Process-Driven Integration and Service Oriented Architectures

Today, integration is no longer simply an issue of linking disparate systems in a heterogeneous environment, which is exacerbated by the vagaries of tactical IT purchasing. Instead, integration has become a critical business function in both commercial and public sectors, is a key source of competitive advantage, and a fundamental enabler for business transformation.

One single development, however, has done most to bridge the gap between business need and technology implementation, and that is the adoption of a business process layer within the integration architecture. Whether it is providing a single view of customer information, improving the efficiency of a supply chain, providing citizen access to public services, or fulfilling on-line orders, the ability to approach integration projects from a process-centric viewpoint has been highly beneficial.

It has also been the foundation for the deployment of Business Process Management (BPM) technology, combining business process modelling, applications, data sources, and human workflow with business logic, analytical and administrative capabilities, to create powerful solutions for automating key business functions.

This new integration model has now been embraced by all sectors of the market, and there is a range of products available from traditional integration vendors, software infrastructure providers, and pureplay BPM and modelling specialists. Each of these categories has its own merits and will suit different styles of project, but the overall message is clear: a process-centric methodology allows business managers to set integration projects in the context of operational activities, whilst enabling technical staff to map these activities to the underlying systems.

The outcome of this business approach to integration is of great significance – projects are no longer focused on simplifying integration and reducing its cost, but can instead be an enabler for real business transformation. Organizations that understand this paradigm have realised dramatic business benefits in areas such as call centre operations, stock management, customer information, on-line services, and particularly business process rationalization and simplification.

Cordys will be present on the exhibition floor and we will give a presentation at 13.55 hrs.  

For more information about this event please visit the Butler Group Website.

This page was last modified on 22 May 2007