Extracting data from SAP to other systems (without using SAP BW)

Hi,

Colud sombody tell me:

1.

What are avaible options to extract data from SAP to other systems (for example using file extracts). What are restrictions of different methods?

2.

Do I have to have SAP BW to use Generic Extractors?

Thanx in advance,

Wojciech Winnicki