Enterprise Application Services
Friday, November 16, 2007
Legacy Applications Migration
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Young]Chris Young
One of the most common problems encountered by our clients is how to deal with so called "legacy" applications. Often the applications are operating well in dealing with the original business requirements however they may be suffering from an inability to handle rapid growth or to facilitate and support changing business requirements.
Additional issues plaguing these application may be increasing difficulty in finding staff with the necessary technical experience, a lack of up-to-date documentation and ad-hoc addition of new functionality which has not maintained the original architectural design.
Building a new application from scratch is a major undertaking that may squander the investment in analysis and implementation of business rules and collection of enterprise data encapsulated in the existing system. Finding a third-party solution is time consuming and costly and may falter simply because there is no "off-the-shelf" replacement for the existing system.
We have found that a reliable and proven solution to this dilemma is to use a structured approach to migrating legacy applications onto flexible, scalable environments. This methodology is broken into three independent phases, and can be summarised as:
Phase I - Define & Architect:
The first phase of the methodology reviews the current state of the legacy application and maps out a path to migration.
1. Document. The starting point is a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of what the functions the application currently provides, what data is utilised and how is it stored, the business rules and assumptions encapsulated into the application and what process flows are automated.
2. Collect Requirements. Determine the key functional requirements including business needs, performance and scalability targets and any specific dependencies and restrictions.
3. Analyse Gaps. Using the map of the target requirements created above, identify the major enhancements or additions to be applied during the migration process.
4. Architect. A detailed roadmap is produced which outlines the steps that will be taken to move from the existing system to the ideal solution.
Phase II - Migrate:
Once the current state has been documented and a detailed roadmap has been produced, we move to the implementation of the migration strategy.
5. Modularise. Each new modular component is created with a well-defined abstract interface and a clear, logically defined business function. This creates a "services" model in which new or changed services can be deployed rapidly.
6. Model. Information Models are primarily a record of the interaction between applications and the business processes, which support and drive an enterprise.
7. Integrate. By utilising an Enterprise Services Bus (ESB) architecture we provide an enabling platform to support integration of the new service modules into the legacy architecture.
8. Migrate and Extend. The ESB architecture provides a framework for implementing the necessary "service interfaces" that enable data to be accessed and updated as necessary between the two parallel environments.
9. Test. As each new element of the system is modularised and integrated with the Enterprise Services Bus it is then tested through a series of business and system test cycles.
Phase III - Extend:
Once the application is migrated to the new architecture, new services can be added more easily.
10. Migrate and Extend. The ESB architecture provides an extensible framework for implementing new services into the application environment.
11. Test. Each new service is tested to ensure it meets functional, performance and scalability criteria through a series of business and system test cycles.
Rather than waiting years for a "big bang" replacement which may never succeed and which will invariably be outdated even before its arrival, this methodology reduces operational and project risk by delivering incremental improvements in functionality as well as the scalability, flexibility and supportability of the application.
Chris Young is the founder of White Water Consulting ( http://www.whitewater.com.au) and is a senior consultant with a broad knowledge and experience in financial services, change management and information technology. His areas of focus include delivering business-aligned IT strategy and implementing best practices in process improvement, project management and software development process. White Water Consulting provides practical solutions to designing and implementing information technology strategy. By remaining independent of solutions and solution providers White Water Consulting can concentrate on your actual business needs and recommend strategies that are pragmatic and cost effective.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Young http://EzineArticles.com/?Legacy-Applications-Migration&id=794096
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
posted by Illusion Technologies @ 4:22 AM,
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Enterprise Application Services
Thursday, November 15, 2007
What Are Hosted Applications?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Martin_Day]Martin Day
As access to the Internet becomes more widespread with faster, more reliable and 'always on' connections becoming the norm the growth of applications using the hosted application model continues to expand.
Although hosted applications will not suit every situation, or every customer, they offer many individuals and organizations, as well as the application manufacturers' themselves, considerable benefits over the locally installed application.
What Is A Hosted Application?
A hosted application, also known as Internet-based application, web-based application, online application and Application Service Providers (ASPs) are software applications where the software resides on servers that are accessed through the Internet instead of the more traditional software that is installed on either a local server or on individual PC's.
The thin client concept is nothing new but advances in Internet connectivity have allowed the application to move from a local server to a server on the Internet.
Example of hosted applications would be Salesforce.com that provides customer relationship management facilities, Netsuite offering all-in-one business management applications and SurveyGalaxy.com that provides their customers with an enterprise survey and questionnaires application.
What Are The Benefits?
Reduced costs, instant deployment, easier to maintain and reduced administration are among some of the main benefits.
Low Maintenance
With hosted applications the hardware and software is the responsibility of the vendor with the client only having to maintain access to the Internet. As there is no software to download a hosted application can be made instantly available across an entire organization even where the organization has multiple regional and international offices.
As there is no software the considerable time and resources required for periodic updates is also completely eliminated.
Reduced Cost
The need to license software through a 'per user', 'per concurrent user', 'per server' or 'site' license has been eliminated. Although some hosted applications still do charge 'per user' many have taken the opportunity to charge on a 'usage' and/or 'period' basis meaning that the customer does not have to estimate the number of licenses that will be required, nor install and pay for full licenses that may only be used by some employees occasionally.
This hosted application model also allows the smaller organization and sole trader access to applications written using advanced software development tools and that utilize sophisticated database technology and high-end servers. The capital investment of the hardware and software as well as the security, backup and server maintenance cost are all the responsibility of the vendor.
Minimal Risk
Many hosted applications require no long term commitment from their customers. New customers can often test hosted applications either through a free introduction offer or with minimal risk using a Pay-As-You-Go model. If after trialing the hosted application the customer finds it unsuitable then they can simply stop using the service.
Access
Because the application software and the data is stored on the Internet server the application and data is available to the authorized client once they have logged on from anywhere there is Internet access. The customer can now work anywhere in the office environment, from remote offices or from their home or hotel without the need to download their work or synchronize with portable devices.
Integration
For organizations that have legacy systems from different suppliers running different operating systems the hosted application will provide an integrated solution to any system that supports a standard Internet browser including Windows, Unix and Macs.
Support
The hosted application vendors benefit by not having to maintain multiple version numbers or individual maintenance and licensing agreements. New updates are installed centrally negating the need for expensive roll outs. For many applications the need for version numbers is eliminated as updates are made incrementally bringing the benefits to the customer without having to bundle new features up into a new periodic version release. In some cases a user can request a new feature in the morning that can be developed, tested and deployed globally by the afternoon.
The Concerns
Internet access
New communication technology is able to bring high speed Internet connectivity to more and more remote places but there are still some regions where internet access is limited or not available.
In some cases such as mobile workers although high speed Internet connectivity is available the cost both in terms of connectivity charges and equipment may, at least in the short term, prove to be prohibitive.
Security
As with everything to do with the Internet security is a justified concern. There is no simple 'one size fits all' solution to the security issue and a lot will depend on the specific hosted application and the nature of the data.
With online banking and shopping becoming common place the vendor should be able to provide their clients with sufficient confidence that the data is secure and that any private information remains private.
Hosted applications will normally operate a login procedure ensuring that only those that are authorized have access. The more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the login procedure.
A good data host will strictly enforce the stated wishes of their customers and ensure that data is not available or released to anyone that is not legally entitled to see it and they will adopt the latest security measures available to prevent unauthorized access.
There may be some areas such as automatic logins from known PC's and the use of cookies that although they don't necessary represent a significant risk could present a risk under certain circumstances, such as gaining access to a private account through the automatic login using an unattended PC. Although strictly speaking the customer's responsibility the customer should be made aware of the risks so that they can take action to safeguard their own system.
Although security is a concern in some circumstances private data may prove to be more secure than it would be on a private network with less sophisticated security measures or in an environment where there is a risk from within.
Vendor Lock-In
As with all software applications there is a risk that a customer could become locked-in to paying costly monthly subscriptions to maintain access to their historic data. To counter this some applications will allow the data to be downloaded or allow customer to maintain access to their data for a reasonable time free of charge.
Control
Unlike a local application the hardware and software is under the control of a third party. This is a justifiable concern although not too dissimilar to the telephone provider supplying and maintaining the communications equipment and there are considerable incentives for the vendors to ensure high availability and reliability since their business depends on it.
In Summary
Benefits
No vendor installation or upgrades required
Low start-up costs
Minimal Risk, no long term commitment
Backups and viruses responsibility of the vendor
Hardware and software server maintenance vendor's responsibility
Investment in local hardware & software reduced
No need to synchronized data with multiple devices
Access to data available globally through any internet connection
Reduced software licensing costs
Concerns
Lack of Internet availability
Security
Possibility of vendor lock-in
Martin Day is a Director of Survey Galaxy a hosted application that provides an enterprise application to create, design and publish surveys online. For more information please visit http://www.surveygalaxy.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Day http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Hosted-Applications?&id=83696
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
Labels: database programmers, designers in asia, e-business consultancy, ecommerce solutions, internet solution providers, online marketing and promotion, software programmers
posted by Illusion Technologies @ 2:03 AM,
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Enterprise Application Services
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Ecommerce and the Power of Belief
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay]Scott Lindsay
The Polar Express is a delightful story that infuses the simplicity of Christmas with an element of faith. Children ride the fabled express in an effort to reclaim trust in something they no longer believe in.
A pivotal point is evident at the end of the story when a little boy says, “I believe” after steadfastly denying the existence of Santa. The magical world of childhood reopens for the boy and we are left with the very warm fuzzies the author hoped we would feel.
Whether by DVD or by book this story is shared each holiday season to the delight of children everywhere.
I think this movie and/or story should be read/seen by everyone who decides to venture into the world of ecommerce.
It is possible (and even probable) for business owners to become a bit jaded in their view of a new business venture. If they have been part of business startups in the past they can treat business and, well, business. They can lack the passion they need to infuse their startup with something more than tried, tested and proven methods.
Sometimes a business startup will only make sense in context of the heart that is evident in the personality stamp of passion.
Yes, business is about calculated risk, business models and executive foresight, but without passion the business may be more cookie cutter than maverick.
Perhaps that is one of the biggest difference between the heart of those who really “believe” in the entrepreneurial idea they are pursuing and those who simply act in response to numbers.
That’s not to say a more corporate approach can’t work, but the reason many small businesses hang in there is because the owner “believes” so much in the product or service that they will passionately pursue their belief even if it leads to a failed startup.
One approach can seem cold and calculating while the other is new territory with no map in sight. It may seem that knowing everything about what you’re doing is a better approach, but this approach takes the personal and makes it something much less.
I tend to believe that a more corporate approach only works when team building occurs. Where individuals with complimentary gifts can make the new startup personal. If this happens the team can infuse passion into the most sterile startup.
Ecommerce is an arena that is perfect for exploration and discovery. It is a place where belief thrives and prospers. Ecommerce is a place for brave people to bring the faith of a child and imagine the impossible as possible and then prove the unbelievers wrong.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com
Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay http://EzineArticles.com/?Ecommerce-and-the-Power-of-Belief&id=783489
Labels: designers in asia, ecommerce solutions, live audio and video streaming technology, macromedia, multimedia, Nasik, software programmers
posted by Illusion Technologies @ 2:34 AM,
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Enterprise Application Services
Friday, November 2, 2007
Enterprise Security for Financial Services: Access and Identity
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Gordon]Alexander Gordon
Security is a major issue for companies providing financial services. The nature of security threats to such companies is mostly of two kinds, identity and access. Financial institutions need to monitor the access to crucial data, and see to it that there is no fraud committed through impersonation.
While taking care of security issues, financial sectors must also keep in mind costs, maintenance, and updates etc.
Enterprise Security: Access and Identity:
Identity and access management is about applying the right technology to security applications. Today, security is about automation, aligning products, platforms, and utilizing professional services. From isolated systems to integrated security solutions, enterprise security has come a long way.
Security Basics:
Here are some things to keep in mind when building an enterprise security system.
1) Overheads:
Consider the cost of the application, maintenance, and whether it will help your business become more productive.
2) Quality:
Can the system enforce a planned password policy? Will it be able to restrict certain kinds of access to certain users?
3) Use:
Is the security service easy to use? Can it be accessed from a central location?
Installing an Enterprise Security System:
Setting up a security system is not easy and it involves:
• Aligning technology and the functioning of the organization
• Access based on the identity of a person
• Having a strategy in place before installing the system
• Centralized access and controls
• Reducing operational complexity
Enterprise Security: Financial Services Audit
Before setting up an enterprise security service, you need to go in for a comprehensive financial services audit. This will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your security system. The audit should ideally touch on the following areas.
1) GAP Analysis:
This will map the state of security preparedness of your company.
2) Risk Analysis:
Do a review of the existing threats to your financial services.
3) Security Assessment:
Find out any flaws in the security system.
4) Compliance to Regulations:
See if the security system complies with various regulations.
5) Remedial Measures:
Suggest ways to improve flawed security applications.
Enterprise Security: Other Issues
Apart from identity and access, other issues that you may need to discuss while going in for a security application are:
1) Malware attacks on your network.
2) Spyware and Trojan horses.
Hiring the right security service provider is crucial if you wish to guard against the many security threats that can cripple the financial services of your company. There are a number of service providers that will help you plan a strong line of defense, identify and rectify the flaws in your security applications, and help with the maintenance and updating of the system. You simply need to select the right one.
Alexander Gordon is a writer for [http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com/]http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The [http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com]Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the [http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com/public/department30.cfm]free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.
Business Owners all across the country are joining "The Community of Small Business Owners” to receive and provide strategies, insight, tips, support and more on starting, managing, growing, and selling their businesses. As a member, you will have access to true Millionaire Business Owners who will provide strategies and tips from their real-life experiences.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Gordon http://EzineArticles.com/?Enterprise-Security-for-Financial-Services:-Access-and-Identity&id=392479
Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com
posted by Illusion Technologies @ 12:54 AM,
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