2. Business Connectivity Market Trends
Business connectivity in the context of evolved Web Services is a critical challenge at the heart of
most enterprisesโ key business applications, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM),
Supply Chain Management (SCM), e-Business / e-Commerce applications, and enterprise portals.
The need for two or more of such applications to communicate both within and out the enterprise
forms the basis of the application integration โproblem.โ The Forrester research estimates that over
70% of todayโs IT budgets are dedicated to solving integration issues. In some industries, such as
financial services and insurance, this percentage is even higher.
The market for business connectivity software components and services is likely to grow throughout
2004- 2008 and the application integration marketed at $1.3 billion in 2002 is expected to reach $7.7
billion by 2007.
Yet, business connectivity is understood not only as the issues of internal or external integration, but
also as the point of business mobilization, as demanded by the developing m-business market.
More and more companies and organizations realize that by utilizing mobilized work they not only
make their employeesโ work more efficient but also enable then to perform more of their tasks in
proximity to the customer, thus increasing the efficiency of customer relations management.
According to Ovum the smartphone (as a major means of business mobilization) market has grown
from just two million units sold in 2002 to some 10 million sold in 2003, with 25 million expected to
be sold in 2004 and 130 million in 2007. ABI predicts similar growth, expecting 150 million units by
2008. Based on various market reports, we can project the relative growth of smartphones with
respect to other mobile computing segments as follows:
3. Web Services Market Trends
The overall trend shows a very strong interest in Web Services, as a backbone of business
connectivity which can be proved by the fact that 52% of the companies claim to have begun projects
or be currently prototyping Web Services as the most optimal solution for their business needs and
37% are considering their implementation.
Web Services and SOA approaches allow solving critical connectivity problems by providing
standards-based, loosely coupled interfaces for accessing application functionality and data.
Concurrently with the increased demand for business connectivity solutions, Web Services (at $152
million in 2002) are evolving as a portion of the total Enterprise Applications Integration (EAI),
application servers and enterprise portals markets, and are expected to reach $3.1 billion by 2007.
Web Services will impact the way the software is developed, distributed and used. It creates Dynamic
Business Webs โ flexible Internet-based applications that will allow companies to create new
products and services faster than existing methods, reach new customers, new engagement and
business models. Gartner expects that all leading e-business platforms will support the basic Web
Services infrastructure and expects a $28 billion market for Web Services by 2008
With new trends appearing and new technologies developing, the analysts project business
connectivity and e-business software sales to grow to nearly $9 billion. And the trend is not a short-
term one, since forecasts also predict that business connectivity software and services will be a $40
billion market by 2006.
4. Business Connectivity for Modern Enterprise
General Approach
Expansion of corporate IT systems beyond the boundaries of traditional enterprise and dynamic
nature of the competitive landscape are creating significant business and technology challenges. This
ever-expanding universe of new generation of enterprise applications requires a radically different
technological approach to building and connecting these applications into coherent large-scale
solutions. Web Services are the latest in the series of industry-wide initiatives that are focused on
addressing the need for connecting extended enterprise applications.
XML Web Services technology is relatively new however it has already demonstrated a number of
critical properties that generated a wave of industry-wide excitement and placed them into the bright
spotlight of industry analysts, the press, and leading edge practitioners. The great premise of Web
Services is in their ability to flexibly and efficiently connect the extended enterprise.
Business connectivity is a complex issue and can be subdivided into several types: Internal
Application Integration, External Application Integration, and Multi-Channel Integration.
Structure of services for Enterprise Business Connectivity positioning
1. Deployment of the Enterprise Business Connectivity Framework and creation of the Unified Business InterfaceTM
for the Enterprise;
2. Development of specific XML Web Services for enabling the service-oriented architecture of the enterprise IT
infrastructure;
3. Development of the Data Consuming Applications:
Complex information systems;
Client applications for mobile devices;
PC-based client applications;
Web-applications;
Web-oriented and/or mobile-oriented Content Management Systems on the basis of SF-CMS.
5. General Vision of Business Connectivity Services
ENTERPRISE
REMOTE OFFICE
Existing Information
System
Client Application OTHER BUSINESS
CORPORATE INTEGRATION
Existing Information
System
Unified Business
Office
Interface
Existing Information
System
INTERNAL APPLICATION INTEGRATION
Information Systems
B2B INTEGRATION
SF-CMS
Mobile client
Mobile web-
Corporate Web-site application
browser
with secure sections
and web applications
Remote Employee
Any Web-site visitors
Mobile employees &
other mobile users
MOBILIZING THE BUSINESS
Subcontractors/
Customers
suppliers
EXTENDING BUSINESS TO THE INTERNET
6. Business Connectivity Framework Solution
on the basis of XML Web Services
One of the primary tasks for increasing the efficiency of enterprise integration and developing service
oriented architecture is the development of the enterprise integration interface. Most of the existing
approaches do not assure the requisite access to corporate information due to security and user
administration policy.
A Web Services-based Service Oriented Architecture supports not only business but also technical
possibilities, and focuses on the value derived from integrating information systems. It allows to
integrate legacy systems working on different platforms and to avoid limitations imposed by the local
network and firewall.
Soft Format L offers its customers the development of the Unified Business InterfaceTM (UBI) which
will serve as a reliable, scalable and composite interface for future development of the extended
enterprise.
Business Connectivity Framework is a complex software solution for
business integration. It enables the business connectivity of the
enterprise through the Unified Business InterfaceTM.
The Business Connectivity Framework consists of:
The XML Web Services which provide the data access and reflect the business
logic of the source information system;
Web Services Management System SF-WSM, which enables the centralized web
services management;
Unified Business InterfaceTM โ a set of open standardized XML Web Services for
enabling the interaction of the external systems with the enterprise IT infrastructure.
Business Connectivity Framework consolidates the Information Systems
into a single cross-corporate system and separates business function
logic usage from physical implementation. Thus it provides data
consumers with access to the required data from versatile Data Sources.
8. Unified Business InterfaceTM
Conceptual Vision
Enterprise Information System Tier
Enterprise Information Systems include existing and newly developed information
systems and databases, which will serve as data sources during integration and
extending business to Internet.
Adapters allow connection of Web Services to systems that were not originally
developed as Web Services-based. Adapters can be written in-house or purchased from
software vendors of existing Information Systems. Some examples of systems that can
use adapters include internally developed systems, database systems, CORBA,
COM/DCOM.
Web Services make up connection technology, which enables integration of Web
Services into a service-oriented architecture. The advantage of XML Web Services
within the Business Connectivity Framework Solution is their slimmed-down functionality
and thus simplicity of maintainability and extensibility. This is achieved by the
architectural solution of the Business Connectivity Framework, where XML Web Services
reflect the business logic of the source information system and the data access logic.
Unified Business InterfaceTM
Web Services Management System provides centralized management of security
policy and authorization of entire corporate Web Services infrastructure. It provides
external systems with unified open interface (Unified Business InterfaceTM) for interaction
with existing enterprise Web Services infrastructure.
Intranet Tier
XML firewalls offer the promise of protecting internal systems when using Web
Services. Traditional firewalls offer protection at the packet level and do not examine the
contents of messages. XML firewalls, on the other hand, examine the contents of
messages. This includes the SOAP headers and the XML content. They are designed to
permit authorized content to pass through the firewall.
Internal Applications encompass all enterprise software applications
(WinApplications, WebApplications, WebServices, etc), which interact with the existing
Web Services infrastructure.
Internet Tier
Firewalls offer protection at the packet level and protect enterprises from attack.
External Applications encompass all enterprise software applications (Win
Applications, Mobile Applications, external ะะก, etc) beyond the enterprise, which
interact with the existing Web Services infrastructure through the Internet.
9. Expediency of using XML Web Services
XML Web Services are not the only technology applicable for developing the business connectivity
solutions still having a number of significant advantages over other:
Interoperability โ by operating on the โsystem boundariesโ, Web Services achieve a higher level
โข
of commonality than previously available. XML Web Services can work with the heterogeneous
environment, i.e. they can both receive data from versatile sources and act as data sources for
completely incompatible systems, thus ensuring their integration.
Operational simplicity โ using Web Services, business logic of individual systems can be
โข
exposed over the Web. Developers or business analysts can compose custom client-side solution
for a particular business problem by combining the Web Services that they require.
Scalability โ because of the component-based model of XML Web Services, the technology
โข
secures the scalability and extensibility of the solution. Thus it allows the incremental development
of the integration solution, assures the capabilities for future modifications, enhancements, etc.
Ubiquity โ because Web Services are provided over the Internet, they are accessible from
โข
anywhere and furthermore, because of the standards they are developed with, Web Services
respect existing security systems such as firewalls.
10. Advantages of utilization of Web Services Management System (SF-WSM)
for Business Connectivity Framework (BCF)
Increase of efficiency and centralized monitoring of Web Services infrastructure;
Web services monitoring and audit enables obtaining real time and historical information about
web services functioning, their load and malfunctions;
IT managers are able to perform centralized management and control of Web Services
infrastructure;
In case of overload or malfunctions there exists a flexible mechanism of automatic errors
handling and system recovery;
Dynamic redirection supports simultaneous functioning of multiple web services and optimal
distribution of load;
Flexibility and integration solutions extension management.
There exists a possibility to add new web services and extend interfaces of the system.
Centralized security management for the integrated IT infrastructure.
SF-WSM supports the majority of technological authentication and authorization standards and
provides the necessary security of web services.
There exists a possibility both to create own directory of users and to utilize domain users directory
Speeding up the implementation and deployment of new web services.
Since SF-WSM provides centralized XML web services management (routing and monitoring, SLA,
access control and security management) it enables avoiding development of given management
functions for each specific web service.
11. Advantages of utilization of Content Management System
for developing the Extended Enterprise
Enterprise will significantly benefit from implementation of the CMS because the latter:
Ensures scalability and extensibility of the IT infrastructure of extended enterprise;
Reduces time-to-market and Total Cost of Ownership for enhancements and modifications of the IT
infrastructure;
Assures integral maintainability and manageability of the extended enterprise;
Empowers business users to manage their own content and removes constraints of having IT staff
maintaining content;
Enables business users to deliver Web applications, such as online forms for internal and external
use without involving IT;
Increases customer, partner and supplier satisfaction with accurate and timely web sites;
Automates processes and increases velocity of Web site, Intranet, and Extranet content changes;
Supports organizationsโ need to deliver the same content to multiple locations in multiple
presentation formats and eliminate costly, redundant steps.
12. UBI-based Internal Application Integration
Business Challenges
Provide cost effective, scalable IT infrastructure of the enterprise
Increase business efficiency by means of IT integration
Provide extensibility of existing enterprise IT infrastructure without necessity of its reengineering
Technological Challenges
Provide integration of versatile information systems in heterogeneous business environment
Avoid necessity of information system reengineering for its integration with other systems
Offer flexible and reliable security management mechanism within the enterprise information systems
Achieve high maintainability and operability of the integrated information systems
14. UBI-based Internal Application Integration
Any existing enterprise information systems can be used as Internal Data Sources. Integration is
achieved through customized XML Web Services which utilize existing enterprise Information
Systemโs business logic and provide access to the system data.
Web services are controlled through the Web Services Management System SF-WSM, which is the
integral part of the BCF.
The BCF consolidates Information Systems into a single cross-corporate system and provides Data
Consumers with access to the required data from versatile Data Sources.
Both existing and newly developed Client Applications and Information Systems can act as Internal
Data Consumers.
Since all Data Consumers connect to Data Sources via the UBI, the BCF allows centralized
application of security policy and realizes unified access to existing Information Systems.
15. UBI-based Business-to-Business Integration
Business Challenges
Gain additional competitive advantages through acceleration and increase of effectiveness of
collaboration with business partners
Increase business efficiency within and beyond the enterprise through improvement of procurement
processes, maximization of supply chains, reduction of transaction costs
Technological Challenges
Enable interoperability between information systems of business partners
Provide secure information flow between integrated systems
Provide scalability for integration of information systems of business partners
17. UBI-based Business-to-Business Integration
Service-oriented architecture of enterprise IT infrastructure is implemented through customized XML
Web Services, which utilize existing enterprise Information Systemโs business logic and provide
access to its data.
Web Services Management System SF-WSM enables Business Connectivity Framework to be
based on both newly developed and existing XML Web Services, enabling consolidation of Data
Sources into integrated information environment for B2B integration.
The BCF assures extensibility and scalability of Business-to-Business integration, enabling the
enterprise to be concurrently integrated with a number of business partners through the UBI. Both
existing and newly developed External Client Applications and Information Systems can act as Data
Consumers.
SF-WSM ensures centralized XML Web Services management and enables application of
centralized security policy for all types of Data Consumers.
18. Extending Business to Internet using UBI
Business Challenges
Gain additional competitive advantages through development of web-extended enterprise solutions
Increase business efficiency by enabling web interaction between companyโs employees, business
partners, clients, suppliers and contractors
Transform static, presentation-type web-sites into web-enabled, service-oriented corporate web
portals
Extend range of services, gain new markets with utilization of e-businesses
Technological Challenges
Enable interaction with the existing Information Systems through web interface
Provide flexible and reliable mechanism of security management
Achieve convergence of versatile web applications into corporate web portal
20. Extending Business to Internet using UBI
Development of web-applications and enabling their interoperability with the existing information
systems of an enterprise are main constituents of extending business to Internet.
SF-CMS enables development and subsequent maintenance of web applications as the parts of a
corporate web-portal, providing an enterprise with a scalable and reliable platform for e-business
and its integration into the enterprise IT infrastructure.
As in previous cases, integration with the existing IT infrastructure is performed through the BCF,
which enables consolidation of data sources and provides Data Consumers with the UBI.
SF-WSM ensures centralized XML Web Services management and application of centralized
security policy for all types of Data Consumers, thus supporting the reliability and manageability of
the Business Connectivity Framework as the basis for web-enabling an enterprise.
Business extension to Internet can be achieved through a variety of custom web-applications
depending on web-enabled business function. Although when planning Web Enterprise
Infrastructure, an option of using Content Management System might be considered for securing its
manageability and maintainability.
21. Mobilizing Business using UBI
Business Challenges
Increase human resources work effectiveness through mobilization of business processes
Provide responsiveness of businesses in collaboration with partners, clients, suppliers and
contractors
Provide possibilities for the mobile companyโs personnel to perform their business functions
Extend enterprise services range through implementation of mobile solutions for the customers
Technological Challenges
Provide secure information interchange between the company and its mobile business partners
Develop unified interface of client applications for access to enterprise information systems through
mobile devices
Fulfill excessive functionality of client applications for mobile devices
Achieve interaction with existing information systems
23. Mobilizing Business using UBI
Any existing enterprise information systems can be used as internal data sources. Integration is
achieved through customized XML Web Services which utilize existing enterprise Information
System's business logic and provide data access to the System.
Web services are controlled through SF-WSM, which is an integral part of the BCF.
The BCF consolidates Information Systems into a single cross-corporate system and provides
mobile consumers with access to the required data from versatile Data Sources.
Mobile clients can access data through rich-client applications installed on mobile devices as well as
interact using a web-browser with a web-application which is integrated with the existing IT
infrastructure through the Unified Business InterfaceTM.
Since all Data Consumers connect to Data Sources via the UBI, the BCF allows centralized
application of security policy and realizes unified access to the existing Information Systems.
Mobile client applications can be developed for laptops, tablet PCs, PDAs, Smartphones, cellular
phones or any other kind of mobile devices with any software installed (mobile browsers, rich client
applications, etc.). Both existing and newly developed client applications and Information Systems
can act as Internal Data Consumers.
24. Technological Expertise
Soft Formal L can offer its customers high-quality services within the following technological profile:
Operation Systems: Microsoft operation systems for PCs and mobile devices; Symbian OS
Platforms: Microsoft .NET, Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, JVM
Programming languages: C#, C++, VB .NET, XML/XSLT, HTML/DHTML; Java, J#
SQL: PL/SQL, T-SQL, ANSI SQL
Script languages: VBScript, JScript
Technologies: Web Services, .NET Remoting, COM/DCOM, COM+, ADO.NET, ADO
Web-technologies: ASP.NET, Mobile ASP.NET
Databases: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server
Software Architecture: client/server, multi-tier
25. Valuable Offer to Customers
Business Connectivity Framework provides a universal platform for business integration and
ensures scalability and extensibility of the IT infrastructure
Cost-effective and efficient integration of the legacy systems using brand-new technologies (XML
Web Services)
Business Connectivity Framework allows integrating the IT systems without reengineering them,
thus allowing to reduce the cost of maintaining and developing the enterprise IT infrastructure
Low cost of the solution as compared to other existing solutions
Possibility of modular implementation which does not require considerable initial investments.
Unified Business InterfaceTM ensures the interoperability of the enterprise with is business partners,
thus increasing the business transactions efficiency as well increasing market attractiveness and
competitiveness of the Customer.
Business Connectivity Framework allows the centralized management and control over the
integrated information system of the extended enterprise.
Extending business to the Internet or mobilizing the business via the Business Connectivity
Framework allows adopting new business models or transforming the value chains to ensure higher
efficiency of co-operation with remote employees, dealers, subsidiaries, etc. Moreover, they allow
for more proximity with the customer thus increasing his satisfaction and more precise fulfillment of
the requirements and needs.
26. Partnership Benefits
Generation of a new highly remunerative profit source by establishing a smooth and synergetic
business partnership with Soft Format L, effectiveness of which is ensured by aligning the
positioning with your business
Extending the range of CMS-based services
Possibility to use existing customers base thus reducing time and cost of partnership market entry
A low technological and financial barrier of client acquisition ensured by low time and cost
investments for initial implementation and possibility to realize the solution on any Information
system without the need for reengineering.
Reducing costs and shortening time-to market due to:
availability of a wide scope of ready made components, which are used for the solution
reusability and extensibility of the solution on the basis of the existing re-use components and
proven architectural practices and those generated in the course of providing the services to
the customer
highly-qualified offshore personnel, which ensures low cost and high quality of the services
This positioning allows to create a unique business offer of the partnership based on:
market differentiation, which is achieved by the convergence of the ready-made solutions
(WSM, CMS) and qualitative custom services.
application of structural components of the solution which are entirely developed and owned
by the partners and positioned as transparent and manageable integral parts of the entire
solution, as contrasted to the third party vendors providing similar services.
reliability, predictability, and low level of uncertainties and risks granted by the technical
transparency of the solution
Due to the complexity of the solution, the partnership is flexible in selecting profit sources within the
services, thus ensuring the highest possible revenue rate in every certain case.
