Q) Do the usage types required to run a BI system (BI, BI Java, EP, AS ABAP, AS Java) need to be kept in sync?
Yes, please see SAP Note 873996 (SMP login required).
Q) What happens technically if I launch a BI object (e.g. report, query or web application) via the Java / EP runtime?
Technically a Launcher-iView (com.sap.ip.bi.bex) is being parameterized. For example if the object is a formatted report it is the parameter REPORT=xyz. That means technically a parameterized iView is executed (The portal navigation is per default not visible, only the iView directly in a browser window). You can save such an object directly in a portal role. Just create a BI iView, in our example the parameter REPORT=xyz has to be specified.
The objects are also available via BI favorites or via the BI PFCG roles. Here the URL is being generated with placeholders similar to the ABAP runtime approach. Queries & Enterprise Reports are opened within a default template. The templates (for example the report default template 0REPORT_DEFAULT_TEMPLATE can be copied and modified according to your needs. In general however we recommend sticking with the
default templates. The default templates are designed for enhanced viewing experience; they are not particularly designed to be easily changeable. We do not recommend or provide documentation on how to do manual changes.
Q) Does the SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0 (2004s) scenario “Enterprise Reporting, Query & Analysis” require the usage types BI Java and Enterprise Portal (EP)?
Yes. The scenario requires the usage types BI Java and Enterprise Portal. For an overview of all usage types required for the scenario, see the Master Guide.
BI Java is mandatory for all customers who wish to use new front-end features of SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0 (2004s) like the new BEx Web runtime & the new tools of the BEx Suite.
The other two BI IT Scenarios also require BI Java and EP. "BI Integrated Planning" always requires it, as does the "Enterprise Data Warehouse" scenario. The AS Java usage type is required to use of the Administration Cockpit or the use of Universal Data Connect (UDC) [part of Universal Data Integration (UDI)], BI Java SDK [also part of UDI], or Web Services testing functions. AS Java can be installed by itself or using the BI Java usage type.
Q) Can one NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI Portal handle multiple NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI systems?
Each NetWeaver 7.0 BI system needs its own BI Java usage type which again needs its own EP usage type.
That means you can bring different BI systems together in one overall 04s or 6.0 EP but technically each NetWeaver 7.0 BI instance also has its own EP installed underneath for technical reasons. For end-users of course you bring it all together in one EP on top.
Q) In SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0 (2004s), which BEx Web functions require SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal?
As soon as you use any of the new BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BEx tools (such as BEx Analyzer & Broadcasting), you require usage types BI Java and Portal. The only exception is if you do not use SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BEx tools and ONLY use the old 3.x BEx tools.
Q)Do you need one server or two servers for SAP NetWeaver Portal and BI?
This depends on the expected load on SAP NetWeaver Portal and on the existing system landscape: One server, if the BI system only uses types AS-ABAP and AS-Java on one server
Q) Should I use the installed SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI runtime portal as an enterprise-wide portal? Or should I have a federated portal on top?
You can use the BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) Portal that comes with the usage type EP as your standard BI Portal for your BI user group. However, if you plan to run an Enterprise Portal for several user groups (BI, non-BI, mixed groups), you should consider a federated portal approach.
The federated portal approach allows you to combine several SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portals. The central Enterprise Portal is also called the consumer portal, and it could be the single point of entry for end users.
All other portals are called producer portals. The producer portals are linked to the consumer portal. The consumer portal could integrate complete portal roles of the producer portal.
Mixed portal roles with the content of several producer portals are possible using the remote Delta Links.
Information broadcasting is possible within one producer portal. Broadcasting between different producer portals is not possible.
In general, all functions, which are possible in a standalone portal, are possible in a producer portal. These functions are not possible between different producer portals (such as information broadcasting).
Q) Is it possible to use an SAP EP 6.0 Portal with a federated portal?
No. Only SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI Portals support the federated portal approach. An SAP EP 6.0 Portal could not be a consumer or producer portal in a federated portal system landscape.
Q) If you do not use any new BEx Web functions, do you have to install the usage types BI Java and EP?
SAP EP 6.0 Portals could be integrated into a federated portal system landscape using URL iViews.
Q) Which BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) have to be included in an enterprise-wide federated SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) Portal?
1. For each SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) system, you can integrate the portal roles of the local BI or portal runtime into a federated portal.
2. Currently, we are checking to see if it is possible to integrate BI data generated using the local BI or portal runtime of a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI system as a simple iView into a federated portal. Once we can support this function, we will update this FAQ and announce it in the support package release notes.
3. Information broadcasting can only be done 1:1 into the local EP runtime of a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system. If you want to integrate broadcasting into the federated portal, it needs to be done using role integration.
4. KM online links to BI data can only be included 1:1 into KM folders of the local EP runtime of SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system. If you want to integrate KM online links to BI data into the federated portal, it needs to be done using role integration.
5. You can integrate SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI BEx Web Analyzer directly into a federated portal as long as you have a role containing it.
Q) Which BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) have to be included in an SAP enterprisewide
6.0 Portal?
1. As of SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI SP7 in combination with EP 6.0 SP15, it is possible to integrate BI data generated using the local BI or portal runtime of a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system using URL iViews into a 6.0 Portal.
2. You cannot broadcast from a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system into a 6.0 Portal.
3. You cannot integrate KM online links on SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI data into a 6.0 Portal.
4. You can integrate the SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0 BEx Web Analyzer into a 6.0 Portal as BEx Web Application iView.
Q) Can I use one BEx Web Analyzer iView within the federated portal to access multiple BI systems?
You can access multiple SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI systems as well as other third-party BI systems that offer an XML/A or ODBO interface using one BEx Web Analyzer within the federated portal. You would have to connect all the systems you need as portal systems to a portal runtime of one of your SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI systems. You can then use role integration to include BEx Web Analyzer in the federated portal.
As of SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI SP7 in combination with EP6.0 SP15, it is possible to integrate BI data generated using the local BI or portal runtime of a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system using URL iViews into a 6.0 Portal. You are able to integrate the SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI BEx Web Analyzer into a 6.0 Portal as URL iView.
Q) Can I integrate BI queries, Web applications and so on into third-party portals?
Yes. All BI objects can be displayed as iViews. iViews can be integrated into other portals. Check the EP documentation. You can also integrate into third-party portals by Broadcasting into file servers. Check the Broadcasting documentation and the Broadcasting FAQs.
Q) Can I use one Broadcaster iView to create settings for multiple BI systems?
No. There is a 1:1 relationship between broadcaster iViews a BI system.
Q) Can I include KM Online links to various BI systems into one KM Folder?
No. There is a 1:1 relationship between a KM folder and a BI system.
Q) How can I publish BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BEx queries, workbooks and Web applications as iViews in the Portal Content Directory?
This can be done using the BEx Broadcaster in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s).
Q) If you have an existing SAP EP 6.0, do you have to upgrade it to use new BEx Web functions?
No. However, you have to install an SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal along with your BI system. New BI Content can be shown in an SAP EP 6.0 Portal (as of SP15) using SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal (as of SP7).
Q) Do you have to upgrade or install the BI system and SAP NetWeaver Portal simultaneously?
No. You can upgrade or install them independently. However, you need SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal to use any new BEx Web functions.
Q) If you are using a non-SAP portal, do you have to install an SAP NetWeaver Portal?
Yes. If you use any new BEx Web functions, you have to install SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal along with your BI system. However, you can display BI content in a non-SAP portal.
Q) You include a BEx Web template as an iView in SAP EP 6.0. You upgrade the underlying SAP BW 3.x system to SAP NetWeaver 2004s and generate the Web template on the new SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) Java or Portal runtime but still want to see the template as the same iView in the SAP EP 6.0. What happens to the iView in SAP EP 6.0?
As of SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI SP7 in combination with EP6.0 SP15, it is possible to integrate BI data generated using the local BI or portal runtime of a SAP NetWeaver 7.0 BI system using URL iViews into a 6.0 Portal. Within EP 6.0, two properties of the iView need to be changed:
1.Version property (BW Version): new in BI 7.0 (2004s) but automatically added to old iViews.
2. BEx Web Application Query String (Report): replace “template_id” to “template” and adjust technical template name if new template does not have the same name.
Q) What are the best resources for BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Portal integration?
Recommended resources:
SAP Note 917950 is a frequently updated resource for questions regarding Setting Up BEx Web in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 (2004s) BI.
Documentation – You can find a detailed description of all required steps in the BI system in transaction SPRO, SAP Reference IMG ->SAP Customizing Implementation Guide ->SAP NetWeaver ->Business Intelligence ->Reporting-relevant Settings ->Web-Based Settings ->Integration into the Portal.
Q) Can I integrate BI capabilities for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 in SAP 5.0 EP?
No. This is not supported.
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