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SAP NetWeaverSAP CENTRAL PROCESSSCHEDULING BY REDWOOD:FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSExploring the Central Process-Scheduling SoftwareDeveloped by Redwood Software for SAP NetWeaver
As IT landscapes become more complex, IT departments dependon an integrated platform to automate cross-component businessprocesses. To automate these business processes successfully,IT departments require central process-scheduling and processautomation software that can trigger business processes basedon events.SAP has partnered with Redwood Software to provide SAPcustomers with robust, central process-scheduling and processautomation software – the SAP Central Process Schedulingapplication by Redwood – that works with the SAP NetWeaver platform. Customers can obtain this software in one of twoversions: SAP Central Process Scheduling (basic version): This freeversion allows SAP NetWeaver customers to install and usebasic process-scheduling functions provided by RedwoodSoftware. SAP Central Process Scheduling (full version):This priced version allows organizations to install and use thefull capacity of advanced central process-scheduling functionsprovided by Redwood Software.Through a series of FAQs, this document answers importantquestions about the central process-scheduling and processautomation software from SAP, made available through itspartnership with Redwood Software.Positioning and StrategyWhat is Redwood Software?Redwood Software is one of the leading vendors of softwaresolutions for process scheduling and process automation.It has been an SAP software partner for many years, and itsevent-driven enterprise solution for process scheduling andprocess automation and monitoring carries “Powered bySAP NetWeaver” certification. For more information aboutRedwood Software, go to www.redwood.com.2How do customers benefit from the partnership betweenSAP and Redwood Software?SAP and Redwood Software are devising strategies to reducecustomers’ total cost of ownership by implementing innovative,integrated applications. Through strategic and technical cooperation, they have developed central process-scheduling functionality for SAP NetWeaver. And they are partnering to help organizations simplify, consolidate, and centralize the IT operations ofboth SAP and connected non-SAP applications.How do customers benefit from SAP’s direct marketingof Redwood solutions?SAP considers central process scheduling an integral functionof a software platform. Our customers do too – and expect us tooffer this kind of product. By cooperating with Redwood tomarket central process-scheduling and process automation software, SAP fulfills customer expectations.SAP Central Process Scheduling will be fully supported andmaintained by SAP as part of its standard life-cycle managementprocess – subject to the current conditions for such support.What is the relationship between the Redwoodapplication and those in the SAP product portfolio?The Redwood application enables companies to schedule realtime, event-driven jobs in response to critical business events – andto do it from a central location. Its central process-schedulingfunctions can run independently, or they can be integratedwith existing SAP NetWeaver components (such as the SAPNetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure component or the SAPSolution Manager application management solution) toenhance business processes and provide additional backgroundprocessing functions.
ProductsWhat is the architecture for SAP Central ProcessHow can SAP customers license SAP Central ProcessScheduling?Scheduling?SAP customers can obtain the software through one of twolicenses as described in the following table:Redwood AP Process ServerNameLicense TypeDescriptionRestrictions or FeaturesSAP Central ProcessScheduling by Redwood(basic version)SAP Central ProcessScheduling by Redwood(full version)Available free with an SAPNetWeaver platformlicenseA fee-based licenseavailable as an optionwith SAP NetWeaverAllows organizations todefine, manage, and controljobs across the entire SAPlandscape from a centralpoint of administrationAllows organizations todefine, manage, and controljobs across the entire ITlandscape from a centralpoint of administrationRestrictions:Only one process servercan be installed per onejob repositoryAdditional functionality:Configures multiple processservers to load-balance thejob repositoryCannot schedule non-SAPor Java applicationsCan run and administeractivities for SAP andnon-SAP applicationsCannot start activities atthe operating system levelCan start activities at theoperating system levelJob ling FunctionsFigure 1: Architecture of SAP Central Process Scheduling by RedwoodFigure 1 shows the architecture required for SAPCentral Process Scheduling. The architecture includesthe following: Job repositoryThis is where all job-scheduling details such as activities, events, and business rules are stored. The jobrepository keeps a record of which jobs need to bestarted and in which application. Process serverThe server communicates with the job repository todynamically manage the workload across applications. If a business process needs to start an activityin the background of an SAP application, the process server uses standard SAP software interfaces toinitiate this step. Central administrative interfaceCalled Redwood Explorer, this interface provides thefront end for both the administrator and the business user. It acts as a single point of control from aMicrosoft Windows client or Web browser, providingreal-time information about the status of each stepin a process.Customers using the basic version of the applicationcan install the combination of job repository, processserver, and central administrative interface more thanonce if, for example, they want to split their production and test landscapes.3
What central process scheduling and process automationCan the job repository be created in an Oracle databasefunctions are available?that is used by SAP NetWeaver?The following table highlights the key functions provided inSAP Central Process Scheduling:Yes. During installation, a separate database schema is created forthe job repository. This means that information about backgroundprocessing does not conflict with SAP software business data;instead, the two sets of data are kept completely separate.FunctionBasic VersionFull VersionProcess scheduling of applications based on theABAP programming language, includingolder SAP releases (Basis Release 3.1)YesYesProcess scheduling of events across SAP software, instances, and clients. (For example, ajob activity can now be triggered across the SAPERP application and across the SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence component.)YesYesDefining, managing, and controlling jobs froma central administrative interfaceYesYesUsing a calendar for process schedulingYesYesUsing alertsYesYesModeling complex jobs using a graphicaluser interfaceYesYesGenerating reports and forecast modulesYesYesMonitoring job logs and spool lists from acentral locationYesYesOnly customers with a valid agreement in place for supportservices can access SAP’s support system in the usual way outlinedunder the specific agreement. These customers simply opena message under the component XX-PART-REDWOOD onthe SAP Service Marketplace extranet. Messages are processedin accordance with standard SAP guidelines. A support expertcan use the standard service connection between SAP and thecustomer to log on to the central scheduler.Predefining job chains to set up businessactivities more quicklyYesYesWhich services are offered for SAP Central ProcessRunning and administering backgroundactivities for non-SAP software systems.(For an overview of the supported systemsand applications, go to www.redwood.com.)NoYesStarting activities at the operating system level.(For example, you can check the existence offiles and trigger follow-on activities dependingon the result.)NoYesConfiguring multiple process servers for loadbalancing and high availabilityNoYesAdministrating database tasks, such as backup,from a central locationNoYesSupporting adaptive computing environmentsNoYesServices and TrainingWhom do customers contact when they need support?Scheduling?Note: For more information, see the “Technical Product Details” section.4At the moment, non-Oracle databases are not technicallysupported for the job repository used by SAP Central ProcessScheduling. Support for further database platforms is currentlyin development.SAP plans to offer services for installations, upgrades, and configuration tasks – for both SAP and Redwood – within the scope ofthe SAP services defined in the current terms and conditions.
Where can I find the product documentation?Partner EcosystemThe documentation is included in electronic form duringthe installation of the Redwood Explorer central administrativeinterface. You can also find it in the media library atwww.service.sap.com/process-scheduling.How are comparable partner solutions positioned withWhere are training courses offered for Redwood solutions?Redwood Software offers a full range of training courses atRedwood Education. For details, go to www.redwood.com.SAP will gradually incorporate content for SAP Central ProcessScheduling into its standard training program, as appropriate.LicensingWhat licenses are required before SAP Central ProcessScheduling can be used?Customers must obtain the basic version of SAP Central ProcessScheduling before they can use the process-scheduling functions.The license for this version is available free to any SAP customerwho obtains a license for SAP NetWeaver or for any solution inthe SAP Business Suite family of business applications.regard to SAP-licensed solutions?As a platform vendor, SAP is obliged to openness. It uses a certification program to safeguard the integration of a wide range ofpartner solutions. SAP Central Process Scheduling is integratedwith SAP NetWeaver using standards-based, open interfaces – asare all scheduling products that are certified on these interfaces.Process-scheduling products from other vendors are positionedas alternative solutions to the one offered by SAP.SAP’s strategy of openness, which enables partner products tointeract with both non-SAP and SAP solutions, boosts productsuccess. This success is confirmed by the large number ofcustomers who use certified products from other partnerstogether with SAP solutions. It goes without question, therefore,that SAP will continue its close cooperation with partners. Thepositioning of partner products – their capabilities, proficiencies,and unique selling points – is the full responsibility of the partners.What are the benefits of an open partner program whenSAP actively markets a partner solution?Customers can purchase the full version of SAP Central ProcessScheduling if they want to use advanced features – to scheduleactivities for non-SAP applications, configure multipleprocessors for load balancing, or start activities at the operatingsystem level. This full version is available to SAP NetWeaver users.SAP sales representatives can provide pricing information for thefull version.Open interfaces and the SAP certification and partner programsafeguard continued integration with solutions from othervendors, thus protecting the initial IT investments of SAPcustomers. These customers remain free to choose anotherscheduling solution – certified by SAP – which might suittheir business requirements differently than the solution offeredby SAP.Note: An Oracle database (Oracle9i or higher) is required for the jobscheduling repository. This database has to be licensed separately.Support for further database platforms is currently in development.Can customers continue to use the backgroundprocessing solution of a different SAP partner?The background processing interfaces are currently underdevelopment by SAP. When they are validated and tested, SAPmay provide a certification service for such interfaces and willnotify customers of availability.5
Technical Product DetailsAre there special hardware requirements for theHow is SAP Central Process Scheduling installed?computer on which SAP Central Process Scheduling isFirst, a customer must have a valid license for either the basic orfull version of SAP Central Process Scheduling.installed?To access the free basic version, a customer can downloadan installation package from SAP Service ). This installationpackage includes the following: An installation routine for the process server, for MicrosoftWindows, and for all common UNIX platforms An installation routine for Redwood Explorer Complete online documentation A Quick Install Guide, which describes in detail all requiredinstallation stepsTo purchase the full version of SAP Central Process Scheduling,customers must contact their SAP sales representative. Aftera license is signed, the software for the full version of SAPCentral Process Scheduling is shipped. When customersreceive the software, they also receive a letter that details theprocess for requesting license keys, which are required duringinstallation.If the scope of the installation is large, extra hardware may berequired for load-balancing of process scheduling and background processing. When a process runs in the background, itmakes demands on the CPU, main memory, and hard diskresources – both in the scheduling system and in the systemwhere the background processes are running. SAP CentralProcess Scheduling initiates and coordinates the execution ofactivities in connected systems. The demands placed on theperformance of the hardware resources as well as the numberof process servers required depend on the scope of the scheduling activities. This information is defined when the processscheduling solution is implemented.Are there any release dependencies between the SAPapplications and SAP Central Process Scheduling in acustomer landscape?SAP Central Process Scheduling uses standard SAP softwareprocess-scheduling interfaces. For more information on theseinterfaces and release dependencies, go towww.service.sap.com/process-scheduling. Generally, these interfaces are a long-standing SAP shipment and have been enhancedcontinuously. In older applications, certain correction levelsmay need to be implemented before some scheduling functionscan be used.Upgrading an SAP NetWeaver software system to a new release,however, does not generally have any negative consequences forthe scheduling functions. Neither does it require you to upgradeany existing Redwood solutions to a new release.6
Are there any restrictions concerning whichusers can work with process-scheduling functionsin SAP NetWeaver?Each SAP NetWeaver license allows customers to create 25 usersfor this software. A customer can request as many licenses asrequired, each in 25-user increments.What future development is planned for SAP CentralProcess Scheduling?Together, SAP and Redwood Software are developing the nextgeneration of the central process scheduler. When this planneddevelopment is complete, customers will enjoy the followingadvancements: The process server will be integrated fully into SAP NetWeaveras a Java service. This will allow SAP Central Process Scheduling to work with any operating systems and databases supported by SAP NetWeaver. All software will be installed via SAP’s high-performance,user-friendly installation environment. Customers will be able to coordinate background processes inJava, in addition to ABAP programming language processes.Java will be allocated a local scheduler, which can be addressedfrom external systems through certifiable interfaces. Important administrator information will be integrated into asingle display in the SAP NetWeaver Administrator tool, the newcentral SAP tool for all SAP NetWeaver administration tasks.Where can customers find more information about SAPCentral Process Scheduling?For more information about this application, customers can goto the following Web sites: www.redwood.com www.sap.com/centralprocessscheduling7
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Job repository This is where all job-scheduling details such as activ-ities, events, and business rules are stored. The job repository keeps a record of which jobs need to be started and in which application. Process server The server communicates with the job repository
