I have already detailed what Business Objects tool is and have given an overview of the architecture of the Business Objects Enterprise system. I will be covering the next step where an absolute beginner to Business Objects will be introduced. This is accessing the system over web.
As can be seen from the session on BOE Architecture, there are two main front end web applications that users interact with. The Central Management Console (CMC) is the tool which is used by administrators of the system to manage users, their access, folders, universes etc. in the system. We will talk about CMC and all its functions in detail later in the administration related topics. Currently we will cover InfoView, which is the general user interface, which is used by end users and report developers alike. This is also the default distribution system where users can view, refresh and edit reports.
InfoView is typically configured to be accessed via the link http://<boserver>:<port>/InfoViewApp or http://<boserver>:<port>/InfoViewApp/logon.jsp. This brings you to a screen as below:
InfoView Log in Screen
We can have three possible authentication models in BOXI3. In Business Objects 4, you have an additional option to configure SAP authentication as well.
Enterprise: Enterprise Authentication is ID created specifically for Business Objects and cannot be synchronized with other systems.
Windows AD: Windows Active Directory authentication lets you log in with your network password. This is the next version to Windows NT authentication which was used in the earlier Window servers.
LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol can be used to synchronize various systems on any operating systems. This is usually used when using a Linux or Unix installation of Business Objects, but can be used for other authentication methods as well.
SAP Authentication: This enables SAP users to log in using their SAP credentials.
Other than Enterprise Authentication, all others can be used to configure Single-Sign-On.