Enabling Business-to-Business Processes 

This IT scenario supports XML-based business processes between business partners who use industry standards, and enables smaller business partners to exchange XML documents by using an easy-to-use client.

It describes how, based on standards and the exchange of messages, you can integrate cross-company processes. In doing so, you connect various applications (both SAP and non-SAP) and orchestrate the process flow between them.

Using SAP NetWeaver, you can centrally design, configure, and execute business-to-business processes (B2B processes) both within and beyond your company.

SAP NetWeaver provides functions to enable you to create and manage collaboration profiles and agreements between business partners.

It supports B2B industry standards, such as RosettaNet Implementation Framework (RNIF) or CIDX.

You use the SAP Partner Connectivity Kit (PCK) to exchange XML documents between smaller business partners or subsidiaries.

Integration with Other IT Scenarios

The Enabling Business-to-Business Processes IT scenario is almost identical to the Enabling Application-to-Application Processes IT scenario. Both IT scenarios use some of the same processes for configuring the system landscape, message processing, and monitoring. For more information, see Enabling Application-to-Application Processes.

IT Scenario Variants

The IT scenario consists of the following IT scenario variants:

Variant	Description
Business Partner Integration Using Industry Standards	With this variant, you use standards and the exchange of messages to integrate cross-company processes. To do this, you use special communication channels.
Small Business Partner and Subsidiary Integration	With this variant, you use the SAP PCK to do business with smaller business partners or subsidiaries that do not have other integration solutions.

Related Information

The following role-specific guides contain further information about this IT scenario:

User Role and Task	Guide
Planning the installation of the IT scenario	For more information, see the Master Guide − SAP NetWeaver 7.0 on SAP Service Marketplace at service.sap.com/installNW70.
Planning the upgrade to the IT scenario	For more information, see the Upgrade Master Guide − SAP NetWeaver 7.0 on SAP Service Marketplace at service.sap.com/upgradeNW70.
Installation and upgrade	For more information, see SAP NetWeaver Technology Consultant’s Guide.
Configuration	For more information, see SAP Solution Manager or SAP NetWeaver Technology Consultant’s Guide under Enabling Business-to-Business Processes.
Administration	For more information, see the Technical Operations Manual for SAP NetWeaver under Enabling Business-to-Business Processes.
Security	For more information, see the SAP NetWeaver Security Guide under Enabling Business-to-Business Processes: Security Aspects.
Development	For more information, see the SAP NetWeaver Developer's Guide under Enabling Business-to-Business Processes.