Enterprise Application Integration
EAI and Software Development are not the same. An often-quoted analogy is that while Software Development is like constructing a building, EAI is akin to city planning-they are totally different problems, which require different techniques to address them.
EAI can be achieved in multiple ways. Through implementation of EAI Suites like webMethods, WebSphere Business Integrator, Biztalk, or through custom developed EAI architecture based on Message Oriented Middleware(MOM) or through Web services. EAI Suites offer a loosely coupled application architecture and off-the-shelf connectivity to a wide range of COTS and legacy systems and technologies and simplify integration solution development.
Web services offer an Integration framework that is flexible, standards compliant, reusable and secure while being fast and less expensive to deploy. Web services enable a service-oriented architecture (SOA) , which is an architectural paradigm that promotes software reusability by creating reusable services and offers a loosely-coupled application architecture.
Each of the above approaches have their unique characteristics and challenges, which are well understood by Global Landmark's Consultants. The Global Landmark Enterprise Application Integration (CEAI) Process facilitates the accurate translation of Business needs to Integration needs and ensures that EAI Deployment is "incremental" and is "business process driven".
Global Landmark also recognizes the fact that business processes evolve over time and EAI solutions should be "Built for Change".
However, this is easier said than done and organizations face several challenges while developing and implementing a successful EAI strategy:
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Adopting a business driven approach that provides faster, flexible and less expensive integration that can be implemented in byte-size projects that positively impact revenue at the same time guiding the enterprise towards a long term IT goal |
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The decision on when and how to integrate and then selecting the right Integration approach |
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Choosing the right Integration Solution given the current system architecture of the Enterprise and establishing an Integration Architecture |
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Integrating new custom built applications and packages with Legacy systems |
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Managing the cost and schedule of an Integration Project is a challenging task as multiple systems on different technologies and platforms require a co-coordinated effort on all the systems |
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Enterprise Integration's business-critical, real-time nature can be difficult to control and often negatively impact other projects and service levels across and beyond the enterprise |
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The Global Landmark EAI Process (CEAI)
Offerings
Integration Methodology
Traditional system development methodologies are inadequate for Enterprise Integration projects as Enterprise Integration involves multiple systems, which participate in complex business processes. Enterprise Integration requires a process management perspective and an integrated understanding of the Enterprise. Global Landmark's Systems Integration team practices a unique EAI methodology, which facilitates the accurate translation of Business needs to Integration needs and ensures that EAI Deployment is "incremental" and is "business process driven". Global Landmark also recognizes the fact that business processes evolve over time and EAI deployment should be "Built for Change". Global Landmark's Analysts will work with you to formalize the Integration methodology that will be applied to the entire lifecycle of your Enterprise Integration projects.
Business Process Modeling
As part of this offering, Global Landmark's Business Analysts will work with you to define, analyze and map out your key business processes. This mapping will trace the flow of your key business processes through the various applications that you have deployed in your organization. They will identify the services that each of your existing applications needs to expose to seamlessly participate in an automated workflow. They will document the specifications for each of these services as well as the test cases for each of these services as well as the test cases for the overall automated workflow.
Integration Architecture
Global Landmark's Architects will work with your IS/IT teams to identify and specify the various interfaces that are required between the Integration Framework and your legacy systems and/or Commercial off-the-shelf Packages (COTS). Global Landmark's Architects will then propose an optimal Integration Architecture that takes into account the specific needs of your organization.
Integration Solution Implementation
Global Landmark's development team will build, test, deploy and monitor Enterprise Integration solutions using the leading EAI and Web services platforms. Based on specific project requirements an onsite or onsite-offshore model can be leveraged for Integration Solution Implementation projects. Global Landmark offers the following services as part of its Integration Solution Implementation offering:
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Implementation of EAI Suites, Web services and SOA |
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EAI Suite and Web services Migration |
Global Landmark also offers the following EDI Services for B2B Integration:
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EDI Tool Implementation |
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EDI Standard Adoption |
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EDI Platform Migration |
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EDI System Management |
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Adapter Development
Adapters for most Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Packages are readily available, but for Legacy Systems and Bespoke Solutions, new adapters need to be developed. Our developer teams have the expertise to develop custom adapters using the Adapter Development Kits of the leading EAI platforms.
Package Integration
Leading ERP Vendors like SAP have their own Integration suites. Our development teams have expertise in providing Integration solutions based on these Integration suites.
EAI Operations
Maintenance and Support is an essential part of any EAI deployment. Global Landmark's development teams have expertise in carrying out Maintenance and Support for leading EAI suites like webMethods, WebSphere Business Integrator and Biztalk among others. EAI Product Competencies
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webMethods |
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WebSphere Business Integrator |
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Weblogic |
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Tibco |
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Biztalk |
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Bespoke Integration solution development using MOM like MQ series and DCE approaches like CORBA and RMI |
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