Data integration is a critical component of enterprise computing, but it is only the first step in developing integrated, automated business processes that improve customer service and a company`s financial performance. The next step to data integration is integrating applications across the enterprise and its supply chain.
Ascential Software`s acquisition of Mercator has taken the existing pace-setter in the data integration market and turned it into a global entity which is supplying data and application integration solutions.
"The new solutions will push the envelope in terms of helping companies automate their processes, knowledge bases and customer service," says Julian Field, MD of local Ascential representative, CenterField Software. "The results will be quicker, more reliable intelligence that can be used to improve market performance and ultimately the bottom line."
The centrepiece of the new product set is Integration Broker, an application that directly maps applications to other applications through type trees without a messaging system (although MQSeries and Java messaging services (JMS) can be used). It is pre-equipped with over 40 adapters to help customers complete integration projects and also supports J2EE servers with its J2EE Connection Architecture (JCA) gateway.
Another component is Inside Integration, which helps customers integrate disparate applications through routing, mapping, transformation and rule-based messaging technologies. It includes pre-built application adapters into databases and ERP applications from Siebel, SAP, PeopleSoft and others.
"No application integration solution is complete without a Web component and Ascential has ensured it covers this segment with a B2B component known as Commerce Manager," Field notes.
Analyst group Current Analysis says: "In the area of B2B integration, the company`s Commerce Manager module provides partner management to help customers set up partner profiles and custom-shared B2B processes. In addition, the company offers associated EDI transformation products and verticalised suites that run off the Commerce Manager foundation."
"These products are not simple off-the-shelf DIY solutions," explains Field.
"They are designed for companies that have the desire to move up the value chain with improved business intelligence and business processes, but need the tools to effect total business process integration."
In summary, Current Analysis says Ascential "is offering a BPM tool which allows developers from one tool, to build complex business processes that involve humans, trading partners, and/or applications".
The company also has specific solutions for vertical markets in the areas of financial services, healthcare/insurance, supply chain/EDI, telecom and utilities.
"The acquisition of Mercator has now enabled Ascential to offer application and B2B integration to complement its core data integration products," concludes Field, "creating the optimal toolset for effective, automated business process management."
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