SAP NetWeaver Application Server (SAP NetWeaver AS) component combines open, reliable infrastructure with interoperability and flexibility of Web services technology. Leverage this component to deploy highly scalable Web applications and Web services.

Features and functions of SAP NetWeaver AS include:

• Security – Supports state-of-the-art Internet security standards such as HTTPS, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). SAP NetWeaver AS provides secure communication among all client and server components, authentication and single sign-on capabilities, central user administration, digital certificates, digital signatures, and auditing capabilities.
• Persistence layer support – Supports platform-independent Web services and business applications, along with standards-based development built on technologies such as Java EE and ABAP. SAP NetWeaver AS works with all open technology platforms – including leading hardware, operating systems, and databases – based on open standards.
• Deployment – Includes integrated deployment capabilities to run applications and a repository to manage versions. SAP NetWeaver AS also provides a file storage medium that combines flexible use of the local file system with secure and efficient storage of a relational database on a central server.
• Scalability, performance, and high availability – Enables scalable, high-performance business processes, primarily through sophisticated, business-driven caching and dispatching techniques. SAP NetWeaver AS provides high performance through its architecture – along with proven SAP transaction capabilities in a distributed environment. The component ensures high availability by automatic distribution of requests to other SAP NetWeaver Application Server instances, should one server be unavailable.
• Software logistics and life-cycle management – Provides sophisticated change management and transport services support – not only in initial implementation of an application, but also through continuous changes resulting from business or organizational changes, or implementation of additional functions. Comprehensive software logistics for development, test, and production landscape are prerequisites for continuous enterprise operations.

SAP NetWeaver AS works with other advanced functionality of the SAP NetWeaver technology platform in a rich, unified development and deployment environment for Java applications. SAP NetWeaver AS interoperates with:

• SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio – Offers a convenient user interface and rich functionality for developing Java EE applications
• SAP NetWeaver Portal – Provides unified identity management and access to business tasks through universal work lists
• SAP NetWeaver Process Orchestration – Provides a solution to help you model, execute, and monitor business processes based on a single, consistent process model