SAP BASIS -- ARCHITECTURE 1

Summary

This 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

00:00

🌐 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.

05:01

💾 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.

10:02

🛠️ 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.

15:03

🔌 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.

Keywords

💡Presentation Layer

The presentation layer is the topmost layer of a three-tier architecture, which includes the user interface and the means through which users interact with the system. In the context of the video, it refers to the graphical user interface (GUI) of SAP, where users log in from various devices such as desktops or mobiles. The script mentions that SAP GUI is a tool for logging into the SAP system, emphasizing the importance of this layer in facilitating user interaction with the application.

💡Application Layer

The application layer is the middle layer in a three-tier architecture, which contains the business logic of the system. In the video, it is mentioned that this layer is where application software such as ERP systems like SAP ERP is installed. The script explains that while the application software is installed here, SAP uniquely stores both the application software and the business data in the database layer, which is different from other software applications.

💡Data Layer

The data layer is the bottom layer in a three-tier architecture, responsible for storing and managing data. The script describes it as the place where business data is stored, and it is also where SAP stores its application software content, which is unusual compared to other software applications. This layer is crucial for the retrieval and storage of business data generated by the application software.

💡SAP GUI

SAP GUI stands for SAP Graphical User Interface, which is the tool used for logging into the SAP system. The script mentions it as part of the presentation layer, highlighting its role as the interface through which users connect to the SAP application. It is a critical component for user interaction with the SAP system.

💡Database Repository

A database repository, as discussed in the script, refers to the collection of programs, reports, screens, and other software-related information that is stored within the database. In the context of SAP, the database repository is where the entire SAP software content is stored, including programs, reports, and screens, which is a unique approach compared to other software applications.

💡Business Data

Business data refers to the information generated by using business applications, such as sales orders, purchase orders, and material requirements. The script explains that in SAP, this data is stored in the database layer, which is also where the application software is stored, unlike other systems where business data is typically stored separately from the application software.

💡System Software

System software is the software that is directly installed on the hardware and includes operating systems like Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. The script distinguishes system software from application software, explaining that system software provides the underlying platform on which application software runs, and it is crucial for linking application software to hardware components like printers.

💡Application Software

Application software refers to the programs that are installed on top of system software to perform specific tasks for the user. Examples given in the script include MS Office, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These applications are what users interact with directly and are distinct from the underlying system software that supports them.

💡DLL Files

DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library files, which are important components that link application software to system software. The script explains that without DLL files, applications cannot communicate with the operating system. They are crucial for the functioning of application software installed on operating systems.

💡EXE Files

EXE files, or executable files, are the primary components of ready-to-run software. The script mentions that when installing software like MS Office, the setup.exe file is used to initiate the installation process, which then calls upon all the necessary components of the software. EXE files are essential for the execution of software applications.

💡SAP Repository

The SAP repository is a term used in the script to describe the collection of all SAP software content, including programs, reports, screens, and configuration settings, which are stored in the database. It is a comprehensive term that encapsulates the entirety of the SAP software environment as it exists within the database layer.

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