The Web tier includes a proxy server, which enables secure, load-balanced
communication between mobile devices and SAP Mobile Server. Across-the-firewall deployment
occurs without opening any internal firewall ports for enterprise mobilization and ensures
that data is secure while in transit. Relay Server or a third-party proxy server, such as
Apache Reverse Proxy, can be used as the proxy server.
The proxy server is used in the runtime architecture as a component of
the enterprise demilitarized zone (DMZ), to securely integrate mobile devices into
your system landscape. You need not install any SAP Mobile Platform
components on the carrier network or outside your firewall; they can all be
installed and controlled within your corporate networks.
The proxy server:
- Provides a single point of contact for devices and is a
specialized reverse proxy that avoids opening inbound ports in the firewall
to SAP Mobile Server.
- Accepts and forwards requests from remote clients to
SAP Mobile Platform components.
- Integrates with existing security for Web and enterprise infrastructure,
eliminating the need for changes to existing corporate firewalls and IT
policies.
SAP Mobile Platform synchronization uses Relay Server
end-to-end encryption and HTTPS to secure communication. Devices synchronize with
SAP Mobile Platform securely on the device client side.
In an implementation targeting BlackBerry devices where a BlackBerry Enterprise
Server (BES) is installed, Relay Server can be optional. In this landscape variation:
- BES acts as the reverse proxy server managing secure access to the network
and connections to devices through the RIM Network Operations Center (NOC).
However, if BES does not act as the reverse proxy server, Relay Server
installed between BES and SAP Mobile Server can perform this function.
- A component of the BES can also manage load balancing. However, if this
component is not used for load balancing purposes, Relay Server can be
installed as the load balancer between the BES and SAP Mobile Server.
For additional information see:
- Landscape Design and
Integration
- Administer > Relay Server in SAP Control Center
for SAP Mobile Platform.