SFTP Adapter

SFTP provides a more secure data transfer alternative to “traditional” FTP or FTP/s owing to the fact that SFTP encrypts the entire session, including username, password and data files, using the Secure Shell Protocol (SSH).

Improved capabilities
The Mandant SFTP Adapter allows organisations who have implemented NetWeaver PI, or its predecessor SAP Exchange Infrastructure (XI) to benefit from these improved capabilities by means of a fully JCA-1.0 compliant adapter that is completely integrated into the SAP XI Adapter Framework. Furthermore it removes the need and potential security risk of external SFTP communication scripts and sensitive data residing outside the PI domain.

Plug & play
The Mandant SFTP adapter is a plug & play adapter which conforms to the SAP NetWeaver XI Adapter Framework. Multiple instances of the adapter can be configured centrally in the XI Integration Directory as a component of the Central or De-Centralized Adapter Engine or as part of the Partner Connectivity Kit (PCK).

Secure transfer
The Mandant SFTP adapter allows platform independent secure file transfer over an encrypted SSH network transport protocol. The adapter utilises public key cryptography to guarantee the security of data transmissions using a PKI to authenticate the public key used in the communications for file transfer.

Introduction to Netweaver PI / SAP XI

NetWeaver usage type PI (Process Integration) is SAP’s enterprise application integration (EAI) solution derived from its predecessor SAP Exchange Infrastructure (SAP XI).

NetWeaver PI is a key component of SAP’s Enterprise Service-Oriented Architecture.

It provides a mechanism for implementing cross-system processes in both SAP to SAP and SAP to non-SAP scenarios by acting as an integration broker supporting varying requirements in terms of connectivity, data format and protocols.

Netweaver PI capabilities
NetWeaver PI is based on an open architecture, uses open standards (in particular those from the XML and Java environments) and provides services that are essential in complex system landscapes:

• Modeling and design of messages, transformations, and cross-component integration processes
• Configuration options for managing collaborative processes and message flow
• Runtime for message and process management
• Adapter Engine for integrating heterogeneous system components
• Central monitoring for monitoring message flow and processes

The introduction of the Mandant SFTP Adapter adds to these capabilities and the flexibility of NetWeaver PI.

NetWeaver PI / SAP XI Component Architecture

Mandant Adapters may be deployed on an SAP XI Adapter Engine, either centrally, de-centrally, or as part of the Partner Connectivity Kit (PCK) as illustrated in the component architecture diagram below:

Mandant XI Adapter Framework

SAP XI Adapter Framework
The Adapter Framework is part of the SAP XI Adapter Engine and the Partner Connectivity Kit. It allows for the central configuration, managing and monitoring of adapters.

Mandant Adapters
All Mandant XI Adapters conform to the JCA-1.0 specification and work seamlessly with the SAP XI Adapter Framework.

Central configuration
Mandant XI Adapters are configured within the XI Integration Directory in the same way as the standard SAP Technical Adapters such as the File Adapter.

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