IBM beefs up integration with SOA push

IBM will now offer an ESB for simple web services connectivity

IBM has unveiled new software to help customers develop services using Service Oriented Architectures (SOAs), the emerging software design approach that relies largely on standards-based integration tools.

Big Blue will introduce a development tool for writing programs that move data between systems, called WebSphere Integration Developer, and has also developed professional services for building software that conforms to an SOA.

The WebSphere portfolio also includes greater levels of integration between WebSphere, Rational and Tivoli software.

The company will also introduce two integration servers: WebSphere Process Server due this month, and WebSphere Enterprise Service Bus by year end.

"SOA implies much more than simple web services connections or a yet-to-be delivered set of business components that might work together. It is about realising the benefits of business process management with existing application assets," said Steve Mills, senior vice president and group executive at IBM Software Group.

IBM Global Services will support a newly created SOA Foundation and announced an expansion of its SOA Business Partner initiative called the IBM SOA Business Partner Community.

Big Blue competes against the likes of Oracle, SAP, BEA Systems and Microsoft in the provision of SOA services.

Analyst firm Ovum commented: "There was nothing revolutionary in IBM's announcement as most of the ideas around SOA have been around for years. But what always comes across is the huge range of products and services it brings to the table.

"This is, of course, IBM's great strength, in that it really does have something for everyone, and also its biggest weakness, as it is hard to get to grips with the sheer complexity of its offerings.

"The most eye-catching part of the announcement for product watchers is that IBM has finally caved in and will now offer, somewhat apologetically, an enterprise service bus for simple web services connectivity."