SAP Netweaver Corner

New Labels added for categorization of this blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 03:33:00 +0000

I just redefined some of the forum post labels for better categorization of the topics.

I also added a new section for category links.

Hope this can help all visitors to have a better navigation experiences.

Thanks.

Table Filter Error

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:41:00 +0000

SAP NetWeaver Application Server, Java EE 5 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:36:00 +0000

At the May 2006 JavaOne conference, SAP, together with other vendors, showcased a preview of the new Java EE 5-compliant SAP NetWeaver application server, which contained a subset of Java EE 5 specifications.

The JavaOne preview exemplified the server’s powerful capabilities and its adoption of plugins that are widely accepted by the Java community.
The server was accompanied by SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio based on the open-source development tools from Eclipse 3. It featured Eclipse Web Tools Platform (WTP) plug-ins for Web and Java development rather than SAP’s own proprietary tool solutions, highlighting the open-standards approach of the new application server.

Now, a fully compliant demo version, which has evolved beyond the JavaOne preview version to contain all Java EE 5 specifications, is available for download from the SAP Developer Network at https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/downloaditem?rid=/library/uuid/cfc19866-0401-0010-35b2-dc8158247fb6. The new server is the predecessor for the next release of SAP NetWeaver and is designed to integrate seamlessly with previous SAP NetWeaver installations.

With the SAP NetWeaver Application Server (SAP NetWeaver AS), Java EE 5 Edition, you can develop Java EE applications based on the new Java EE 5 standard as well as migrate existing J2EE applications.

Web Application Development focus Java - Study Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:52:00 +0000

I found a very good blog in SDN that provide you the study guide for Web Application Development focus Java. It gives you the outline of the topics based on the certification exam struture.

Here is the link:
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/weblogs?blog=/pub/wlg/5559

SAP Collaboration - Groupware Integration

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:17:00 +0000

Groupware Integration refers to the integration of e-mails and the calendar from your groupware server, eg: Lotus Domino Server or MS Exchaneg Server. Groupware Integration provides an abstraction of different groupware applications and provides the necessary APIs for integration with SAP EP.

You can view this Powerpoint presentation for more introduction and technical/configuration details: https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/e2bea6e3-0601-0010-7aaf-9747246e31b2

SAP Claims Management

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:11:00 +0000

SAP Claims Management is one of the most powerful offering for the insurance industry with lots of features, functionality, interfaces and a lot more. Many insurance companies are looking for a claims management software that could handle majority of their business processes like claims handling, regulatory reporting, payment management, handling negotiations & litigations and not to forget load balancing of claims being handled by claim adjusters.

While there are some claims solutions out there, SAP can offer the most powerful tools and functionality that would make the entire claims management a robust business activity. SAP Insurance solution has been widely acknowledged in the European countries till date and it has been gaining a lot of interest since its introduction to the US industry recently.

Please check out more details in SAP official website: www.sap.com or direct link here: http://www.sap.com/usa/industries/insurance/claimsmanagement.epx

SAP Certification Exam - Development Consultant SAP Netweaver 2004s – NetWeaver Portal

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 04:31:00 +0000

The certification test consists of questions from the areas specified below:

Topic Areas:
1. Visual Composer (+)
Build and Run Applications
2. Portal Runtime (+)
Definition
3. Portal Components (+++)
Personalization
Internationalization
4. Portal Services and Web Services( +)
Portal Services
Web Services
5. User Management (+)
User Management Engine, Persistent Manager and Adapters
LDAP directories
Interfaces
User Management methods and states
6. Connector Framework (+)
Overview, resource adapters, JCA and CCI
SAP BAPI, transactions and Function Builder
Jar Files for Connector Framework
Deployment descriptor, Interaction Spec and closing connections
JDBC
7. Enterprise Portal Client Framework(+)
Client Eventing, Client Data Bag and EPCF levels
Subscribing and Raising Events
8. WebDynpro Integration(+)
General Concepts and Integration
9. SAP Enterprise Portals Fundamentals(+)
The Big Picture
The End-User Perspective
Technical Infrastructure
Portal Platform Content
10. WebDynpro(+)
User Interfaces
Controller Contexts
Controller Architecture
Components
Generic UI-Services
Dynamic Programming
Models
Internationalization
Web Dynpro Security
Debugging

Adaptive RFCs Amount of questions by topic (as percentage of test):
+ = 1 - 10%
++ = 11 - 20%
+++ = over 20%

SAP NetWeaver - Portal Developer Consultant Courses and Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 04:05:00 +0000

Below is the diagram of the curriculum for Developer Consultant Certification.
The courses are included:
JA300 SAP J2EE Fundamentals
Duration: 5 days
Course Content
Overview of the SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java system architecture
Administration tools: Visual Administrator, SAP Management Console
SAP NetWeaver Development Infrastructure (NWDI)
Overview of Enterprise JavaBeans
Introduction to the SAP persistence framework - SAP Java Dictionary - Open SQL for Java - Overview of supported persistence models: JDBC, SQLJ, entity beans, and JDO
SAP Web Dynpro Java (introduction)
Servlets, JSP (introduction)
Programming Java application clients and Web clients for EJBs

JA310 Java Web Dynpro
Duration: 5 days
Course Content
Core Positioning
Web Dynpro development with the SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio
Web Dynpro Controller
Context definition
Context access at runtime
UI elements
Messages and multilingual capability
Input help
Debugging Web Dynpro applications
Dynamic changes to context and UI
Using models using adaptive RFC as an example

TEP12 SAP NetWeaver Portal Development
Duration: 5 days
Course Content
The big picture
The end user perspective
Technical infrastructure
Portal platform content - Object Model for Portal Content - Working with iViews, Pages, Worksets and Roles - Business Packages
Overview and positioning of development tools
Introduction to SAP NW Visual Composer
Introduction to SAP NW Developer Studio and PDK
Portal Applications and the Portal Runtime
Implementation of Portal Components. In particular compromising: server side eventing, personalization, internationalization
Custom Portal Services and Web Services
Standard Portal Services. In particular compromising the usages of: User Management, Connector Framework
Enterprise Portal Client Framework
Building and integrating WebDynpro applications into the NW Portal
Certification examination for Development Consultants SAP NW Portal, based on the content of the courses JA310 and TEP12.

Enterprise Portal Administration Courses and Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:42:00 +0000

Here is the courses for Enterprise Portal Administration offered by SAP Education:

(Note: You don't have to take every one of them. You can skip the course that you think you have enough knowledge.)

Course Description
Code: NW001
Name: Technology Solutions Powered by SAP NetWeaver
Price: United States: $695.00
Level: E-Learning
Length: 8 hours

Objectives:
Provide an overview of NetWeaver and its integrated components.
Identify opportunities to use SAP NetWeaver integration tools and solutions to improve the way your business implements key processes.

Content:
Introduction to NetWeaver
Unveiling the Application Platform - Java: Developing a Web Application - ABAP: Using Business Logic - Uncovering the Core Architecture - Integrating Business Processes - Accessing Exchange Infrastructure - Using Integration Builder - Managing Business Processes
Leveraging Business Information - Introducing Data Warehousing - Collecting and Consolidating Data - Decision-Making and Analysis - Managing Intellectual Assets - Master Data Management
Streamlining Access to Information and Tools - Using the Portal to Simplify Access - Configuring the Portal Platform - Configuring Portal Content - Configuring Portal Navigation - Assigning Portal Content to Users through Roles - Leveraging Expertise through Collaboration
Making Business Processes Mobile - Embracing the Future - Managing Technology Life Cycle - Extending Functionality - Combining Technologies

Course Description
Code: SAPEP
Name: SAP NetWeaver Portal Fundamentals
Price: United States: $1,150.00
Price: Canada: $1,400.00 **
Level: 2
Length: 2 days

Objectives:
This course will prepare you to:
Understand the need for an enterprise portal
Log on to, navigate, and personalize the portal
Describe the components in SAP NetWeaver Portal
Explain and use the main functions
Content:
The big picture
The end-user perspective
Technical infrastructure
Portal platform content - Object Model for Portal Content - Working with iViews, Pages, Worksets and Roles - Business Packages - Positioning Portal Content Development Tools
Security aspects
Knowledge management: - Content Management - Search and Classification (TREX)
Collaboration - Virtual Rooms - Real-Time Collaboration (RTC)

Course Description
Code: OEP60S
Name: Online Knowledge Product SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 SP02
Price: United States: $500.00
Level:E-Learning
Length:1 day

Content:
This Online Knowledge Product contains the official new release knowledge for SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 and makes it available for access anywhere and anytime. It is role-based and prioritized to provide the most convenient and efficient learning experience. The Online Knowledge Product consists of 4 separate Learning Maps for SAP Enterprise Portal solution consultant roles with regards to Knowledge Management and Portal as well as for SAP Enterprise Portal development consultant role. Each Learning Map contains a variety of learning objects, such as recorded expert presentations, interactive tutorials and simulations, documentation and self-tests. In addition to the Online Knowledge Product, Live Expert Sessions can be offered. The student has the opportunity to attend these sessions online without the need to travel. The focus of the Live Expert Sessions is to clarify open topics about the SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0.

Course Description
Code:ADM200
Name:SAP Web AS Java Administration
Price:United States: $3,250.00
Price:Canada: $3,875.00 **
Level:3
Length:5 days

Objectives:
Carrying out fundamental administration tasks during SAP Web AS Java operation
Content:
Fundamentals of SAP Web AS Java
Installation of an additional Java instance for an existing SAP system
Starting and stopping
Basic configuration of SAP Web AS Java
User management
Monitoring
Patching for SAP Web AS Java
Change management for SAP Web AS Java
SAP transport management for Java
Other topics related to system administration for Java stack

Course Description
Code:EP200
Name:SAP NetWeaver Portal System Administration
Price:United States: $3,250.00
Price:Canada: $3,875.00 **
Level:3
Length:5 days

Objectives:
This course will prepare you to:
Configure user administration and logon
Implement an authorization concept in the portal
Describe the variants of Single Sign-On
Connect SAP systems to an SAP NetWeaver Portal
Operate and monitor an SAP NetWeaver Portal securely
Adapt the Portal user interface to company specifications
Implement advanced portal scenarios
Content:
User administration and authentication
Portal authorization concept
Single Sign-On with back-end systems
Integrating SAP applications - Solution management - Logging and monitoring - Integration in the CCMS - Backup strategies - Translation process - Transports
Secure system management
Design changes and branding
Advanced scenarios - External portal - Federated portal network Notes

Course Description
Code:EP300
Name:Configuration of Knowledge Management and Collaboration
Price:United States: $3,250.00
Price:Canada: $3,875.00 **
Level:3
Length:5 days

Objectives:
You will learn how to configure SAP NetWeaver Knowledge Management and SAP NetWeaver Collaboration and to integrate them in SAP NetWeaver Portal.
Understand and implement the functionalities of Content Management, Search and Classification, Collaboration with SAP NetWeaver.
Content:
Overview of SAP NetWeaver knowledge management
Content management functions - Create and publish documents - Overview of connecting WebDAV and ICE - Collaboration functions in content management
Administration and configuration - Repositories and Repository Manager - Attributes and metadata - Form-based publishing (XML Forms Builder) - Adjusting the user interface
Search and classification (TREX) - Index administration - Taxonomies and classification - Adjusting the search dialog
Technical infrastructure - Content Management - TREX - Monitoring and logging
SAP NetWeaver collaboration - Introduction to the collaboration services - Architecture, configuration and administration of rooms - Functions and configuration of Real-Time Collaboration - Groupware integration

Course Description
Code:EP600
Name:Configuration of the Universal Worklist
Price:United States: $650.00
Price:Canada: $775.00 **
Level:3
Length:1 day

Content:
Introduction to Universal Worklist
Using Universal Worklist
Personalize Universal Worklist
Connecting Universal Worklist to an SAP Business Workflow System
Configure the Universal Worklist iView
Set Universal Worklist Service Parameters
Enable Delta Pull Mechanism
Introduce Advanced Configuration Possibilities

Course Description
Code:OEP64S
Name:Online Knowledge Product SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40
Price:United States: $500.00
Level:E-Learning
Length:1 day

Objectives:
Describe the SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40 functionality.
Plan your SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40 implementation project.
Implement SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40.

Content:
This Online Knowledge Product contains the official new release knowledge for SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40 and makes it available for access anywhere and anytime. It is role-based and prioritized to provide the most convenient and efficient learning experience. The Online Knowledge Product consists of 3 separate Learning Maps for Implementation Portal solution consultants, Implementation Portal KMC consultants, and Portal content consultants. Each Learning Map contains a variety of learning objects, such as recorded expert presentations, interactive tutorials and simulations, documentation and self-tests. In addition to the Online Knowledge Product, Live Expert Sessions can be offered. The student has the opportunity to attend these sessions online without the need to travel. The focus of the Live Expert Sessions is to clarify open topics about the SAP Enterprise Portal 6.0 on SAP Web AS 6.40.

Course Description
Code:HR290
Name:System Configuration for ESS/MSS
Price:United States: $1,300.00
Price:Canada: $1,550.00 **
Level:3
Length:2 days

Objectives:
Describing the NetWeaver 2004s based ESS/MSS Architecture Understanding the interaction of SAPNW Enterprise Portal WebDynpro Services,and SAP backend system in terms of the essential features in the technical infrastructure forERP2005 Be able to explain and execute thetechnical configuration of all components being involved in the ESS/MSS WebDynpro Application
Content:
NetWeaver 2004s based ESS/MSS Architecture.
Required Components and Usage Types in an ESS/MSS Landscape. Describing the necessary installation steps for a new ESS/MSS Landscape.
Describing the necessary installation steps for an existing ESS/MSS Landscape.
Performing the necessary SLD configuration steps for a SAP ESS/MSS Landscape.
SAP Enterprise Portal and the technical connection to the SAP system.
Describing the installation and performing technical configuration of Adobe Document Services.
Describing and performing technical configuration of Internet Graphics Server.
Performing the technical configuration of the WebDynpro Application using an ESS-based example.
Applying patches by using the Java Support Package Manager.
Understanding and solving the Top Ten Problems.

SAP Education and Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:07:00 +0000

After exploring some SAP/Netweaver experience, you may want to go further to get yourself certified and start your career in SAP/Netweaver.

Here, I would like to provide some information about SAP Education courses provided by SAP and its Education Partner.

SAP Education is a complete solutions provider offering tailored products and services for SAP customers, partners, and independent consultants.It offers both classroom and e-learning training.

After a series of courses training, you can sit for the Certification Exam for that particular area for no additional cost.

If you have a SAP Service Marketplace user login, you may visit this link for more information:

http://www50.sap.com/useducation/

If you don’t have the access, you can contact SAP Education toll-free number for more information on courses and certification exam: +1-877-876-7271.

DiscountClick Online Marketing Services (Sponsored Link)

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 02:47:00 +0000

DiscountClick is a online marketing company that offer various of internet marketing services.

DiscountClick has a completed SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tool and a group of SEO consultants are ready to provide you professional consulting services for your SEO strategy. These are included Natural Search Management, Keyword Analysis, Link Building Service, Non Reciprocal Link programs, ode Optimization, Content Writing, Monitoring and Reporting and etc.

You can visit DiscountClick website for more information.

Book: Inside Web Dynpro for Java

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 02:08:00 +0000

I was introducing the book "Maximizing Web Dynpro for Java" two weeks ago. It is more like a example-based explanantion for someone who know Web Dynpro and work with it for sometimes.

If you are new to Web Dynpro for Java. This is a book that I recommend you to read- "Inside Web Dynpro for Java". The author of this book is Chris Whealy. (Of course, I have a copy of this book too..)

This unique book on SAP's new Java-based user interface (UI) technology teaches readers how to leverage the full power of Web Dynpro — taking it well beyond the standard “drag and drop” functionality. You’ll start with a detailed introduction to the Web Dynpro basics like MVC Design Pattern, the general architecture, event handling and the phase model. Then, benefit from expert guidance on how to create your own Web Dynpro applications, with volumes of practical insights on the do’s and don’ts of Web Dynpro Programming. The authors provide you with detailed sections on the use of the Adaptive RFC layer, as well as Dynamic Programming techniques, to name just a few. This exceptional book is complemented by an in-depth class and interface reference, which further assists readers in their efforts to modify existing objects, design custom controllers, and much more.

Some highlight on this book:

General architecture
Coding principles in Web Dynpro
Dynamic UI generation
The Common Model Interface
The Adaptive RFC layer
Web Dynpro phase model
Class and Interface Reference

You can order this book from SAP Press:
http://www.sap-press.com/product.cfm?account=&product=H983

Dclick Ads (Sponsored Link)

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 21:46:00 +0000

Dclick Ads is an online company offering Internet advertising and marketing services to advertisers. Apart from that, Dclick Ads is also a marketplace that allows publishers to set their own price on the ads placement. Dclick Ads offers variety of ads style which include classic banner ads, standard text link ads or premium embedded links directly within the text content of web pages. It is free to join. Check it out.

What is mySAP CRM?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:11:00 +0000

mySAP CRM stand for mySAP Customer Relationship Management. mySAP CRM is part of the mySAP Business Suite. It is a multi-channel package the provide functionalities support all customer-facing lines of business across marketing, sales, and service, as well as customer interaction channels.

Here are some business scenarios that CRM will cover, for instance:

Marketing Management – i.e. campaign management, customer profitability analysis, digital asset management, scenario planning, survey analytics and etc.

Sales Management – i.e. sales planning, account and contact management, lead and opportunity management, quotation and order management, contract management, incentive and commission management and etc.

Interaction Center – it has Interaction Center for marketing, sales, sales order, management and services

E-commerce – covers e-marketing, e-selling and –service

Channel Management – account and contract management, campaign management with channel partner, lead and opportunity with channel partner, collaborative selling, partner management, quotation and order management for business-on-behalf.

You can refer to this link for more functional and technical documentation: http://help.sap.com/saphelp_crm50/helpdata/en/0d/02cc3e1cc6304fe10000000a114084/frameset.htm

Book: Maximazing Web Dynpro for Java

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 01:15:00 +0000

I have been followed the Integrating Web Dynpro and SAP NetWeaver Portal Series written by Jochen Guertler published in SDN. In the series, he introduce this book - Maximazing the Wed Dynpro for Java. I have ordered this book, and I think this is really a good investment to have one if you want to understand more on this new UI technology in SAP.

This book has it all - everything you need to know in order to get the very most from your Web Dynpro applications - straight from the developers at SAP.

Based on interesting (and surprising) sample applications, such as GameStation, Google Search, and MusicBox, this unique reference helps you easily memorize the vast array of Web Dynpro for Java capabilities in an engaging and entertaining manner.

Readers learn about the dynamic creation of UI components and how to access web services and get details on the integration of Web Dynpro applications into SAP NetWeaver Portal, the componentization of applications, navigation options between different Web Dynpro applications, display techniques, and much more. An entire chapter is devoted to the installation, configuration, and administration of the Web Dynpro runtime. In addition, this comprehensive book provides you with many tips and tricks to increase the speed, security, and structure of your Web Dynpro applications, as well as key insights on troubleshooting and performance optimization.

You can order this book in SAP Press or Amazon.com

Introduction to SAP Employee Self Services

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 16:53:00 +0000

In the past few years, Employee Self Service (ESS) is getting popular and many corporations deployed this module.

What is it about? ESS implementation help to let employees responsible for maintaining their own personal information such as personal profile, vacations, sick leave, training and etc. In the past time, an employee used to make phone calls or filing up paper forms in HR Department to perform their personal information maintenance. But now, through the deployment of SAP ESS, it provides a simplified channel for the employee to access and maintain their personal information through web browser anywhere they like.

In SAP, there are two options for implementing ESS. You can implement through SAP Enterprise Portal or use a standalone solution with transaction PZM3 in SAP R/3. If a company had some investment on SAP portal technology for other functionalities, it is strongly recommended to implement the ESS through portal as it provides more unified platform for managers and employees that perform other tasks through portal.

So, what functionality ESS provide? Here is a summary list:
● Benefits and Payment
● Working Time
● Career and Job
● Employee Search
● Personal Data
● Travel Management
● Corporate Information
● Life and Work Events

You can also visit to this link for more information:
ESS in Personnel Administration
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2005vp/helpdata/en/c5/0fab358b096510e10000009b38f839/frameset.htm

Business Package for Employee Self Services
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2005vp/helpdata/en/c4/4f5a41a8f17743b15e15ebdeaa0c5d/frameset.htm

This is how ESS looks like in the portal.

How and Where to Use the Tag Library?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 01:18:00 +0000

You can use any navigation tag like you use other JSP tags in your JSP pages. As usual, you create a portal components in a PAR file that contains all the JSP pages and a portalapp.xml file.

Here is a check list to make sure before you start using the navigation tag:

1) As you refer other tag library (i.e. htmlb, make sure you add the following tag library reference at the top of your JSP page:

<%@ taglib uri="NavigationTagLibrary" prefix="nav" %>

2) Go to the portalapp.xml file, add the following:

as a sharing reference in "application-config".

and

as a shring reference in "component-profile".

Navigation Tag Library

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 21:32:00 +0000

SAP provided portal developers a navigation tag library to make their job easy in developing navigation iviews based on JSP pages.

The tags provide access to the navigation node and the iteration of the node, we can create top-level and detail-navigation easily by controlling the start node of the navigation node.

Usually, developer uses this tag in light framework page.

The navigation tag library has the following categories:

1) Navigation Iterator

- Iterates through a set of nodes, exposing in its body a different navigation node during each iteration.

2) Navigation Node

- Exposes specific navigation node, select the current node and its parent node to execute the body tag.

3) Operator

- Performs operations like storing or recall a navigation node.

4) Rendering

- display HTML (can e any form of interface compomnent) based on the currently exposed navigation node.

5) Conditional

- Check true or false condition to determine whether to include its tag body.

Workflow of Setting Up an External-Facing Portal

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 22:37:00 +0000

Here is a general workflow list specify the tasks of implementing External Facing Portal:

1) Define User Profiles:
Set up the portal to accept anonymous users, and define the users and groups to which anonymous and self-registered users are mapped.

2) Create and Assign Content to Anonymous/Self-Registered Users:
Select the content to be accessible to anonymous and self-registered users, and then assign these

3) Configure Navigation Cache:
To improve performance, the portal caches navigation hierarchies and nodes, so that the portal can retrieve the hierarchy from the cache instead of creating it for each request.

By default, caching is turned off. After the portal is set up and tested, turn on and configure caching by setting the appropriate J2EE parameters.

4) Create/Modify Navigation iViews:
Create your own navigation iViews, or modify the default light navigation iViews to fit your company’s needs. You can use the Navigation tag library to build JSP-based navigation iViews.

5) Modify the Light Framework Page:
Replace the navigation iViews in the light framework page with your customized navigation iViews.

6) Customize Styles in Theme Editor (optional):
The Theme Editor now includes styles that are used in the default light navigation iViews.

7) Assign Light Framework Page to Users/Groups/Roles:
Using desktop display rules, assign the light framework page to anonymous and self-registered users, as well as other users who need it.

Display rules enable administrators to assign different desktops to different users or groups of users. Desktops are combinations of framework pages and themes.

You can assign desktops based on the URL alias, role or group, or the user’s network bandwidth.

The following rules are needed:

Light Desktop:
By default, all users receive the default desktop, which includes the default framework page. Create a rule that provides the light desktop to users who need it.
For example, you could create a rule that provides the light desktop for anyone who accesses the portal with the light alias, as in http://myServer:50000/irj/portal/

Default Desktop:
Create a rule that provides the default desktop to users who need it.

For example, you could create a rule that provides the default desktop for anyone who accesses the portal with the default alias, as in http://myServer:50000/irj/portal/default. You could also create a rule that provides the default desktop for anyone in a specific group.

For more details, please refer to SAP Help Library.

Introduction to Navigation Caching

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:01:00 +0000

One of the nice feature of improving performance of the External Facing Portal is “Navigation Caching”. We can cache the navigation hierarchy and nodes of the user so that the same node loaded by other users will be not be reloaded from the server, this will significantly improve the performance, especially for most of the users that using the same workset or navigation hierarchy.

Another word, Navigation Cache is to improve performance on the server-side. By saving the Navigation Nodes in memory, the number of calls to the PCD or any other backend systems are reduced.When the user launch the framework page, the portal can take the navigation hierarchy from the cache instead of creating it from scratch.The cache is implemented in a First in - First out manner (FIFO).

Navigation caching works in the background, and there's not much you have to do -- except turn it on!!

You can configure the portal navigation caching by using SAP J2EE Visual Administrator tool. After you have connected to VA tool, go to Clusterà Services à com.sap.portal.prt.sapj2ee, then look for the following properties:

Whether navigation caching is turned on (portal.navigation.cache.enable)
The maximum size of the navigation cache (portal.navigation.cache.lifetime)
For how long each object is valid (portal.navigation.cache.maxsize)

Portal Navigation with Short URLs VS Quick Links

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 02:57:00 +0000

Since Netweaver 04, the new Service Pack has provides a very nice features to improve the navigation in the portal. More and more companies start to implement External Facing Portal.

There are two navigation methods are very useful when we implement External Facing Portal, there are Short URLs and Quick Links.
Before these two navigation methods, we used to implement Absolute Navigation and Relative Navigation links to navigate portal pages and iviews among the navigation nodes.
One of the draw back of using these navigation methods are the navigation path is usually getting so long that it may cause more times to load the page, especially when we try to implement a light-weight navigation framework for out external portal. Also there is a limitation to the length of URLs, the long URL can lead to loading problem.

Now, we can use Short URLs and Quick Links to improve this problem.

I wrote a forum post about the SDN last week and get some good inputs from some members.

Here I would like to make some summary on these two navigation methods.
The portal supports navigation based on short URLs (also called Hashed URLs, as the navigation service actually put the long URL into a has table and assign a hash key for it). Instead of a URL such as the following:
http://myServer:50000/irj/portal?NavigationTarget=
ROLES://portal_content/administrator/super_admin/super_admin_role
/com.sap.portal.system_administration/com.sap.portal.system_admin_ws/com.sap.portal.permissions
the portal creates another URL for the same navigation target such as the following:
http://myServer:50000/irj/portal?NavigationTarget=
navurl://0c3c7ac0dfe1083d8f50ae954b8ec25f
(Note: 0c3c7ac0dfe1083d8f50ae954b8ec25f is the hash key in the hash table where the long URL assigned to.)

An administrator can turn this feature on, and then the navigation service creates hashed URLs for all navigation nodes. All links created by the navigation service are generated as hashed URLs and not as the original URL.
Also, the portal enables users to navigate to a specific node by entering the portal’s base address followed by a short string, or quick link.
For nodes defined by the roles connector, a portal administrator can assign quick links to a node by setting the Quick Link property of the iView or page associated with the node.

The quick link is for end users to get to a specific location quickly - it is a user friendly way to navigate. The short URL is mainly to prevent incredibly long URLs appearing all over the place.
In order to use the Short URL's you need to
1. Set the "Use Short URLs" property to "TRUE". This is done from System Administration -> Navigation -> Short URL's
2. View the iViews at least once from the portal, so that a short URL is generated before you can use the Short URL.

Where as in the case of the Quick URL, we need to add a value to the "Quick Link" property associated with the iView.

We usually use the Short URLs in an External Facing portal scenario, while we use Quick Links in the normal Portal scenario.

When you use Short URLs a unique short URL id is created for the iViews. No duplication of values for Short URLs.
In case of Quick Links nothing prevents you from creating a duplicate quick link. If one quick link string is defined for two navigation nodes, the first node in the user’s navigation tree is displayed.

I personally think that these navigation methods make the portal navigation like the regular websites, and it provides more efficient navigation and more user-friendly, in the sense that we don’t have to track the long URL in the web browser. It may also provides more security for the portal, since the actual portal navigation path is not shown in the browser URL field.

Development Tasks in implementing External Facing Portal

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 22:46:00 +0000

The following portal features are relevant to developers when implementing an external-facing portal:

1) Light Framework Page
This includes a light navigation iViews that do not use HTMLB or client-side eventing (EPCM) ,and heavy loaded JavaScript.This will significantly reduces the resources required for rendering the page.

It also renders the portal in a single frame, which enables Web-like behavior. This will eliminate using Client Side Eventing to communicate between frames, and preventing using a lot of Java Script function.

2) Resource-Sensitive Page Builder
You can specify an iVIew whether it need to load unnnecessary javascript by specifying "EPCFLevel" property in the iview.
The property can have the following values:
● 0: This component does not use EPCF. Neither scripts nor applets are included.
● 1: This component uses all EPCF features implemented with pure JavaScript.
● 2: This component uses all EPCF features implemented with pure JavaScript and applets.
For the light weight page, it will be set to "0".

3) JSP Tag Libraries
Here is a list of JSP Tags released by SAP for developer to customize layouts when they implementing External Facing Portal:

Navigation Tag Library: Enables you to develop iViews that access the current user’s navigation hierarchy. The tag library is generally used for top-level and detailed navigation iViews.
Framework Tag Library: Enables the creation of links for various portal functions, such as logging off or personalizing the portal. The tag library is generally used for masthead and page title bar iViews.
Layout Tag Library: Enables you to develop page layouts, and to develop custom iView trays.

Success Story of External Facing Portal (EFP)

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:18:00 +0000

Starting with the SAP NetWeaver 2004 SP14 Portal and the portal capabilities of SAP NetWeaver 2004s SPS6, the SAP NetWeaver portal offering was extended to provide support for external facing portal (EFP) implementations.

Here are some enhanced features provided by EFP:

a new light framework page,
an enhanced server cache,
navigation features targeted for EFP implementations,
tag libraries for creating and adapting navigation iViews, documentation ,and best practices for EFP implementation,

This allow us to implement a .com portal much faster and easier.

You can visit to Wyeth.Com (http://www.wyeth.com) that implemented with EFP technology.

How to display child items of ResourceDetailedGroupRenderer with XML Form Renderer(News Renderer)?

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 17:24:00 +0000

How do I display the child items of the folders like belows, insteads of just a list of items.

This is rendered with the modified version of XMLNewsRenderer.

Remark:

You can refer to the same forum thread I posted in SDN:

How to display child items of ResourceDetailedGroupRenderer with XML Form Renderer(News Renderer)?

Download and Installation of Sneak Preview Version of SAP Netweavewer Package

noreply@blogger.com (Kent_S) — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 21:06:00 +0000

To understand more on SAP Netweaver Portal, it is a good idea to download and install the Sneak Preview version of the SAP Netweaver 04 (the latest one is SP15).

To download this Trial Version, you can go to: https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/downloads.
Just follow the installation guide in the installtion package.

Here I give you the list of items that you are going to install with the installton package.
1) SAP Web Application Server
2) SAP Enterprice Portal
3) SAP Content Mangement and Collaboration (not included TREX)
4) SAP Netweaver Developer Studio
5) SAP NetWeaver Development Infrastructure
6) SAP Composite Application Framework including Guided Procedures
7) Interactive Forms based on Adobe Software

Based on my own experience, although it is only required 1Gb RAM to run the portal, but I suggest you to have 2GB RAM in your system to install this. As you will see some undesirable result and waiting time to get some things load and execute by have just 1 GB RAM.
(especially when you have about J2EE engine, database, 3-5 portal browser with heavy memory execution, and your Netweaver Studio up running).

Good luck for the trial!