What distinguishes a 'client' from a 'user' in SAP?

The distinction between a 'client' and a 'user' in SAP is primarily based on their roles and characteristics within the system architecture. A client is defined as an independent environment that includes its own set of data, configurations, and user definitions. This autonomy allows different clients to operate in isolation, supporting multiple business processes or different organizational divisions within a single SAP system instance.

Users, on the other hand, are individuals or entities who access the SAP system to perform tasks or functions. Each user is associated with specific authorizations and roles that govern their actions within a client. This structure allows users to interact with the data and functionalities available in a particular client without affecting other clients that are running concurrently.

In contrast, the other explanations do not capture the essence of the distinction. For instance, suggesting that a client is merely a user within the system misrepresents the fundamental differentiations in environment and function. Similarly, defining a client as a physical machine overlooks its virtual nature as part of the software configuration in SAP. Lastly, the notion that a client has no defined authorizations does not accurately describe the relationship between clients and users, as clients themselves do not possess authorizations; rather, it is the users who hold these privileges within the context of a client