ITS Roles and Responsibilities
There are many components to the Internet Transaction Server (ITS): The operating system (Windows NT/2003 or Linux), the Apache Web server, the ITS components (WGate and AGate), and SAP R3.
ASST, R3-Admin, and IDD (Administrative Computing: Internet Design & Development Team) each maintain part or all of these components. This document details what each team is responsible for, by both system and skill.
Operating system:
The installation and maintenance of the operating system will be done by ASST. This includes initial installation, ongoing monitoring for disk space, security, networking, patches, etc. Any upgrades and/or system patches will be coordinated with IDD and R3-Admin. This includes, but is not limited to things like daemons (Services) enabled, open ports, software installed, and operating system version.
Apache Web Server:
The main components of the Apache server are: The server itself, SSL, and the ITS components that are part of the web environment (WGate).
Installation and configuration of the Apache software will be done by ASST. This includes all of the add-ins necessary to enable SSL and user certificates. IDD will assist as needed with any SSL/Certificate issues that may arise, since these are critical to the overall security of ITS. The ITS component of the Apache server (currently the WGate Apache Module) will be the responsibility of IDD. The actual installation of the module and configuration file will be done by ASST, with assistance from IDD.
In the SAP Enterprise release, this component will move into the Web Application Server and would be supported by R3-Admin.
ITS Application (WGate and AGate):
The installation will be done by ASST. The initial configuration will be defined by IDD, R3-Admin and ASST working together. IDD will need to be involved in any troubleshooting of the ITS environment, and should have the skill required to evaluate the problem (i.e. OS, Apache, WGate, Agate, network, SAP transaction etc). An IDD resource will need to be available to the developers, business analysts, and ASST to advise on platform, web server, security, and infrastructure issues on an ongoing basis. Historically there has been 1 ITS upgrade per year. IDD and R3-Admin will identify upgrades based on functional and technical needs.
Transactional Development:
No transactions will be deployed via ITS without management approval. Once approved the transaction may be either published to the web as delivered from SAP, or require AdC directed development. AdC will coordinate all development efforts involving the ITS platform. All ITS development will follow the IDD defined Web Development standards, and will need to follow the AdC Review process.
Application Deployment
The current method of deployment for new or updated applications is a three-tiered process. SAP R3 changes (transports) are moved by R3-Admin. ITS files are moved manually by ASST. Athena files are moved by IDD.
Training, support and documentation:
Based on the current AdC scope, documentation & training responsibilities are confined to end user support, not project team or technical support. Both functions should be included early in the process to ensure effective and timely delivery of end user support at rollout and ongoing.
For training the most likely delivery methods are large-scale demos and/or web- or computer-based training. Several models which will affect staffing: web-based documentation and/or documentation embedded in the ITS transactions. (The documenter could be combined with the Web Resource, depending on skill set, volume of work, and delivery model.)
End user support will be handled in much the same way as SAP support is handled now. The BLT s will act as the front line representatives, and problems will be referred to appropriate people in AdC, R3-Admin, and/or IS as necessary.
SAP Configuration:
SAP configuration will be done by R3-Admin with the assistance of AdC personnel (if necessary). This configuration includes, but is not limited to: Web Publishing configuration, Certificate registration and configuration, User setup and authorizations, and SNC configuration.
Roles/Skills required
| Skill \ Group | ASST | R3-Admin | IDD |
| OS knowledge - Win NT | Y | Y | N |
| OS knowledge - Linux | Y | Y | N |
| Apache Server and SSL | Y | Y | Y |
| Kerberos and SNC | Y | Y | N |
| ITS infrastructure | Y | Y | Y |
| HTML, Business HTML and JavaScript | N | N | Y |
| ABAP Transactional Programming | N | N | Y |
| SAP Basis knowledge | N | Y | N |
| SAP Correction and Transport System understanding | Y | Y | Y |
| Understanding of business process and procedures | N | Y | Y |
| Professional training skills | N | N | Y* |
| Professional documentation skills | N | N | Y* |
| Familiarity with the ITS projects & deliverables | Y | Y | Y |
* I/S training and pubs as of 9/15/03.
Strategic Planning Issues
Strategies will be discussed as a function of ITS Operations meetings. We will meet on a monthly basis depending on projects and initiatives.
