Technology

In terms of the Technology, XI runs on the Web Application Server (WAS). WAS supports a secure, highly available, and reliable environment. WAS effectively replaced the original BASIS layer. The WAS provides a unified ABAP and JAVA stack, upon which applications based upon these languages will run. WAS provides the complete foundation for developing, deploying and running all NetWeaver components.

Therefore as long as you have a WAS within your landscape, with XI installed upon it, you can utilise XI as a middleware tool facilitating communications from non NetWeaver SAP systems, such as R/3 4.6c (now out of support).

XI v PI

So what are the latest developments in the XI area? XI was one of the initial elements of NetWeaver NW2004. That version consists of a number of core elements, such as WAS, XI, Portal, SAP-Mobile, MDM. However, SAP has moved away from this 'component' view of NetWeaver with its latest release (NW2004s), towards a more unified view of the components which are used in the provision of a business process empowered by NetWeaver. Therefore these components are now considered as 'Usage Types' and XI is one of them. To further complicate things, when described in terms of a Usage Type, you will see XI described as the 'Process Integration' (PI) element. Bear in mind that XI and PI maintain parity in terms of Support and Patch levels. Also, that PI version 7 = XI version 3.0.

Key drivers for uptake

To move towards a conclusion, the drivers for an XI implementation will mostly come about because of a requirement in one of the following categories:

• replace SAP Business Connector due to SAP Support Termination
• move towards standardised message transfer with a single SAP Centric Middleware solution
• take advantage of the opportunities afforded by NetWeaver
• eliminate support & license costs incurred in utilising 3rd party middleware products
• implement EDI, and need middleware or an EDI-Subsystem
• exchange data with external Partners via VPN etc
• embark on some level of Enterprise SOA Implementation

Summary

XI is a product we're going to become increasingly aware of, and even reliant upon as SAP continues to position it as a central tool within its NetWeaver application suite. It offers some genuine opportunities for standardised message transfer, where real business benefit can be realised over and above the traditional 'hard-wired-hairball' systems interfaces. SAP Customer uptake is gaining momentum. The difficulty is in considering how to get started. Do you overhaul your entire interface framework with XI in the middle? That would be a bold initial step. It may be more suitable to run a Proof of Concept with the simple, but quantified, rationale of reengineering, or implementing for the first time, a suitable interface or two.

Whatever approach you are considering, Bluefin Solutions have the know-how on hand to support you through the process. From an architectural / strategic assessment of your landscape and scenario, to the technical skills needed to implement robust scenarios empowered by NetWeaver and XI, you can be sure of a first class response.

Glossary