This document introduces the SAP software products as they relate to the IT implementation and operations world. Both the high-level business functions as well as the SAP basis system architecture are described as they relate to the IT infrastructure.

It first covers the SAP business application components that are included in the mySAP.com® offering, including everything from the traditional
SAP R /3® to SAP’s new Customer Relationship Management solutions. The intention is to provide a brief overview of what these components are meant for, their underlying technology, and their IT hardware infrastructure requirements.

Secondly it focuses on the essential elements of SAP’s software architecture. SAP gives specific meanings to some widely known terms, which this section defines as a foundation for the rest of this book. Multi-tier architectures are introduced, as well as the SAP kernel and the concept of SAP Instances, Systems, and Landscapes.

Download the document on SAP System Architecture Overview.