Hi,
SAP Exchange infrastructure is a component, powerful integration broker that works well with different IT landscapes with its various connectivity,protocols and format requirements,used to integrate SAP to SAP and Non-SAP to SAP,Non-SAP to Non-SAP,it uses the open standard XML message and it runs on the SAP web AS.
A gole of XI is to provide a single point of integration for all systems.
The XI is not a single component but rather a collection of component that works together flexibly to implement integration senarios
SAP Exchange Infrastructure is SAP’s platform for process integration based on the exchange of XML messages.
1. It provides a technical infrastructure for XML based message exchange in order to connect SAP components with each other as well as with non-SAP components.
2. It delivers business process integration knowledge to the customer in the form of SAP pre-defined business scenarios.
3. It provides an integrated tool set for building new business scenarios by defining and maintaining all integration relevant information. (“Shared collaboration knowledge”).
Before we take a closer look at how the Exchange Infrastructure will enter into the IT landscape of every SAP customer, let’s take a closer look at the capabilities as well as the strategic direction of XI. This particular module of Net Weaver is one of the most powerful and is undeniably the most critical. Its purpose is really three-fold:
Connect:
XI has the ability to connect all applications regardless of whether it is an application
From a 3rd party or from SAP. The solution has pre-built connectivity to all SAP modules
Such as SAP CRM and utilizes the Adapter Framework to integrate 3rd Party solutions
such as Siebel, People Soft, Legacy systems, or AS/400s and Mainframes.
Coordinate:
XI has the ability to define a path/workflow for each business transaction that is
Integrated. The system actively routes each message to ensure that it is properly
Delivered from the source to the target destination. Active monitoring allows
Administrators to manage document exchange on an exception basis.
Communicate:
XI has the ability to translate files into any format whether an internal file format or any
Business to Business integration standard including but not limited to an XML format, an
EDI format, a marketplace, or a Web Service. Finally, there are multiple communication
Protocols included which allow the routing of a file over protocols such as s/FTP, http/s,
SOAP, ebMS, Value-Added Networks, or EDI INT (AS1, AS2).
Understanding The SAP Exchange Infrastructure_
Now, you might be saying to yourself, we already have solutions that provide all of this
Functionality. True, most organizations have invested previously in an integration strategy, but what we see in over 90% of organizations is that they have multiple translators and communication brokers, which they are supporting on a daily basis. This is both a resource drain as well as a monetary drain. For example, it is not uncommon to see the following even in smaller organizations:
• Multiple Point to Point connectivity: For example, R/3 connected to a 3rd party
Warehouse Management Solution via an internally developed adapter or with the SAP
Business Connector
• A 3rd party EAI Integration Broker to connect legacy mainframe systems to SAP and
WMS
• A 3rd party EDI translator to communicate messages
• A 3rd party XML broker to communicate XML messages to marketplaces and non-EDI
Trading partners
• A communication server that focuses on sending messages via FTP, Value-Added
Networks and Internet protocols such as AS2 solution of choice for SAP end users
Interface-
Role of XI consultant
As a SAP XI Developer you will be required to : Gather requirements, develop specifications and technical documentation. Perform requirement analysis and high and low level design. Perform the coding, testing and integration mapping Interface with onsite / offshore project teams ,sometimes responsible for developing java applications based on clients requirement specifications, preparing the technical design document, creating prototypes, analyzing and identifying performance bottle-necks, providing technical and user documentation and training to client, providing relevant data to the Module Leader for status reports both.
Check out this Blog:
/people/sravya.talanki2/blog/2006/12/25/aspirant-to-learn-sap-xiyou-won-the-jackpot-if-you-read-this-part-i
Also, I would suggest this link on SAP help for any info that you want on XI,
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/14/80243b4a66ae0ce10000000a11402f/frameset.htm
Further, this thread deals with everything that is needed for a starter on XI. Do check it out,
/message/527697#527697 [original link is broken]
As for development and administration, well there are a few tasks in XI, that need BASIS info and knowledge while the rest are mostly a developers task.
Thans
Srinivas
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