Section 15.6. What is SAP NetWeaver XI s role as an integration broker?

15.6. What is SAP NetWeaver XI's role as an integration broker?

While web services can interact directly with SAP NetWeaver AS, in many cases, it is preferable to use a service intermediate called an integration broker. The integration broker can, for instance, handle transformations and therefore map from one service format to another. The integration broker also allows for routing of messages to different or multiple systems based on simple or complex criteria. Figure 15-18 illustrates the role of SAP NetWeaver XI as an integration broker.

Figure 15-18. SAP NetWeaver XI as an integration broker

SAP NetWeaver XI allows for the creation of value-added web services that decouple the service layer from the application. It includes a shared repository of integration knowledge that provides transparency to an organization's integration environment. It supplies monitoring and alerting capabilities and provides mapping and routing tools. For connections to applications that are not web services enabled, SAP NetWeaver XI has an extensive library of application and technical adapters based on J2EE Connector Architecture (JCA).

SAP NetWeaver XI has a built-in business process engine that allows for the orchestration of multiple services into complex, stateful interaction patterns. Business processes are modeled using the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL).

SAP NetWeaver XI includes business packages for implementing industry standards for intercompany business processes. For instance, the SAP Business Package for RosettaNet includes the XML structures used by the standard, the business processes that implement the structures, called Partner Interface Processes, or PIPs, of that standard, the mappings to convert the RosettaNet structures to the corresponding IDOC structures in the mySAP ERP system, the adapter for sending and receiving messages in the RosettaNet Implementation Framework, or RNet protocol, and adapter templates to simplify RosettaNet implementation.