Connecting 2 Backend Systems, Part One: RFC Connections
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Introduction
Originally NWBC was designed to enable users to consume many different UI technologies from just one ABAP backend system. However, in practice, several customers are using NWBC to connect 2 or more back end systems. So I wanted to create some help for those contemplating this step. In this blog series, I’ll be describing how you set this up.
Please note: Implementing this is *not* trivial. The decision, as to whether you should embark on this is very project-specific. Factors influencing the decision include:
• Size and complexity of landscape: How many systems? What sort of systems: non-ABAP, non-on Premise systems increase complexity and maintenance costs. For integration of Java, Success Factors, Ariba, Cloud, and Mobile scenarios, Portal is generally a better option.
• Number of Users
• Skill set: Does the customer or partner have lots of experience with multiple backend connections, eg with transactions SM59, SMT1, SSO2 etc, plus the necessary role configuration in PFCG?
Also, this blog is about making it work; making it secure is beyond the scope.
In short, if you do not feel confident embarking on this, then you probably shouldn't. For more information on the considerations involved in using NWBC to connect two ABAP back ends, see SAP Note 1795171 .
The blog series is in three parts:
- Part One: RFC Connections
- Part Two: Trusted Relationships
- Part Three: Single Sign-On
You can then include the CRM connection in a role, simply by following the SAP Library documentation.
Setting up the RFC Connection: ABAP
- In NWBC (or SAP GUI), open RFC Destination: Display/Maintain (SM59).
- Create a new ABAP connection (type 3).
- Enter the settings you need:
- Target Host, System No. : Get these from the System Selector
- IP Address: By default the IP Address field may be blank. Just switch to Hostname and back, and the IP Address appears (derived from the target host you just entered).
Testing the ABAP RFC connection
- Choose Test Connection, from the toolbar at the top.. You should see something like this:
Setting up the RFC Connection: HTTP
- Again, create a connection, this time HTTP Connection to ABAP System (Type H), and make the following settings:
- Target Host, Service No. (= Port No.) : Get these from the System Selector