Distributed Applications: Linked with ALE

Communication between technically independent applications is a demanding challenge that SAP has met with the Application Link Enabling concept (ALE). 

This innovative technology enables communication between distributed application systems; for example, systems operating independently in a company's head office and in decentralized locations - as shown in this scenario:

*	An R/3 System at the main office serves as reference system for master data and control data throughout the company. It is used for company-wide applications.
*	The production plants use R/3 for such applications as decentralized sales and production planning, production activity control, and materials management.
*	In the local sales offices, the R/3 System assumes the handling of incoming orders, shipping, and billing.

Between these distributed application systems, a configurable routing model controls the exchange of business messages, changes to master data, and comparisons of control information. The major advantages are as follows:

*	Based on predefined routing models and the corresponding openness of the SAP integration interfaces, applications can be implemented and operated in decentralized form.
*	Release upgrade is simplified by decoupling. This means that users can upgrade their PP system to a new release, irrespective of the status of the other systems.
*	The detached application systems avoid potential bottlenecks associated with processing large quantities of data.
*	Satellite solutions that, for example, link an R/2 financial accounting system with an R/3 shipping system, enable smooth transition from R/2 to R/3.

Find out for yourself about how the ALE concept can help you consistently store and easily exchange business information in distributed systems.