Enterprise application technology. (Management).

Over the past few years, numerous organisations have invested in the latest software applications to drive their business forward, however many are now finding that these systems are becoming redundant on their own. The key to staying ahead of the competition in today's current climate is now to integrate all of these systems, says Justin Opie, Portfolio Director at Imark Communications.

E-Business has changed the way that companies now operate and, with a growing need to forge closer links with customers and suppliers to stay ahead of the competition, many companies have faced increasing pressure to invest in new applications in order to achieve this goal. In reality, many businesses are left with disparate systems that are out of date, and which do not 'talk' to each other in a similar language recognised by internet technology. Additionally, many of these applications are not delivering what they originally promised, puffing enormous pressure on IT Departments throughout organisations to deliver new and improved technology. Often, companies are left with a tangled web of applications costing more in maintenance than they are returning in profits. All of this makes effective B2B e-Business virtually impossible. In today's current climate, many businesses are realising that they must now integrate all of these systems together in order to remain truly competitive.

Squeezing the value out of current systems

This is where Enterprise Application Integration (EAT) technology comes into play; updating, consolidating and co-ordinating all of the computer applications within - and between - organisations. EAT provides a platform for businesses to connect applications and other data sources, providing the 'glue'that sticks varying applications together. For example, an organisation may have invested in many different applications, such as an accounting & finance package, customer databases, legacy systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, supply chain management systems, all of which are focused on providing a service.

However, if all of these systems sit alone, and work as separate entities, EAI technology can integrate them all, linking them as if they were working as one system. As a result, a salesperson can access the accounts database and check on a customer account, alternatively, a marketing manager can access the sales system to assess buying trends. Additionally, a front-office website can 'taik'to a back-office database so that orders can be tracked effectively by individual customers. Connected to the supply chain management system, this then ensures that an order is fulfilled seamlessly - with all of the different business applications integrating with one another. Many experts believe this is where the true promise of e-Business lies where EAT helps to link an organisation with its partners or suppliers, allowing them to access areas of the system to glean important information.

Another important feature of EAT is that it can link legacy systems and databases, which contain crucial historical company data, with new up to date applications. This means that it is possible to maintain old system records, whilst keeping up to date with the latest technological developments.

How does EAI work?

EAI works on the basis that each application only needs one interface. This interface is made available to all other applications needing to integrate with it. There are different ways of integrating, for example, in a 'hub and spoke model', the EAT platform sits at the centre of an enterprise trafficking all communications between the other applications. A'bus-based architecture' 'works on the basis that everything is connected via the network, therefore eliminating the need for traffic to pass through one central point. EAT technology may also involve developing a new view of an organisations business and its applications. In doing this, the technology helps examine how existing applications fit into a new perspective, and assists with ways to re-use what already exists, whilst all the time adding new applications and data. This technology is not new, and many organisations have already recognised the need to integrate applications. However, most have implemented this on an ad-hoc basis, without building a strategy. Typically, if an organisation wanted to integrate three applications in the past, it would usually be carried out separately, integrating with another, rather than all three together. For example, if a company wanted to link its three applications, which we will call A, B and C, traditionally they would have been able to link A with B and then A with C, rather than linking A, B and C together seamlessly. Changes to this technology have meant that it is now becoming more accessible, and essential for businesses to adopt to reap the long-term benefits such as cost reduction, increased productivity and flexibility.

Why integrate?

EAI is swiftly moving from being a 'nice to have' technology to becoming a crucial element of an organisation's IT strategy. It is becoming increasingly clear that in today's highly competitive business environment, companies are no longer able to operate in isolation from their partners, customers and suppliers.

EAI means that businesses can pass and share information both within - and between- enterprises. Whereas in the past businesses faced pressure to invest in various different new applications in order to maintain a competitive advantage. They are now facing the same pressure to link all of these systems together to gain the real business benefits. Without integration applications, companies could face a tangled mess of applications using a diverse set of technologies with increasing maintenance costs. In fact, EAI eliminates the need for custom-built systems, and extends the life of existing legacy systems - which would otherwise need constant updating. EAI can reduce the costs of running such applications by integrating them into web-orientated business processes.

What should you consider?

Before investing in EAI technology it is important for businesses to build a strategy, detailing exactly what they want to achieve. It is important to carry out a review of business processes, asking questions such as: how does the organisation currently operate? How much interaction does the business need between its suppliers and customers? What are the current barriers hindering the flow of data? Another essential step is to carry out a risk analysis before implementing the project. By planning ahead and organising the project, businesses can ensure that they will save costs and avoid delays later on - music to a CEO's ears!

A purchasing headache?

Despite the benefits of integration, all of this can leave businesses with a purchasing 'headache'. Many executives feel that purchasing integration solutions is one of the toughest challenges they will have to face, and as a result, the decision continues to be pushed to the back burner.

www.softworld.co.uk.