BSP vs Java

Current activities by SAP AG indicate that mySAP.com e-Business platform will support both the ABAP and Java worlds. This was seen with the introduction of Web Application Server 6.2, where we have more options available to Web-enable SAP applications (Business Server pages and Java) as compared to Internet Transaction Server (ITS). Using these technologies not only gives better performance and power over the Inside-out approach, but it also allows the flexibility of an open Web environment for future development. Although the Web Application Server market is still maturing and is very competitive, the movement towards standards has forced all application server vendors to build their products to the J2EE specification. Though the future direction of SAP applications leans heavily in favor of Java and XML, is SAP ready with it's Java development environment? I personally think that there are certain things one would want to consider before planning to move their SAP applications to Web using Java. For example, one of SAP's main strengths has been the "Transport and Version Management" system. Using Java, development would be done on a different environment which would not be able to take advantage of SAP's above mentioned Management systems. It will then be difficult to keep a track of the development done in Java, followed by the changes as compared to development done with BSPs. The files created using BSPs are stored in SAP and this would be easier to move across environments

    Requires Free Membership to View

    When you register, you will start receiving targeted emails from my award-winning team of editorial writers. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest topics and biggest challenges faced by SAP professionals today.

    Hannah Smalltree, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchSAP.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchSAP.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

(DEV > QA > PROD). All said and done, it again drills down to the comfort ability level and those who wish to leverage on their existing SAP skill sets & avoid the costs associated with locating or migrating skills to Java will likely opt for the ABAP platform using BSPs whereas those looking to establish a foundation for future growth, increase their software choices, and have ultimate flexibility, the decision will likely be Java.


This was first published in March 2003

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.