Database Reference
In-Depth Information
5.2.9 Internationalization and Localization
As noted while relating the history of SAP in Section 5.1 “SAP the Company,” SAP has always
had as a part of its core strategy a plan to support multiple languages and related aspects of curren-
cies, taxation, legal practices, and import/export regulations within its systems. The same logic of
presentation mentioned previously also has enabled SAP to provide multilingualism as an innate
capability of the system. All onscreen text is maintained separately in several languages, and the
presentation screens are assembled only at the time of display, depending on the language version
chosen by the user at the time of logging into the system.
SAP also maintains programs for the development and enhancement of country-specific func-
tionalities in different parts of the world. As more and more companies have facilities operating in
different parts of the world, such country-specific functionalities are becoming critical for obtain-
ing the promised benefits of implementing solutions like SAP CRM worldwide.
5.2.10 SAP Architecture
Figure 5.1 shows SAP components from a functional as well as an infrastructural point of view.
From a functional point of view, the topmost layer is the presentation layer that is made of the
GUI system. The middle layer is the application layer that handles not only business applications
but also the middleware layer called NetWeaver. Integration of all business applications relies
on the NetWeaver system. This system includes components such as the ABAP Development
Workbench, system administration tools, system management tools, authorization and security
systems, and cross application systems. The lowest layer is made up of the network, the database,
and the operating system.
The presentation layer deals with the following services: SAPGUI, SAP Logon, and the SAP
Session Manager. The Application layer deals with business applications and is grouped into the
following services: Marketing, Sales, Service, Interaction Center, and Channel Management.
The Application Middleware layer deals with the following services: dialog, update, enqueue
(lock management), background processing, message server, gateway, and spool. The database
Presentation layer
Internet layer
Application layer
Application middleware layer
Database layer
Operating systems layer
Figure 5.1
SAP architecture.
