Introducing R/3 Architecture

Overview

Chapter 1: Introducing R/3 Architecture

Contents
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1–1
Presentation........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1–2
Application .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1–2
Data Storage....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1–2

Overview
The SAP R/3 System architecture consists of three layers: Presentation, Application, and Data Storage. The
following diagram illustrates the function served by each layer and how the layers work together:

MS-DOS
Presentation

-Desktop Management W indows

Macintosh
-Help desk

-WAN Management
Hermes
-WAN Monitoring Novell
LAN WAN
OS/2

UNIX
-Automation Application VMS
Server NT
Application

-Workload Distribution

-Workload Balancing

-High Availability

-Performance Tuning UNIX

Database VMS
-Capacity Planing Server Parallel Server
Switch Over

Raid disks / Mirrored Disks / Network Backup

Data storage

-Recovery

-Backup Strategy

-Reorganization

-High Availability

-Performance & Tuning

 1996 SAP Technology, Inc. 1–1

Introducing R/3 Architecture
Overview

Presentation
This is where users of the SAP R/3 System will submit input to the SAP R/3 System for the processing of
business transactions. It is also where the output from these transactions appears as output fields, reports,
tables and spread sheets.
On the desktop level, R/3 offers a user-friendly graphical interface called SAPGUI. The system also
integrates alternative interfaces for optimum compliance with your requirements. This includes
integrating common PC applications. Information exchange is also carried out through the Internet, Kiosk
touch screen systems and telephone applications.

Application
An application is a logically independent component residing at the host operating system level within
the SAP R/3 client/server environment. This component is represented by an application server in the
SAP R/3 network. After a user initiates a request at the presentation level, logic is invoked to service and
process that information. The application logic modules can reside on one centralized host machine or be
distributed over several physical host machines within a particular SAP R/3 network.

Typically, the update and enqueue processes reside on the database server in the application layer. In
most cases, the message, spool and gateway processes will also reside on the database server. The
database server may also be referred to as the “central server”.

On the application level, R/3 offers sophisticated mechanisms to optimally use high-performance system
resources. The system implements interconnections between various applications so that they are practical
from a business perspective. R/3 closes the gap between the exacting concept of a business transaction
and transactions from a data processing perspective.

Data Storage
On the database level, R/3 exclusively uses relational database systems by various manufacturers. R/3 is
able to utilize the most advanced features of each database vendor’s product. In other words, it is not
constrained by the lack of features in any individual database engine. Instead, it is able to fully use a
supplier-specific implementation without jeopardizing it’s own portability.

For further details refer to…

R/3 Basis Knowledge Products

System Management CD Reference → Pre-Installation → R/3 Architecture

R/3 System Online Help

Computing Center Management System → R/3 System Administration → Operation Mode

Basis Courses

R/3 Technology (SAP50)

1–2  1996 SAP Technology, Inc.