Protocols determine the method of communication between the SAP System and the content repository.

You only need to maintain protocols if you want to use front end communication that differs from the standard setting. When you maintain a protocol, you need to enter the name of the protocol when defining the corresponding content repository (basic customizing).

Protocol maintenance consists of the following settings: For each document class, you choose the communication type for the ArchiveLink functions Display stored document, Store from Front End and Close window. (The function Retrieve stored document on Client PC is for support purposes only and cannot be customized).

To display protocol maintenance, choose the following in the Implementation Guide (IMG): SAP Web Application Server ® Basis Services ® ArchiveLink ® Customizing Front End Communication ® Maintain Protocols.

For information on executing the individual activities, see the online help in the IMG. The following text explains which communication types to enter.

Choose the communication type OPEN for all required document classes. OPEN is a superordinate term for OLE Automation 2.0. Next, choose a logical name for the application you want to connect to. This can be a name of your choice. In the customizing activity Application maintenance, you maintain the exact communication commands for the connected application.

The setting has the following effect:

If a user starts the storage process while the system is in operation, ArchiveLink sends a request to the storage system scan software to store the document. The scan software stores the document and returns a unique identification to the SAP System, the arch_doc_id.

The diagram below shows the technical procedure for the function:

If more than one content repository is connected, you also need to transfer the variable archiv_id to the scan software with the request. The scan software will then know in which content repository to store the document.

Choose the communication type OPEN for all required document classes. OPEN is a superordinate term for OLE Automation 2.0. Next, choose a logical name for the application you want to connect to. This can be a name of your choice. In the customizing activity Application maintenance, you maintain the exact communication commands for the connected application.

The setting has the following effect:

If a user starts the display process while the system is in operation, ArchiveLink sends a request to the viewer of the storage system to display the stored document, which is identified by the unique number _doc_id.

The diagram below shows the technical procedure for the function:

Choose the communication type ARCHIVELINK for all required document classes.

The setting has the following effect:

ArchiveLink creates the connection between front end components and storage system. The function Display stored document occurs in two steps: First, the stored document is copied from the storage system to the local PC, then the file is displayed as a local file.