Archiving Glossary

ArchiveLink – Interface that integrates archived documents with the SAP application data. Archived documents are stored to an external content server and are accessible using services of a SAP business object. Examples of such archived documents include print lists, outgoing documents, incoming documents (scanned invoices) and archive files (created during data archiving).

Archive Development Kit (ADK) – Programming interface for handling of archived data. It provides the runtime and administration environment for all data archiving functions regardless of physical storage of files, used code page, data format or SAP release.

Archive Information System (AS) – A generic tool for indexing, searching, and displaying of archived data. It enables to create the archive indexes to use them for a fast search and display of archived data. The user interface is not very comfortable, therefore AS is rather a technical tool for key users. End-users are suppose to use some of AS extentions, for example Document Relationship Browser.

archiving object – Standard system tool for data archiving. It includes

• archiving programs – all programs that are used during data archiving,
• customizing – what data and on which conditions are archived, where they are stored, how the data archiving is carried out, and so on.

content server (storage system) – External physical data storage connected to the SAP system via certified interface. Archived data, outgoing documents, or print lists are stored there.

database backup – A process that involves making a copy of a database in case of a hardware failure, program bug or system copy.

data archiving – Consistent removal of closed business transactions or master data from the database and their relocation to the storage system.

Document Relationship Browser (DRB) – End-user tool for searching and displaying of SAP documents. Links between consequent documents that all were created during one business transaction makes searching even more convenient. Moreover, archived and on-line documents can be searched at once.

outgoing document – Graphical printout created according to pre-defined form layout by the SAPscript or SAP Smart Forms. Typical examples are invoices, delivery notes or purchase orders.

print list – Formatted text output of an application program in the SAP system. Print lists can be printed on paper and/or stored to an archive in electronic form.

retention period (residence time) – The customizable period of time that prevents you from archiving the actively used data. Retention period determines a minimal time interval (usualy given in days) that must be exceeded before application data can be archived. The basis for calculating the retention period is application-specific.