After introducing the B2B add-on for SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration and the new Rapid Deployment Solution (RDS) for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) we have seen a lot of interest and questions. This blog aims to address main questions in a comprehensive way and help you understand the B2B offering with SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration.
Technical details about the B2B offering can be found in the space on SCN - see http://scn.sap.com/community/b2b-integration. The learning series about the B2B add-on provide information how to configure adapters, modules, implementing B2B integration scenarios etc. For details check "Process Orchestration Resource Center: Business to business add-on".
The new Rapid Deployment Solution (RDS) for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in a nutshell
In general, SAP RDS is a packaged solution offering which consists of SAP software, pre-configuration and an implementation service. The RDS for EDI consists of the following components:
- the B2B add-on (the SAP software)
- a set of mapping templates (meaning pre-configuration) and
- the installation of the B2B add-on and mappings and the configuration of B2B integration scenarios (or the implementation service).
Shall we license the RDS for EDI or can I only license the B2B add-on?
The B2B add-on is the software piece of the RDS as described above and is identical with the one which you can license independently from this RDS, too.
Several SAP customers are already implementing the B2B add-on separately. Others opted for the Rapid Deployment Solution offering to get avail of the pre-configuration and implementation services from SAP.
The Rapid Deployment Solution (RDS) for EDI is based on the B2B Add-On but delivers predefined mappings for the order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes (IDoc <-> EDIFACT or ANSI X.12). As usual for an SAP RDS, it comes together with an implementation service.
Depending on your business needs and project timelines you can choose the option that fits your organization best.
Can I get the mapping templates of the RDS independent from the same?
No. But the B2B add-on already comes with a set of mapping templates allowing implement some B2B integration scenarios quickly which is often needed when performing proof-of-concepts. For this purpose the B2B add-on contains some sample mappings for all EDI standards supported by this solution.
Opportunities for SAP Partners organizations
Rapid Deployment Solutions provide lots of opportunities for SAP Partners, ranging from reselling to co-innovation. Partners can sell and implement SAP RDSs and/or define partner-led RDS. Actually the latter case is very appealing for EDI with SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration as there are lots of opportunities for delivering industry specific RDS in addition to the new SAP RDS for EDI. Partners who are interested can find general information how partners can contribute and benefit from RDS here.
SAP provides SAP software products at special terms and conditions for partners for non-productive use. Find overview information, prerequisites and contacts in the “Get started section”. Explore possible options at SAP Partner Edge here. The B2B add-on is included in many SAP Test and Demo licenses for partners - such as the Demo SAP NetWeaver Foundation Package and the Demo SAP NetWeaver Foundation Package for 3rd Party Application Package.
Accessing SAP content on SMP
Anyone who is registered with SAP Service Marketplace can search for the SAP notes about the B2B add-on at http://service.sap.com/notes.
In addition to the B2B offering with SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration, SAP provides a very comprehensive solution portfolio for B2B integration options with Crossgate.
Many of our existing customers can drive the greatest benefits from consolidating their middleware solutions including legacy B2B gateway solutions via upgrading to SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration.
Also recommended: Read this blog by piyush.gakhar who introduces the SAP Strategy for B2B Integration. SAP has a 360 degree solution approach covering all aspects of the B2B integration needs of your organization: OnPremise, OnDemand and Hybrid. Covering all available B2B solutions from SAP, this paper helps you determine when each of them is best to be used.
We look forward to your feedback.
