SAP: usage type

今天读到了这么一句话:

 

NetWeaver usage types are software units that are to be installed and configured as per the requirement of a given business scenario. Usage types can be combined with others in one system or can be run separately in different systems. The AS ABAP and AS Java NetWeaver usage types are also used as a foundation for other units.

 

对于其中提到的Usage Type到底是一个什么东西, 没有理解.

搜索了一下, 下面这个链接的内容我比较满意.

https://scn.sap.com/thread/1120524

 

说的是:

 

The term "software unit" is used as a synonym for "usage type" in the context of SAP ERP, SAP CRM, SAP SRM and SAP SCM. So basically, usage type is a bundle of programs designed to do something specific. BI usage type would be used to business intelligence, EP usage type is used for portal, etc.

BI, PI , DI, EP, EP core all are usage types ...