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Purpose

The Synchronous Collaboration Framework (SCF) provides the complete range of synchronous (real-time) collaboration functions for SAP Enterprise Portal.

SCF manages synchronous collaboration solutions by establishing communication between any client and any (integrated) synchronous collaboration (SC) service provider.  SCF allows collaboration sessions to be scheduled, edited, deleted, started and joined either in a portal application, or in a users' groupware application. 

SCF:

  • Facilitates access to synchronous collaboration tools and functions provided by SC service provider applications
  • Provides easy integration with third-party synchronous collaboration service providers
  • Makes all the principal features of synchronous collaboration accessible by the same method through integration into the SAP Enterprise Portal
  • Synchronizes with your groupware server solution to enable every client to show the same data
  • Provides persistence and context for all collaborative sessions conducted through the Synchronous Collaboration Framework
Integration

When Collaboration for SAP EP SAP NetWeaver components are installed, SCF is integrated with SAP NetWeaver and delivered with default configuration parameters.  SCF service types should function properly, after activating them.   For details of SCF Configuration, including the procedure for activating service types, see SCF Configuration .

Other integration issues:

  • Content Management

    Integration with Content Management (CM) brings CM repository services such as Search, Notification and Subscription into the synchronous collaboration environment

    Note

    For information about Content Management, see Knowledge Management on the SAP Help Portal.

  • If you plan to use WebEx as a synchronous collaboration provider:
    • Use WebEx version 4.0, 5.0, or later.
    • Make sure the WebEx APIs on your existing microsite are turned on.
      Note

      If you are not currently a WebEx user, you can use the evaluation site  http://sapportalseval.webex.com, which has self registration enabled.

    • To determine WebEx requirements and limitations, go to your WebEx site and choose Support Services → Technical Support → Documentation →FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
Features

Portal users have all the services they need to interact and collaborate effectively from any location.  They can schedule, start, and join synchronous collaboration sessions, and access all the features provided by the integrated synchronous collaboration service provider. 

When initially installed, two types of service are provided:

  • Application sharing with SAP's service provider Real-Time Collaboration (RTC)
  • Online meeting center with service provider WebEx

Example Scenarios

The following example scenarios are possible:

  • The portal application Calendar client requests SCF to schedule a synchronous collaboration meeting such as an online meeting via WebEx. 
  • The portal application Calendar client requests SCF to start a scheduled synchronous collaboration WebEx session in a team context.
  • Client requests instant start of collaboration session (such as application sharing) in the Collaboration Launch Pad.
  • Client requests historical data information from previously conducted synchronous collaboration sessions (recordings, for example).