SAP Archive Information System Relational Database Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SAP NetWeaver archiving systems move old data into compressed files for storage, which is expensive and slows down query performance, and third-party providers face integration challenges with relational databases due to lack of standard tools, requiring proprietary interfaces and maintaining index tables that slow access times.
Innovation Solution
Enhancing the SAP-standard by inserting code to allow data retrieval from relational archive databases, eliminating the need for an archive index and providing fast, indexed queries while maintaining standard data retrieval methods, and using a TRY/CATCH error handler to handle data retrieval from local buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is moved into compressed files for storage, then storage cost is reduced, but query performance slows down and access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides archived data into two storage formats: compressed files for long-term archival storage and relational database tables for active querying. This segmentation allows data to be stored efficiently in compressed format while maintaining fast access paths through database indexing for frequently accessed records.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the Archive Information System with index tables) that mediates between the compressed file storage and query operations. The index tables act as a mediator that translates query requests into efficient access patterns, bridging the gap between compressed storage and fast retrieval.
2Speed
If an archive index is maintained, then data access speed is improved, but system complexity and maintenance overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indexing function from the core SAP system by implementing it as a separate Archive Information System. This extraction reduces system complexity within SAP while maintaining fast access capabilities through the dedicated indexing infrastructure in the external relational database.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of data structures in the form of index tables that mirror the essential access paths needed for querying archived data. These index tables are lighter-weight copies that enable fast access without duplicating the full complexity of the archived data structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary interfaces are used for third-party database integration, then data accessibility is improved, but ease of operation and standardization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal Archive Information System that can access multiple types of database systems through standardized interfaces. The system is designed to work with different relational database management systems (Oracle, SQL Server, DB2) using common SQL protocols, eliminating the need for proprietary interfaces and simplifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring custom interfaces for each database system, the patent inverts the approach by having the Archive Information System adapt to standard database interfaces. The system is designed to conform to existing SQL standards rather than requiring databases to implement custom access protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An non-transitory computer readable medium is described herein related to enhancing an SAP Archive Information System running on a SAP NetWeaver Application Server. The enhancements enable the SAP Archive Information System to query a remote relational database for archived business data. The enhancements offers multiple alternative ways of interfacing with such a database and of merging the query results obtained from such database into the SAP-standard output structures of the SAP Archive Information System.