Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10
SAP CRM Application
environment
SAP introduced SAP NetWeaver in 2003. Driven by the vision of Enterprise Services Architecture
(ESA) and revolving around the concept of integration, SAP NetWeaver was targeted to reduce
the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) dramatically by building innately integration capabilities
into each and every component of SAP NetWeaver.
The vision of the responsive integrated enterprise is not that of a singular monolithic enterprise-
wide application but that of a real-time integrated constellation of distributed applications (see
Chapter 2, Section 2.1.3 “CRM Reflects and Mimics the Integrated Nature of the Enterprise”).
SAP NetWeaver, which is motivated by this overarching vision of a responsive integrated enter-
prise, is embodied in the all-encompassing vision of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI),
distributed systems, Component-Based Development (CBD), Web Services, Service-Oriented
Architecture (SOA), Enterprise Services, and SAP Enterprise Services Architecture (ESA).
As highlighted in Chapters 1 and 3, integration is a major determinant of enterprise success.
This is necessitated by the occurrence of
◾
Frequent mergers and acquisitions
◾
Innovative applications such as CRM and SRM maintaining local databases
◾
Business process that spans across multiple companies
The advantages of a service-oriented architecture for enterprise applications are obvious. A new
generation of applications can be built on the basis of enterprise services: composite applications.
Composite applications use services from several underlying systems, thus generating additional
value. Composite applications can combine the services of SAP solutions and partner solutions.
This effectively transforms the technology platform into an application platform.
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