New SAP user interface is best of both worlds

NWBC is essentially a hybrid of the existing web-friendly Enterprise Portal and SAP GUI. It combines a lot of the features available with Enterprise Portal but is built using the latest smart client technologies. Unlike Enterprise Portal, NWBC does need an install on a PC or laptop, but this shouldn’t prove a hindrance as most of the applications that don’t need a footprint on a PC will in time become purely mobile applications. NWBC will be the ideal user interface for office workers doing daily SAP tasks, such as sales order entry for example.

Over and above its web-friendly features, NWBC allows users to integrate external sources of information within the interface. Not only do users have a single point of entry to Web Dynpro applications and other SAP business applications and technologies, but they can also access websites and embed Google gadgets – creating a functional and information-rich user environment. 

The main advantages of the NWBC include:

• Desktop Footprint: NWBC’s desktop footprint provides for enhanced capabilities significant to a desktop application.
• Enhanced user interface with a high fidelity user interface: Leveraging its desktop footprint, NWBC offers a modern and attractive user interface, with rich client interaction capabilities (e.g. drag-and-drop, client / window resize ...). Furthermore, this client makes use of three strong embedded user interface rendering engines on the user’s end system (HTML, SAP GUI, and Smart Client). These engines enable the display and rendering of user interface objects in minimal time while still remaining efficient.
• Encapsulation of SAP GUI: To extend the locally installed SAP GUI into a harmonized environment, NWBC offers a Dynpro canvas, which allows the embedding of existing SAP GUI content for Microsoft Windows. This capability requires that SAP GUI must be existent locally and thus SAP GUI can be installed altogether as part of the NWBC. 
• Desktop performance: NWBC makes use of protocols and technologies which enable direct transaction with the backend systems followed by the rendering of the relevant content locally on the desktop.
• Direct backend access: To address different use cases such as single, backend system scenarios or in-house skill sets limited to ABAP, NWBC offers direct access to the SAP backend. The direct backend access is used for example, to provide access to the traditional ABAP-based role menu, known as PFCG used largely in the SAP Business All In One scenarios and thus under such use cases does not require the installation of the Portal on the server side.
  NWBC is best suited for users and IT departments who want to:
• Use SAP business applications frequently and have a need for fast data entry. 
• Ensure an evolutionary path from SAP GUI and Dynpro screens in conjunction with new business application content based on Web Dynpro.
• Supplement users whose daily work scenarios include transactions with the SAP GUI applications and who feel comfortable with the classical SAP GUI experience but would like the support of a portal-like, role-based and task-driven environment.
• Consume rich clients that offer real time performance. 
• Leverage desktop performance and caching capabilities.

I believe that NWBC will become the favoured front end for new SAP implementations. It can be implemented in a range of ways to suit unique customer demands and menus can be tailored to suit individual needs and preferences. If implemented correctly, NWBC will simplify and empower daily work scenarios, making the execution of tasks more intuitive, efficient and productive. If you would like to find out more about NWBC please don’t hesitate to email me