The SAP Exchange Infrastructure (SAP XI for short) works like a data hub to which all available systems in the company can be connected via an adaptor. New systems can be integrated directly into the existing system landscape, reducing the cost of and amount of effort necessary for their integration. In the ideal case, even the existing interface definitions can be reused. This leads to increased flexibility with lower costs per interface.

The exchange of data with connected IT systems is based on web-based standardized formats such as SOAP / XML. But classical Idocs can be processed as well. By consistently using open communication standards, SAP XI has distinguished itself from other EAI solutions, which often depend on proprietary technologies.