presentation layer. A software layer of the AS ABAP that functions as the user interface of the system. The presentation layer is usually distributed across several presentation servers. The presentation layer analyzes user actions and transfers these to the application layer.

  3. SAP R/3 Architecture

    Definition of SAP R/3 Architecture. SAP R/3 architecture is a multi-tiered structure that comprises three main layers: the Presentation Layer, the Application Layer, and the Database Layer. This architectural model enables organizations to integrate and streamline their business processes and data management effectively. with SAP R/3, we are moving our resources from mainframe computing to the ...

  4. What Is SAP R/3 Architecture? What Is R/3 In SAP Mean?

    Components of SAP Architecture The Presentation Layer. It receives input from the user and generates a method request. The Presentation Layer is an interface for the user, and various different graphical user interfaces (GUIs) can be used. SAP GUI is SAP's own user interface program (over 20 languages).. Usually, the presentation or GUI layer collects keyboard or mouse data from the user and ...

  5. R3 Architecture in SAP Basis

    The SAP R/3 architecture is divided into three distinct layers: Presentation Layer (Presentation Server) The presentation layer is where users interact with the SAP system.

  6. Understanding the Key Components of the SAP Architecture

    The database layer is responsible for managing and storing all the data across a company's SAP environment, making it easier for users to keep business rules, processes, and data in the same place for improved process efficiency across teams. This layer exists between the application server layer and the presentation layer.

  7. SAP : Three-Tier Architecture

    SAP application programs are executed in Application Layer. Application Layer serves as a purpose of a communicator between Presentation and Database Layer. Application server is where the dispatcher distributes the work load to the different work processes makes the job done.

  8. What is SAP R/3 Architecture

    SAP R/3 Architecture consists of 3 layers i.e. Presentation Layer; Application Layer & Database layer; Let's discuss briefly about all the layers of the SAP Architecture. Presentation Layer: Presentation Layer is the user interface i.e screen display. The user-interface can be through the SAP GUI Application, Web browser, Fiori, etc.

  9. SAP ABAP R/3 Architecture

    SAP R/3 system is a multi-tier client-server architecture. The SAP R/3 architecture is basically divided into three layers and those are - ... Presentation layer receives the data from the input devices and sends it to the application layer (server) to process the data. And, responsible to receive the processed data from the application layer ...

  10. presentation layer (BC-CST) (SAP Library

    Software level of an AS ABAP that displays the user interface. The presentation layer is usually distributed across many presentation servers. The presentation layer evaluates user actions and passes them on to the application layer. The presentation layer is, for example, the SAPGUI, Web browser or a mobile frontend.

  11. What are the 3 layers in SAP Workflow Architecture?

    The presentation layer of the three-tier architecture is composed of the SAP graphical user interface (SAP GUI). SAP GUI provides a graphical user interface where users can enter and display data. This layer of the SAP software architecture is the interface between the SAP R/S3 system and its users. It conveys the user's input to the ...

  12. SAP R/3 Architecture Tutorial

    The Presentation Layer is a user interface that can use a variety of different graphical user interfaces ( GUIs). SAPGUI is SAP's proprietary user interface program over 20 languages. The presentation or GUI layer includes collaborating keyboard and mouse information from the device and submits it to the application layer inside the form of ...

  13. SAP Architecture

    SAP Architecture - Detailed Explanation

  14. SAP R/3

    SAP R/3 is also known as a System application and products in data processing. SAP R/3 plays a significant role in information management and process automation. The "3" in R/3 represents the three-tier architecture, Presentation Layer, Application Layer, and Database Layer, consisting of the components that collectively form the foundation of SAP R/3 systems.

  15. Understanding Different Layers of ABAP Application Server Layers

    Developed by SAP®, Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) is a programming language built for developing applications used on SAP® R/3 system, and executing within the SAP Web Application Server - at application layer. Also, it is used for customization and implementation of SAP® R/3 system. ... Presentation Layer: As the name ...

  16. ABAP for Newbies

    SAP customers and partners also have a long tradition of building custom code and add-ons that run on the ABAP technology platform. ... The presentation layer represents UI and is responsible for the screen display. This layer receives user entries - that is, mouse-clicks and keyboard input - and passes them on to the application layer. ...

  17. Overview of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP

    This layer is the interface between the SAP System and its users. Using its software components referred to as SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface) this layer provides an intuitive graphical interface for entering and displaying data. The presentation layer sends the user's input to the application server, and receives data for display from it.

  18. Presentation Layer in OSI model

    Presentation Layer in OSI model

  19. Presentation layer

    Presentation layer