There have been a lot of requests from people wanting to learn about SAP. Of course, you can learn all you can about different SAP applications and technologies through an Internet word search on "SAP". Then again, that can be accomplished through reading the plethora of books on SAP, help documentation (yeah, have fun!), and become well versed in the theories. However, you will not truly understanding them unless you get your hands dirty in the application or technology itself. Similarly, you can read all you want or watch videos on the techniques of swimming; You shouldn't say you can swim unless you've jumped into a 9 foot pool of water and swam a few laps! And floating doesn't count since even a dead man can float! I have digressed ... back to the true art of learning ... that is, about SAP. How does one do that? Today, I can say that it's quite available out there for yours to take advantage. Either get yourself the software or somehow get yourself into a position to access (e.g. a project or a new job with requirements to work on) an SAP system. Better yet, how about downloading FREE SAP software? Okay, it's free with an expiration date.
Literally, we are living in the future today! I remember receiving so many emails and phone requests from customers asking for demo versions of SAP R/3, SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal (EP), SAP NetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure (XI), SAP Web Dynpro, etc. in order to first test-drive the software. Like buying a new car, we all want to first test-drive them before making the huge investment. In the past, my reply was somewhere in the form of, "Sorry, SAP software is too huge. It is not something you can install on your laptop. Perhaps someday in the future." Well, the future is now!!
Now, you can download the SAP NetWeaver Trial and Preview Version. These preview licenses have been available for a few years now. As another option, the SAP Integration and Certification Center (ICC) also hosts the full ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) application stack at a very reasonable price for smaller consulting or software companies to access. This does not require any investment in hardware or system administration and offers full access to a shared, hosted test system.
Today, you can access and learn SAP technology from so many different sources. Here is a list for your consideration:
| Description | Conditions | More Information |
| SAP NetWeaver Portal | 90 Days Trial | For a test-drive, download the SAP NetWeaver Portal (e.g. in order to apply for SAP Enterprise Portal - Business Package Certification (EP-BP)) or for your company to reach the status of Powered By SAP NetWeaver. This status is the first step to starting a partnership with SAP. |
| SAP NetWeaver Trial and Preview Versions | 90 Days Trial | Downloading the "SAP NetWeaver 2004s Java Trial Version" contains the following software:- SAP NetWeaver Application Server
- SAP NetWeaver Development Infrastructure
- SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio
- SAP NetWeaver Portal with PDK
- Web Dynpro
- Visual Composer
- Content Management and Collaboration
- TREX
- SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence Java SDK
- SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe
- Composite Application Framework
For further details on the above see Martin Vierling's blog, Integrating to SAP Solutions - Test System Opportunities for independent Software Vendors. |
| SAP NetWeaver 2004s ABAP Trial Version | 90 Days Trial | Do you want to install a mini-ABAP application server to look at our cool blue and grey SAP GUI? Not only that but it also comes with our ABAP development WorkBench too! There are even blogs, with step-by-step instructions, to help you get started! Manfred Lutz provides you the following blogs in his current on-going series, ABAP Trial Version for Newbies:- ABAP Trial Version for Newbies: Part 1 ' Download and installation of the Trial Version '
- ABAP Trial Version for Newbies: Part 2 ' Starting and Stopping the Application Server '
- ABAP Trial Version for Newbies: Part 5 ' Navigation in the Application Server '
- ABAP Trial Version for Newbies: Part 8 ' Exporting development objects from SP8 '
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| SAP NetWeaver Composition Environment 7.1 Trial Version | 90 Days Trial | NEW!! Marco Ertel's blog, New Web Dynpro features in the Composition Environment trial introduces this new preview trial version release. When you are ready for some hands-on action, download it at the Download Catalog. |
| SAP RAC (Remote Access and Connectivity) | Renewable Fee | A hosted environment offered by the ICC (Integration & Certification Center). This option is usually accessed by partners but does not exclude them. Consider signing up for RAC if you are interested in having some pre-installed, configured and sample data environment e.g. SAP XI/PI, SAP SRM 5.0, SAP ECC 5.0/6.0, SAP CRM, etc. without buying any software or hardware to get started immediately. |
| SAP Discovery System for Enterprise SOA Box | FSC Price HP Price | The SAP Discovery System is for enterprise SOA powered by HP or Fujitsu Siemens. It comes pre-packaged with:- SAP NetWeaver Application Server
- SAP NetWeaver Portal
- SAP NetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure (XI)
- SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management (MDM)
- SAP Business Information Warehouse (BI)
- SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure (AII)
- SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
- Etc.
Note: A valid SAP license is a prerequisite. |
There are so many options to gain access to SAP software on SDN (SAP Developer Network). Getting your hands dirty in SAP technology is easier today. Don't limit yourself to only the books and theories as you seek to learn SAP! System access is a must for you and your company to experience SAP.
