The approach can be described as vanilla, because it involves building on the content delivered by SAP by customizing the nomenclature and field properties in SAP NetWeaver Portal to meet the business requirements of the organization. This approach, like the simple one, does not involve any custom development.
The vanilla implementation approach is also cost-effective, requiring the same resources as the out-of-the-box-approach, but getting a step closer to satisfying the requirements of the business owners. When combined with simple customized branding of the portal with company colors, logos, and other graphics, customizing of nomenclature and field behaviors can go a long way toward designing an acceptable self-service offering.
Configuration is relatively easy with the vanilla approach. The overall level of effort depends on the complexity of the business requirements. SAP NetWeaver Portal allows a high degree of customization of different elements. A single field has several customization options, including modifiable nomenclature, look and feel, emphasis, help texts, and descriptive text.
If the goal is quick implementation of simple self-services that closely fit the business in terms of the look, feel, and relevant nomenclature, companies can choose an attractive and cost-effective approach. And as development-based modifications do not change the SAP-delivered content, SAP will provide full support, assuring relatively low support and maintenance costs.
But there is also a drawback. Although the customization of field properties is likely to be well-received by key business owners, they still might have some issues with the execution of business processes in SAP NetWeaver Portal. But midsize organizations often implement the vanilla approach, and it can be a good initial implementation of self-services for larger enterprises. This option is rich in functionality, is cost-effective, and involves low risk in terms of support and maintenance.
http://sap.info/en/solutions/platform/sap_netweaver/080618_Out-of-the-Box_EN.html
Bluesky
