Hi again Michelle,
Since Sap was an old mainframe app it wasnt built using std SQL as a data source.
SAP does use std SQL. More internally, these come from ABAP SQL and are converted to std SQL before they are sent off to the DB.
The only way you can see Sap data is by opening up Sap. Sap data sits on Oracle - but it is compiled like a word document (they use Oracle as a file system) so it is meaningless as far as std SQL tools are concerned. Thats why people say once you buy Sap you are totally locked in - you have to use Sap for everything - reporting, adhoc tools etc. the std SQL stuff wont work.
One of the powers of R/3 is the complete openness to all data. Other vendors reporting tools for example will also work, outside and independent of R/3, to accomplish equivalent tasks.
Peoplesoft otoh because it has a C/S architecure, and it runs on Oracle, I can log in to Oracle right now and create a report of cusotomers in psft - not because I know psft but I know std SQL - I can look for any table with a table name like "Customer" and get a customer list etc.
In case what I wrote above was not so transparent, did you know I could do exactly the same thing on an R/3 system? Yep, that is how the R/3 developers check a lot of their data. Just do a "connect internal", paste in the std SQL and viola! Now verify your data is OK. I ought to know, that's how I checked my code.
This is such a fundamental thing about the way sap is built there is no way to change it short of a total re-write. I think Oracle could have educated the customer base on this and out-marketed Sap but they chose not to do so... Ill never forgive Ray Lane for that blunder.
Go easy on Ray Lane please. I think somebody has fed you a lot of false information about R/3. Think about the source of that info and carry a salt shaker with you next time you talk to that person. Then ask me. : -)
So what do I think About R/3?
Well the respect I have for this product has built up more and more over the years to the point where I feel strongly this is one heck of a good technical design. Included with all of this is a lot of thought and planning going into the product. I equate R/3 to the quality of products the German automotive industry has put out. When it comes to designing and engineering a new product the mindset of the American and German societies differ. The Americans design things to make the most profit out of their product. The Germans design things more complexly if they believe the quality and dependability will be better. In the long run they believe people rather pay more money for the quality. My extensive experience with the German people is that when they buy something they comment on quality first, and then price. I believe and average American does the opposite.
Later for now,
J |
