SAP web application server supports development of J2EE and ABAP applications and utilizes internet paradigms to improve and support transactional operations of ERP. It is an important component of MySAP technology. SAP Web application server contains an object oriented and repository based set of tools to allow user to develop enterprise web applications called BSP applications, this set of tools for developing BSP applications is called web application builder. The concept of BSP applications is similar to that of ASP and JSP, BSP applications contain code developed by using ABAP or Java and HTML which is compiled by the server on request.
SAP web application server supports Java and ABAP in parallel and uses one database. Internet communication manager is one of the four important functions of SAP WAS, this is an independent process which conducts communication of server with external intranet or internet supporters by standard protocols such as HTTP, SMTP and HTTPS. Internet communication manager of SAP WAS use dynamic and active content caching technology to improve scalability and web performance.
Business environment consists of full certified J2EE environment which allows users to develop web applications and business logic and enables interaction between ICM and Java and ABAP applications. To provide integration of third party tools, SAP web application server supports simple object access protocol and XML based protocol, which leads SAP WAS to provide complete interoperability across SAP and third party components. The fourth function of SAP web application server is to provide relational database for data storage and retrieval.
SAP web application server is highly compatible which allows users to interact with web applications via XML or HTML either directly or through a web server. It can interact through standard internet protocols too. It provides developers with the facility of server side scripting similar to Active Server Pages and Java Server Pages by the means of Business Server Pages. Its open integration provides communication with all the SAP and non-SAP applications and it ensures authentic and secure communication by using standard internet security like secure sockets layer and also supports use of cookies for identifying the user. Its support to all SAP compatible operating systems and databases, support to open technology, major internet protocols and document standards and support to objects and processes in J2EE or ABAP makes it platform independent and adaptable to any technical infrastructure.
SAP web application server is an excellent blend of traditional and latest methodologies and technology like web dynpro for developing professional web applications with efficient presentation logic. Web dynpro technology provides sophisticated development and runtime environment for applications based on server side scripting. Apart from web dynpro cluster management functionalities and advanced load management are key features of SAP web application server. SAP WAS has become a natural choice for customers who seek high level of expandability to counter the demands of dynamic environment. It also augurs well by supporting web developer's task in versioning, debugging, deployment and transporting which makes it developer friendly and helps in development of more faster and user friendly web applications.
