Describing SAP Business Client

SAP Business Client provides users with a local client with role-based navigation. It is used as the central point of access for all SAP applications and transactions, and therefore bridges the gap between presentation clients such as SAP GUI, and browser access.

It is available in two versions:

• SAP Business Client for HTML

• SAP Business Client for Windows

A comparison of the two versions is provided in the following table:

Because navigation is role-based, special navigation roles are often assigned in addition to the standard roles assigned to the user. These navigation roles enable the corresponding functions to be used in the SAP system.

SAP Business Client for Windows is a UI intended for power users. If installed, the SAP GUI for Windows itself is used as a rendering engine. SAP Business Client for Windows therefore replaces the SAP GUI as the central point of access for SAP applications. SAP Business Client for Windows can access AS ABAP-based SAP systems with role-based menus, and can access SAP Enterprise Portal systems with PCD (Portal Content Directory) functions.

For more information on SAP BC 7.0, see SAP Note 2714160 - SAP Business Client 7.0: Prerequisites and restrictions.

For more information on SAP BC 7.70, see SAP Note 2928874 - SAP Business Client 7.70: Prerequisites and restrictions.

Choose the New button (white sheet) to create a new entry.

The new entry can be one of the following different types:

• SAP Fiori launchpad

• SAP Business Client

• SAP Logon

• Shortcut for SAP Logon

To integrate SAP GUI for Windows transactions with the FLP, SAP Business Client can be used.

Benefits:

• One single entry point
• No inconsistency due to the "human integrator" copying data from one client to another
• Various UI technologies in one shell
• Building a bridge between established and new UI technologies
• Working with native SAP GUI for Windows transactions*
• Specific shell functions, such as search, system information, default connection, application search via quick launch, enter transaction code directly into quick launch
• Quick launch in the SAP Fiori launchpad connection: Once the back-end connection is established, transactions and side panels can be launched directly from the SAP Business Client Quick Launch (ICF nodes for BC must be activated)
• Side panels are available for SAP GUI transactions
• Improved user experience
• Harmonization: different types of apps – similar look and feel with or without SAP Fiori features depending on SAP system, SAP S/4HANA or other SAP products

*Many customers want to reside on native SAP GUI for Windows transaction for various reasons, such as: Office integration, Business Explorer, special controls such as ABAP editor or APOGrid, transactions might not be available as SAP Fiori Apps or Web GUI.

For more information see https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blogs-by-sap/the-sap-fiori-launchpad-in-sap-business-client/ba-p/13459167.