How can you transfer Basis skills to NetWeaver?

With the increasing intricacy of software architecture (no longer can software architects enjoy the relative simplicity of the one-system R/3) and SAP’s tendency to work with software development platforms and technologies like Java, message throughput, SSO, integrated partner applications sold by SAP, and enterprise service-oriented architecture (SOA), being an architect for SAP NetWeaver now requires not only full proficiency in the fundamentals of this progressive technology, but also an understanding of the potential of NetWeaver’s solutions.

Any aspiring NetWeaver architect must have a full mastery of Java. Although classic SAP technology runs on ABAP, a high level programming language created by SAP itself, SAP’s NetWeaver operates on a J2EE server, which, in turn, functions through Java. For those able to work with any type of J2EE server (JBoss, for example), SAP Java AS would not be difficult to grasp; however, those unfamiliar with the above mentioned servers are encouraged to obtain experience working with Java by downloading NetWeaver 7.0 or 7.1, and/or Composition Environment (CE) 7.1 (optimally both).

As SAP plans to deliver Enterprise Service Bus functionality, becoming an enterprise SOA administrator would be helpful in keeping up with the latest SAP technology. To fully appreciate ESB, it is necessary to become familiar with WS-Policy, WS-Reliable messaging, and UDDI sync. SOA management provides all the benefits that ESB has to offer by monitoring services, providing and enforcing SLAs, and securing them.

After SAP enhanced its Solution Manager, making the landscapes more complicated and the product itself more robust, more companies have been turning to this toolset, creating a rising demand for Solution Manager Consultants. SAP, after splitting functionality into Business Suite applications and NetWeaver components, is now in need of complicated landscapes; thus, fully qualified software architects are in need.

Mastering SAP Java Application Server, enterprise SOA technology, and Solution Manager will not only allow a NetWeaver architect to stay up to date with SAP’s ever-growing and changing NetWeaver (preparing for all of the obstacles the developer might face when working with this platform), but inevitably help distinguish the specialist in the job market.

Source: Techtarget