Integrating Applications

Michael
Smith, principal technologist at BEA Systems, outlines the IT issues that
companies face while integrating applications. He recommends the use of a single
platform that can help enterprises build, extend, integrate and manage disparate
applications. Here’s how...

Do you see good potential in India as far as the enterprise application
integration (EAI) space is concerned?

In both the EAI and portal-based space we see a lot of potential in India.
We see customers seeking ways to integrate their existing applications within
the organization spread across the country. As for Internet applications, there
was lack of demand for real-time or online transactions, but now the demand is
rising because of competition.

What issues do weaknesses in IT infrastructure throw up?

The problem with the IT infrastructure in most organizations is use of complex
and propriety environments that requires new skill sets when integrating, and
some are cumbersome tools that cannot be integrated while some address only a
small portion of the integration needs.

What solutions is BEA providing in the EAI/Web services space?

Our solutions provide a platform for different applications in an enterprise
across multiple locations to talk to one another. This platform is the
application infrastructure that integrates diverse computer networks using
multi-operating systems and software packages. The platform can also help
enterprises build core multi-tier applications quite easily.

How many implementations have been done in India?

We have carried out a couple of successful implementations. In India we
started out with pilot projects. Some of our projects have been BSE, ICICI
Direct.com, UTI, and ShareKhan among others. Most of them have built two-tier
applications in multiple locations. Our target audience is every industry
vertical where information transactions form an integral part of their business.
The sectors that would most benefit from this are telecom, banking and logistic
companies.

Is there any specific solution that BEA is offering now?

We partnered with Wipro recently to offer customers WebLogic WorkGroup and
WebLogic Express. The WorkGroup is a non-cluster version of WebLogic server that
comes with JRockit (a JVM) developed for server side applications. The WorkGroup
JRockit is in two package choices, one for Windows 2000 and SQL Server and the
other for RedHat Linux 8.0 and Oracle 9I. The WebLogic Express is a platform for
web and wireless applications.

RADHIKA BHUYAN in New Delhi