Question:
My company is looking to implement HR and ESS. We already use SAP 4.6C for over 3 years.
I was asked to estimate hardware cost. I am currently browsing though SAP Marketplace to get more info on ESS but I thought someone may give me information I need from their experience.
- is ESS a separate SAP component (e.g BW APO a trimed down SAP installation with extra functionality). If so how big server do I have to plan for serving 1200 emploees.
- is it advisable to have ITS on the separate box. If so how big this box should be. If separate do you also have separate ITS for DEV and QAS of for cost cutting ITS is stored on the same box as SAP?
- is Workplace server required as well?
- is BW necessary as well
Any ohter useful information on System landscape with ESS would be greatly appreciated
Answer:
ESS/MSS is not really a single thing but really an enhancement. Essentially it consists of the SAP Entprise Portal loaded with the ESS/MSS business packages, hooked to an ITS (needed because you are on 4.6C rather than a WAS) and connected to your SAP systems. It will require some development in your R/3 system to turn on the ESS functionality within HR.
For hardware you will want a DEV and PRD portal landscape. The DEV portal can have the portal and ITS running on the same server. The PRD landscape with require at least one EP and one ITS server. For the number of users you mention you would need > 1 EP server.
Hope this helps.