Posted by [IP Address: 172.143.62.247] 'Wolfgang G. Propfe' on September 16, 2001 at 12:32:32 EST:
In Reply to: seeking advice posted by [IP Address: 172.143.62.247] 'Joseph' on September 16, 2001 at 10:38:49 EST:
Dear Joseph:
Here is my opinion on your outlook:
: 1.Would it be a good decision for me to switch to SAP/ABAP?
It certainly does not hurt to know it, but ABAP is very different from other languages (C++, VB, Java, etc.), although the new ABAP Objects is closing the gap a bit. ABAP is not a stand-alone language - it is tightly integrated with the DDIC (data dictionary) and the business functions.
: 2.If yes,how steep can I expect the learning curve to be?
The language is fairly easy, but (see 1.) it is pretty hard at first to understand where things are coming from and how to do things right. Some elements are taken from the DDIC and cannot be found in the program, includes or classes. The concept of interaction (interaction per screen or list instead of directly) and events (logical databases, screens, user commands) is very different. At first, it is easy to get things done, but chances are there is a better way. In case you are a veteran, I can compare that to assembly: Logically you want to move zero to a register (like X = 0), but in real life you do an XOR with itself (1 xor 1 = 0 and 0 xor 0 = 0), which has the same effect and is faster. By reading the code as a novice, you may not immediately make that connection.
: 3.Does mySAP (or any other erp/scm/e-business package) use java? Coz once i'm into it,I'd want to use my knowledge of java to get further & move into more related areas like e-business packages that use java & erp.
Java comes in handy for certain occasions, e.g. for RFCs. I am not too familiar with mysap yet, but I heard it is even more Java there. E-business is big, but you don't need Java for it (at least in R/3).
: 4.& How long do u reckon the market for SAP/ABAPers is gonna stay good?
It is already not too great, and more people enter the market, less people are needed.
: 5.How difficult is it to get a break in SAP/ABAP after undergoing ABAP training from ERDC Noida(or a similar training institute)?
This will be the hardest part. With tough competition [me :-)] and a slow market, the client has a choice. And unlike some markets, the bid does not always go to the cheapest, because of the tight integration to the business. Even if you worked for $5 an hour, the company could end up paying a lot more, if things don't go too well. Worst case a big financial loss due to programming errors, best case they need to get an expert to 'clean up'. Everyone makes an occasional mistake, but the impact and frequency of such mistakes is higher in beginners. Now is not the time where clients take that gamble to save a quick buck. They know they'll pay later. On the other hand, some clients still compare hourly rates only, which shows no indication of the overall cost. If my rate is twice as high but I am three times as fast, I am cheaper altoghether, not counting the quality of the output (which again is likely to be better as compared to a beginner).
I don't mean to discourage you. However, you asked for it, and I know 'veterans' who had to cut back enormously to stay in business. Your best bet may be big 5, because they are most likely to be able to place beginners among the bigger projects. The good times are probably over though.
IMHO, a few years ago an implementation was driven by what needs to be done (from the system's point of view as well as business). Now a lot of clients want to use the standard as is, tweak it a bit and get going. In their own developments, some don't even adhere to SAP guidelines at all. This varies by company though. It used to be, that a modification was acceptable, if done well. Now modifications are 'BAD' and any workaround is more welcome, even if it is not the right thing or error prone.
Regards,
Wolfgang
(As Dennis Miller says on HBO: This is just my opinion, I may be wrong)