Network and Communication Security

Your network infrastructure is extremely important in protecting your system. Your network needs to support the communication necessary for your business needs without allowing unauthorized access.

A well-defined network topology can eliminate many security threats based on software flaws (both on the operating system and application level) or network attacks such as eavesdropping. If users cannot log on to your application or database servers at the operating system or database layer, then there is no way for intruders to compromise the machines and gain access to the backend system’s database or files. In addition, if users are not able to connect to the server LAN (local area network), they cannot exploit well-known bugs and security holes in network services on the server machines.

The network topology for SAP Profitability and Performance Management is based on the topology used by the SAP NetWeaver platform. Therefore, the security guidelines and recommendations described in the SAP NetWeaver Security Guide also apply to SAP Profitability and Performance Management. Details that specifically apply are described in the following sections:

• Communication Channel Security:

  This section describes the communication paths and protocols used by Project Workspace and Project Cost and Revenue Planning.

• Network Security:

  This section describes the recommended network topology for Project Workspace and Project Cost and Revenue Planning. It shows the appropriate network segments for the various client and server components and where to use firewalls for access protection. It also includes a list of the ports needed to operate Project Workspace and Project Cost and Revenue Planning.

• Communication Destinations:

  This section describes the information needed for the various communication paths. For example, which users are used for which communications.

For more information, see the following sections in the SAP NetWeaver Security Guide in the Related Information section:

• Network and Communication Security [SAP Library]

• Security Aspects for Connectivity and Interoperability [SAP Library]