Event-driven architecture (EDA) is an emerging technology described by Gartner as the "next big thing".
EDA is all about designing and implementing systems that enable a business to respond to events as they happen. By definition, these systems need to be robust and scalable as in a complex, real-time world events are happening continuously.
As Gartner points out, parts of the EDA are not new, since many systems send out alerts when certain events happen. The main difference between EDA and earlier models such as service-oriented architecture (SOA) lies in its use of publish/subscribe technology.
Enterprise application integration (EAI) and SOP are mainly `pull` architectures, where applications that require information, must request it from a server. With EDA, applications register for certain business events and are then informed immediately whenever those events occur, thus allowing applications to react promptly to time-critical situation, while using IT resources in the most efficient way. In other words, these `event-driven` applications are those whose processing is triggered by the arrival of `push-based` information coming from outside of the component that performs the function.
A simple example is that of a shopper who has their credit card declined by a retailer because a certain purchase is over a limit. Instead of the card-holder handling the situation at a later stage with the card issuer, the latter could in real-time have the opportunity of raising the credit limit or negotiating some arrangement to prevent a repetition, thus presenting a much more acceptable set of options to the card-holder.
"The benefits of EDA are enormous," commented Paul Morgan, Technical Director of ASYST International SA. "Customers can quickly realise increased profitability through streamlined business processes, improved customer and supplier interaction, reduced cost of operations and additional revenue generation through dynamic information delivery.
"It is predicted that EDA will become part of the mainstream systems planning in the next few years," continued Morgan. "To address the growing needs of our customers we have become the African dealers for the Task Centre software from UK-based Orbis Software. Task Centre provides sophisticated functionality for a plethora of automation requirements including business alerting, document generation and delivery, data-driven Web content, business transactions and request-response mechanisms. Its generic approach enables automated processes to be designed specifically to meet precise business requirements - embodying much of the technology and functionality required for an EDA application."
For further information, please contact Justine Morgan, Marketing Manager, ASYST International SA (Pty) Ltd: telephone (011) 622-0112, fax (011) 622-0124, e-mail jmm@asyst.co.za.
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Orbis Software is the market leader in enterprise business alerting and automation software, helping organisations drive efficiency and business processes.
Founded in 1997, Orbis Software Ltd provides a scalable suite of applications to suit any size of organisation. There are more than 3 000 organisations around the world already using Orbis products, including such names as Nasdaq, Telstar, BP, GE Capital Equipment, The Rank Group, Salomon Brothers, Zenith, BUPA, Jaguar, Lloyds TSB, and Rolls Royce.
ASYST International SA
ASYST International SA is a South African company providing experienced consultancy and specialising in the provision and improvement of business information systems. ASYST International is an established expert in financial, business intelligence customised software systems, providing solutions to improve business efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase profits.
Asyst believes in a hands-on approach, from a tailored proposal, through to the best software design and systems configuration, to providing on-going training and support. It is also the sole distributor of Access Accounts in southern Africa.
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