Defining the Application Layer

In the last unit, you learned about the system architecture that supports SAP S/4HANA and how we define an SAP system. Understanding the function and capabilities of each layer in SAP's three-tier client/server architecture is critical for every SAP Basis Administrator.

In this lesson, you will explore the application layer in more detail to understand the functions and capabilities provided by the SAP ABAP Platform.

The SAP application is deployed on SAP ABAP Platform. The SAP application layer is where the various SAP modules such as finance, sales, and supply chain management are located. It is the layer of an SAP system that contains all of the SAP delivered business processes and logic required to run the software. This layer also provides capabilities such as workflow management, document management, and collaboration tools.

ABAP Platform is SAP's new technical platform. It provides the programming language and runtime environment for customizing, developing, and executing SAP business applications. At its core, is ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming), SAP's proprietary programming language designed specifically for building business applications.

ABAP Platform also provides tools and services for integrating and extending SAP applications, enabling seamless communication between different modules and external systems.

Watch the following video to learn more about the functional capabilities of SAP's ABAP Platform.

The ABAP Platform provides the following:

• An application run-time environment

  - The middle tier of the SAP 3-tiered landscape, with access to the presentation layer and the database layer

  - A scalable server, supporting application logic execution

  - Supported on a variety of hardware platforms and operating systems

  - A platform for application processing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization tools

• An application development environment

  - For customization of SAP applications by customers and third-party partners

  - Support for ABAP – SAP’s proprietary, fourth-generation programming language

• A built-in source management system

  - A repository for storing SAP-developed code and custom code

  - Design, development, testing, and implementation tools for the entire application life cycle

  - Version control and transport tools for source code management and distribution

• A security platform

  Provides application layer security for SAP ABAP applications

  Performs user id authentication

  Controls access to application functions and data

• A reporting platform

  - ABAP can function as a reporting language for both SAP-delivered reports and custom reports

  - ABAP has the ability to access application tables, process data, compute results, and format output for application reporting

  - Application data can also be analyzed using other SAP and third-party reporting and analytic tools

ABAP Platform was formerly known as NetWeaver. NetWeaver AS ABAP is a traditional application server that provides a comprehensive environment for developing and running ABAP-based applications. It includes a variety of tools and services for building and managing business applications, such as the ABAP Workbench and the Application Server Infrastructure.

NetWeaver AS ABAP and NetWeaver AS Java are still supported for some SAP applications. However, newer SAP products such as SAP S/4HANA and BW/4HANA only run on ABAP Platform.

ABAP Platform is an updated and modernized version of the NetWeaver AS ABAP. It includes all the features and capabilities of the traditional application server, but with significant improvements in terms of performance, scalability, and flexibility. The platform is designed to support the development of cloud-native applications and microservices, making it more suitable for modern and agile development practices.

One of the key improvements in ABAP Platform is the introduction of new programming models and development tools, such as the Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP), which allows developers to build and consume RESTful services in ABAP. Additionally, ABAP Platform provides enhanced support for integration with non-ABAP systems, as well as improved capabilities for extending and customizing applications.

Other differences between NetWeaver AS ABAP and ABAP Platform include the following:

• Operating system support is limited to Windows, Linux, and AIX
• The only supported database is SAP HANA
• Support for new programming models for ABAP and Fiori
• Enhanced administration features improving maintenance, memory management, connectivity, and user management

You can now explain the functions of the application layer and the ABAP platform.