The classical SAP transaction concept is based on SAP LUWs in which changes to the database are bundled into a single database LUW. The bundling techniques used here include programming database changes in procedures and registering them in a database LUW for later execution instead of performing them immediately. Such procedures include subprograms (registered with PERFORM ON COMMIT) and update function modules (registered with CALL FUNCTION IN UPDATE TASK). In both cases the registered procedures are executed with the COMMIT WORK statement.

The Transaction Service of the Object Services is also based on SAP LUWs and not on a new transaction concept. However, it does the bundling for the programmer, so that he does not have to explicitly create and register procedures that change the database. Internally the Transaction Service still works with the classical updating function modules.

This concept permits Interaction between Classical and Object-Oriented Transactions. This interaction is controlled by a transaction mode that can be set for a given program.