Co-author : Sunjit Tara
SAP Java NetWeaver is a Java-based application server designed to integrate business applications and technologies. It enables reliable, scalable operation of applications in distributed, enterprise environments. The Java stack within NetWeaver manages the execution of Java-based applications and services, forming the foundation for SAP Java solutions such as SAP Portal and SAP Commerce.
You can monitor SAP Java NetWeaver and extract metrics using Instana’s monitoring capabilities. Monitoring NetWeaver metrics delivers significant value for production systems and overall business operations. Instana allows you to collect key performance indicators such as CPU, Memory, Sessions, Threads etc as well as JVM and SAP-specific metrics. Proactive monitoring of these KPIs helps organizations maintain optimal performance, detect bottlenecks early, and prevent potential downtime.
Configuring SAP Java NetWeaver Sensor
You can configure the SAP Java NetWeaver sensor for both remote and local monitoring without making any changes to the SAP system. While both approaches provide the same set of metrics, local monitoring offers a more comprehensive view by including underlying infrastructure details, associated processes, and stack information. On the other hand, remote monitoring enables you to monitor your NetWeaver instance without installing the Instana agent on the same host. It also allows you to monitor multiple NetWeaver instances simultaneously using a single Instana agent.
Why JMX Matters
JMX technology enables the management and monitoring of Java applications, devices, and services. It exposes key aspects of an application’s runtime environment, including memory usage, thread counts, and custom business metrics. These insights can be used to monitor the health and performance of Java applications in real time.
In SAP Java NetWeaver, JMX is usually configured through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) settings. You first need to enable JMX on the JVM and then configure the settings to expose the required JMX metrics. Once these changes are applied, restart the SAP Java instance.
Below is an example of commonly used JVM parameters for enabling JMX:
com.sun.management.jmxremote.authenticate=false
com.sun.management.jmxremote.port=23456
com.sun.management.jmxremote.rmi.port=23456
com.sun.management.jmxremote.ssl=false
java.rmi.server.hostname=<HOSTNAME_OR_IP>
For more information on how to configure, see Monitoring SAP with the Java NetWeaver sensor.
After enabling JMX, you will be able to view both JMX and SAP-specific metrics in the Instana SAP dashboard once the NetWeaver details are updated in the Instana configuration file(<agent-install-dir>/etc/instana/configuration.yaml).
Configuring Remote Monitoring
The SAP host is configured remotely using standard connection requirements, and with the following changes in the agent configuration file, it also supports a multi-instance scenario.
Remote monitoring configuration
A typical remote monitoring view of SAP Java NetWeaver sensors from the infrastructure is shows in the following figure.
Remote monitoring Infrastructure view
To view the metrics associated with the underlying SAP Java NetWeaver system, click Open Dashboard.
SAP Java NetWeaver metrics dashboard
The SAP Java NetWeaver metrics dashboard is illustrated in the following figures. Key metrics collected by the SAP Java NetWeaver sensor include CPU usage, memory usage, request volume, connection count, transaction count, HTTP requests, cache hit ratio, and JVM-related metrics.
Display of CPU and Memory metrics in the Java NetWeaver dashboard
Display of Thread and Application related metrics in the Java NetWeaver dashboard
Configuring local monitoring
In the local monitoring configuration, the local tag is used instead of the remote . The host key is not required for a local connection, as it always uses the loopback address by default.
Local monitoring configuration
Local monitoring presents an infrastructure-focused view, encompassing host and process details and their associated statistics.
Local monitoring Infrastructure view
In local monitoring, the SAP Java NetWeaver sensor is attached to the host and associated with the underlying jstart process and its metrics.
SAP Java NetWeaver process monitoring
Conclusion
Monitoring SAP Java NetWeaver with Instana provides deep visibility into JVM behavior, system performance, and SAP-specific KPIs — helping teams ensure stability and optimize operations. With support for both remote and local monitoring, Instana offers flexible deployment options based on environment needs. Future posts will explore advanced capabilities, including alerting strategies, custom metric integrations, and end-to-end traceability across SAP landscapes.
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