SAP BASIS -- ARCHITECTURE 1
Summary
TLDRThis script delves into the three-tier architecture of SAP, emphasizing the roles of the presentation, application, and database layers. It explains how users log in through the presentation layer, the application layer's role in hosting business applications, and the database layer's function in storing both business data and SAP software components. The script highlights the efficiency of database storage for quick data retrieval and the unique approach of SAP in storing its software alongside business data in the database, contrasting it with traditional file system storage.
Takeaways
- 🌐 The script discusses the three-tier architecture of SAP, focusing on the Presentation Layer, Application Layer, and Data Layer.
- 🖥️ The Presentation Layer is where users log into the system, typically through a browser or SAP GUI, which is the Graphical User Interface for SAP.
- 🔗 The Application Layer is where the business application software is installed, such as ERP systems, which is distinct in SAP as it also includes the application software in the database.
- 💾 The Data Layer consists of the database repository and business data, with SAP storing both its application software and business data in the database for fast retrieval.
- 🔑 The concept of a database repository is introduced, which includes the programs, reports, screens, and other software components of the database software.
- 🛠️ SAP's unique approach to storing both application functionality and the data it generates within the database layer is highlighted, contrasting with other software where the application resides in the application layer and data in the database.
- 📈 The importance of databases for fast data retrieval is emphasized, explaining how databases index data for quicker access compared to file system storage.
- 🛡️ Databases provide security mechanisms and storage management, including backup and restore features, which are essential for protecting business data.
- 📚 The difference between file system storage and database storage is explained, with databases offering more structured and efficient data management.
- 🔑 The role of .exe and .dll files in application software is discussed, with .exe files being executable files and .dll files being Dynamic Link Libraries that link applications with system software.
- 🔄 The script concludes with the explanation of how end users connect to the database and access SAP screens and data, which is facilitated by the application server to be covered in the next session.
Q & A
What are the three layers in the SAP architecture?
-The three layers in the SAP architecture are the presentation layer, the application layer, and the database layer.
What does the presentation layer in SAP refer to?
-The presentation layer in SAP refers to the point of entry for users, such as desktops, web pages, or mobile interfaces, where users log into the system using SAP GUI or a similar tool.
What is SAP GUI and what is its role in the SAP system?
-SAP GUI stands for SAP Graphical User Interface. It is a tool installed on the presentation layer that allows users to log in and interact with the SAP system.
How does the application layer in SAP differ from other software systems?
-In SAP, the application layer is unique because it not only contains application components but also the business data generated by the software, which is typically stored in the database layer in other systems.
What is meant by 'database repository' in the context of SAP?
-A database repository in SAP refers to the collection of programs, reports, screens, and other software-related information that is stored in the database, alongside the business data.
Why is business data important in the database layer?
-Business data is important in the database layer because it represents the output generated by using the application software, such as sales orders, purchase orders, and material master data, which are crucial for business operations.
What is the difference between file system storage and database storage?
-File system storage is used for general data storage on hard drives or external devices without structured organization, while database storage organizes data in a structured manner to allow for fast data retrieval and includes security and backup mechanisms.
Why does SAP store both its software and business data in the database layer?
-SAP stores both its software and business data in the database layer to optimize retrieval speed and efficiency. This allows for faster access to screens and data, which would be slower if stored in a file system due to the large size of SAP software.
What are the .exe and .dll files in the context of application software?
-.exe files are executable files that run the software, while .dll files, or Dynamic Link Library files, are used to link application software with system software, allowing the application to communicate with the operating system and hardware.
What is the role of system software in the interaction between application software and hardware?
-System software, such as the operating system, acts as an intermediary between application software and hardware. It receives requests from application software and communicates with the hardware to perform tasks, such as printing.
How does the structure of SAP's repository in the database differ from other software systems?
-SAP's repository in the database contains not only the software content, such as programs, reports, and screens, but also the business data generated by the software, making it a comprehensive storage for both software components and business information.
Outlines
🌐 Understanding SAP's Three-Tier Architecture
The first paragraph introduces the concept of the three-tier architecture used by SAP. It explains the roles of the presentation layer, application layer, and data layer in the system. The presentation layer is where users log in through various devices, utilizing SAP GUI as the interface. The application layer is where business applications like ERP are installed. The data layer is where business data is stored, and it's unique in SAP because the application software itself is also stored here, not just the business data. This setup allows for faster data retrieval and is a key feature distinguishing SAP from other software systems.
💾 The Role of Databases in Storing and Securing Data
The second paragraph delves into the function of databases in storing and securing data. It contrasts file system storage with database storage, emphasizing the speed and efficiency of data retrieval from databases due to their indexing systems. The paragraph also discusses the importance of databases in organizing data, providing security features like backup and restore, and the use of database software to manage business data effectively. It highlights why SAP stores both its software and business data in the database for improved performance.
🛠️ Application Software and System Software: The Role of EXE and DLL Files
The third paragraph explains the distinction between application software and system software, using examples like MS Office and operating systems. It discusses the purpose of .exe files as executable files for software and .dll files as Dynamic Link Library files that facilitate communication between application software and system software. The paragraph clarifies the importance of these files in the functioning of applications and how they are stored in the application layer, while the bulk of SAP's software content, including programs, reports, and settings, is stored in the database repository.
🔌 SAP's Data Layer: Database Repository and Business Data
The final paragraph focuses on the structure of SAP's data layer, detailing the components of the database repository, which includes the entire SAP software content, and the business data generated by the application. It describes how end users connect to the database and access SAP screens and business data, which are retrieved from the database. The paragraph sets the stage for further discussion on how the application server works in conjunction with the database, which will be covered in subsequent sessions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Presentation Layer
💡Application Layer
💡Data Layer
💡SAP GUI
💡Database Repository
💡Business Data
💡System Software
💡Application Software
💡DLL Files
💡EXE Files
💡SAP Repository
Highlights
SAP follows a three-tier architecture model consisting of presentation, application, and data layers.
The presentation layer involves the SAP GUI, which is the graphical user interface for logging into the SAP system.
The application layer hosts the business application software, which is the core functionality of SAP.
The data layer is where business data is stored, emphasizing the importance of database repositories for structured data storage.
Database repositories include programs, reports, screens, and other software components, not just business data.
SAP's unique approach stores both application software and business data in the database layer, unlike other software systems.
The distinction between file system storage and database storage is highlighted, with databases offering faster data retrieval.
Databases provide security and structured organization for data, which is essential for business applications.
SAP's application components such as .exe and .dll files are stored at the application layer, separate from the business data.
.EXE files are executable files that run the software, while .DLL files are Dynamic Link Libraries that link applications with system software.
The necessity of .DLL files for communication between application software and system software is explained.
System software, such as operating systems, is distinguished from application software like MS Office or WhatsApp.
The role of the application server in connecting SAP screens and business data with the database is mentioned.
The SAP repository contains the entire SAP software content, including programs, reports, and configuration settings.
The efficiency of database software in organizing and securing business data is a key reason for its use in SAP.
The process of how end-users connect to the database and access SAP data is briefly introduced for further discussion.
Transcripts
yes
yes this is a presentation layer
so we are having three layers one is
presentation layer
this one
presentation layer
okay the second one is
application layer
and third one is
data obviously
sap follows three tier architecture
right
so the presentation layer means what
from where you log in
your desktop your page your mobile
from there you log into the system right
that is presentation there how you
connect to the any website
what you need to login into any website
the basic thing is a browser how you
connect to a Linux information
put the same way to login into sap we
are having a tool called sap
GUI what we called as
sap GUI graphical user interface or you
can say a logon pad
log on to that
okay that we installed it presentation
layer means your pieces
from there you connect to application
that application will connect to the
database from database you'll get the
information
so what we have in the database
generally if you take any software
in application layer what we installed
application
software
application
software whatever the application
whether you are using ER erpc business
application right whether you are using
sap Erp whatever the erps you are using
that is a business application so we
install it application layer a database
layer what we have
the first thing is we will be having a
database Repository
database repository what is the meaning
of database Repository
database repository means the programs
report screens of that particular
database software whatever the database
you are using that software
along with the database repository you
will be having
business data why you are using database
to store my business date okay so your
application software will be installed
here
and
your whatever the data you generate by
using that software your that means your
business data that is storing it the
database level for that reason only we
are using database layer to store our
business data
so I'm throwing you one statement
if you take any software in the world
the application functionality
and the data generated by using that
software application functionality means
your software
and data generated by using your
software is your business data like what
data you generate by using business data
if you create a sales order the order
will be your business data purchase
order material Master required whatever
the
generating you're using that software so
you are producing the data the data only
you are saving into the database now
that data will be stored at database
level
so again I am giving you one statement
if you take any software in the world
the application functionality and the
data generated by using that software
both resides differently the software
will be residing at application layer
and the business data is reciting it
database layer but when it comes to sap
the application functionality and the
data generated by using that software
both residing in the database only means
your application software your software
related data you'll be storing it your
database level then what you are we
having
it application layer so I am what I'm
saying we are not saving our application
software here
then what we are having here only if you
have the application components are
storing it application Level call them
as Dot exase and Dot dll files
why
actually your software should be
residing at application layer your
business software is what sap so your
business application is what sap you
have to
install that software application layer
but why you are saving your entire
database in the database database for
business data everybody will use that
database layer for storing the business
data but you are different here you are
saving your software as well as the
business data both in the database there
why what happened to you
if you take any software
the software size will be what for
example if I install one software in
this system my application layer this
host where it will be installed in C
drive
what are the software you install that
will be installed in C drive C drive D
drive after what these drives are what
file system storage right
but uh what is this database layer what
is database exactly tell me
to store the data okay hard disk also
against store my data can I say my
external hard disk has this is my
database
no
when you call your hard disk as a
database if you use any of the database
software to store your business data
so what this database software will do
it will organize your data in a
structured manner so that you can fastly
insert the data firstly retrieve the
data database is not only for storing
the data remember
and it has to provide security to your
data also if you last your original data
now you have to backup you have to
restore it
so there will be some security
mechanisms there will be some storage
mechanisms are there in the database
software then only you can call it as a
database simply don't say your external
hard disk your printers this is my data
all my data is here no no worse
that says file system storage if you are
saving in your hard disk pen drive a C
drive editor that is called as a file
system storage
what is the difference between this file
systems storage and database storage
so for example if you are having some 10
files if I save in C drive if I want to
retrieve it to file so it will read how
if you call the eighth file it will go
with one two three four five six seven
eight it will pick E8
it will read all the files from that it
will be Kate so it will take some time
right if a sales same thing in the
database now
first it will go to index from index it
will directly take your location
directly it will pick 8. so
fast on retrieval is there right
[Music]
in a database if you save your data by
using any of the database software the
retrieval is fast
that is the reason all these companies
will use database software to store
their data otherwise they will have
saved entire thing in your receipt or D
drive right
now why sap
saving its data in the database if you
take any software whatever the software
you know name it the software size will
be 5gb 4GB 3gb 2GB 1GB okay if I save
2 GB software here
if I install it messy trip if I call one
screen from that 2GB it will take hardly
30 to 40 seconds to retrieve that screen
why file system storage is slow
here my date my software size itself to
250 GB was
if I save 250 GB of my software in my C
drive now
if you want to retrieve on sales order
screen how much time it will take it has
to read entire 250 GB then it will bring
your sales order screen
that is the reason sap is saving their
software
also along with their business data you
are purchasing a glass
to drink water
that is your wish you will drink water
or water milk that is your vishna the
same way attaining how I am taking a
database software's license here so
whatever I want I'll save in the
database
I have that facility now this is data
this is also data this is software data
this is my business data whatever
that is the reason sap is saving their
software as well as business data and
the database
only few of the application components
resets outside of the database at
application Level call them as
kernel.exe files or dot dll files
why sap is putting their dot exe fields
and Dot dll file set application Level
so heart of any software is what it's
kernel it's a exes and dlls right along
with that deexes and dlls entire
mechanism
there will be some mechanism of
application layer that will be storing
it that is working at this location only
but whenever you call something some sap
screen it is bringing from database
your business data it is bringing from
the database the mechanism is here dot
exe is your dot dlls will work here but
the data will be storing it
database level
what is dot exe fields executable files
for ready software exe files are hot
what is dll files
Dynamic link Library files what is the
meaning of dll
your having two types of softwares right
one is application software second one
is system software
system software is what your operating
system
application software means
whatever the apps you install on that
operating system is called AS
application software right so now I am
working in Ms paint right is it a system
software or application software
apps your phone also having App Store
what is the meaning of App Store guys
apps it is not an operating system
applications you installed on operating
system you will be having what operating
systems on your phone on Drive
iOS
right and that you install your WhatsApp
Facebook insta all these are apps your
operating systems are called as system
software means the software which you
directly installed on Hardware is called
as system software
the software which you installed on
system software is called AS application
software
so MS office is what application
software WhatsApp Instagram application
softwares system software Windows Linux
Android
iOS these are all operating systems are
system softwares
whenever you install any application you
will get dot dll files
go and check in your program files
in that installation directory you will
get dot dll files
what is the use of this dot dll files
Dynamic link Library files see if I am
working in which Software System
software or application software now Ms
paint means MS Office related MS Office
is the application software so if I give
print here
if I give print here the printer is not
connected to my application software
the printer is connected to the hardware
right if I give print here
this application software and Hardware
is not directly connected in between
them there is a system software so when
I give print here from the application
software the print will request will go
to the system software means your
operating system your operating system
then
calls Hardware to do the print
to link this application software in
system software this dot dll files are
very much important without dot dll
files no application you can run
on the system software you check it
so Hunter of the software I am saving it
application layer
see if You observe in this program fails
MS office if you go to this MS Office
and office 12
see here
all dll files these are DL files without
this dll files your application
won't talk with your system software so
this dot dll files are very much
important for your
applications whatever you installed on
your operating systems
see uh
about exes
I'm having MS Office 2007 software
and this is entire software folder
and I am having one setup dot exe file
if you want to install this software
into your system
will you copy this setup.exe our entire
folder
what happens when I hit on setup.exe
so it will ask me to install the
executable file right so if you copy
only setup.exe file now it won't work
you have to copy entire folder then when
you hit the setup.exe file it will call
all these things MS PowerPoint Ms paint
MS Office Ms Excel everything
so these are all called as repositories
of MS Office the same way when it comes
to sap all entire this folder all your
programs reports screens menu options
everything we are saving in the database
only this setup.exe is and Dot dll
dot exe files 100.dll files we are
saving it
application Level this sap repository
contains what
programs capacity means programs
reports
cranes
menu options
and even printer and fax configuration
settings everything comes under Sap's
repository means entire sap software I
am saving it database level
only.exes and Dot dlls I am saving it
application that means calling is
happening from application layer
entire software is saving it the
database level so
so at a presentation layer we installs
GUI it's a small tool through which we
login into the sap system that will be
installed at our local desktops through
which we will connect to the sap system
at a database level we'll be having in a
database we'll be having sap repository
means entire sap software
along with that the major thing business
data and the database repository
database repository means the software
content of the database when you install
your oracular Hana your home direct will
be there now that uh entire software
related information will be storing in
the database repository so you will be
having sap Repository
database repository and your business
data
this is about your database layer
and what how
your end user is connecting to the
database how sap application is
connected to the database and accessing
all these data sap screens whenever you
call sap screen it is coming from sap
repository whenever you are calling your
business data it is also coming from the
database the mechanism how this
application server will work that we
will see tomorrow
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