SAP XI / PI

What is SAP XI / PI
Exchange Infrastructure/Process Integration in SAP NetWeaver (SAP NetWeaver XI/PI) enables you to implement cross-system processes. It enables you to connect systems from different vendors (non-SAP and SAP) in different versions and implemented in different programming languages (Java, ABAP, and so on) to each other. SAP Exchange Infrastructure/Process Integration is based on an open architecture, uses open standards (in particular those from the XML and Java environments) and offers those services that are essential in a heterogeneous and complex system landscape:
- Modeling and design of messages, transformations, and cross-component integration processes
- Configuration options for managing collaborative processes and message flow
- Runtime for message and process management
- Adapter Engine for integrating heterogeneous system components
- Central monitoring for monitoring message flow and processes
SAP NetWeaver XI/PI supports internal company scenarios and cross-company scenarios.

Current Version: SAP PI 7.1

Position on SAP NetWeaver Technology Map (End-to-End Process Integration)

Adapter Architecture

Integration Server

- Business Process Engine

- Integration Engine

- Central Adapter Engine (Adapter Framewor, Resource Adapter)

Partner Connectivity Kit

- PCK Configuration and Monitoring

- Adapter Framework, Resource Adapter

Adapter Framework

Supports J2EE Connector Architecture (JCA)

- JCA is standard architecture for connecting the J2EE platform to Enterprise Information System (EIS), eg. ERP, DBMS, etc.

- A Resource Adapter plugs into an application server, providing connectivity between the EIS and a Java application

- JCA enabled Adapter Framnework provides defined interfaces to which both SAP adapters and 3rd party adapters can conform

- JCA is a widely accepted standard that 3rd party adapter providers are familiar with

Adapterdelivered by SAP

Technical Adapters

- File/FTP (File Systems / FTP Servers)

- JDBC (RDBMS systems)

- JMS (Messaging systems, e.g. MQSeries, SonicMQ)

- SOAP (wEB sERVICES)

- Plain HTTP

- Mail (Mail Servers via SMTP, IMAP4, POP3)

- SAP Business Connector (SAP BC)

- Marketplace (mySAP Marketplaces)

Application Adapters

- RFC

- IDoc

Industry Standard Adapters

- RNIF 2.0 (RosettaNet)

- RNIF 1.1 (RoseTTaNet)

- CIDX (RNIF 1.1)

Proxies vs. Adapters

Proxies

- Outside-in development approach

- Interfaces designed centrally in Integration Repository

- Connect new SAP applications

- Native connectivity to Application system (adapter-less)

Adapters

- Inside-out development approach

- Interface semantics externally pre-defined

- Connect existing (legacy) systems

- Specific wire protocol

XI / PI BPM Process Model