In search of.... October 3, 2014Computing Services 2 Overview Definition of Middleware Background Project Methodology Technology Choices IT.

in search of...

April 11, 2023 Computing Services 2

OverviewDefinition of MiddlewareBackgroundProject MethodologyTechnology ChoicesIT InfrastructuresCurrent Department InitiativesThe Next Step

Agenda


OverviewOur mission - To research, evaluate and make preliminary recommendations for a set of software tools. These tools will enable Departments and Agencies to integrate their business processes that exist on either enterprise or client/server hosts. This would facilitate providing services to citizens, business partners and employees over the internet.

This set of tools is know as middleware.


Definition of Middleware

Middleware is an enabling layer of software that resides between a user of an application and that application’s information. It may provide the presentation, business logic, data access and integration services for that application.


BackgroundIn January 2000, began the project to research

and recommend middleware tools.Project team consisted of members from

Computing Services (MIPC, Enterprise Help Desk, Enterprise Security), OITS and CBSI.

Research was completed on June 1.Project results will be presented to ECLT in

June and July.


Project Methodology

1. Defined Middleware categories

2. Developed Criteria and Requirements

3. Compiled a Short List of Vendors

4. Performed Prototyping and Benchmarking

5. Produced Preliminary Results of Research


1. Defined Middleware categories

Web Enabling Existing ApplicationsTransaction Processing using ObjectsTransaction Processing using MessagingDirect Access to DataProcedural and Data GatewaysTransaction Managers and Monitors


2. Developed Criteria and Requirements

Functionality that a product must have.Desirable features. Capabilities that would add to the overall

usability of the product.


3. Compiled a Short List of Vendors

Reviewed Vendor product Information. Product literature and Web page content Vendor interviews

Matched against Criteria and Requirements.Documented product compliance.


4. Performed Prototyping and Benchmarking

Acquired demo versions of products.Loaded onto project test lab.Verified advertised functionality.Documented test results.


5. Produced Preliminary Results of Research

Preliminary recommendations presented to Technical Review Committee (C/S, OITS, CBSI).

Project managers are summarizing recommendations into a single document.

Scheduled to be presented to ECLT in July.


So now what?


Update existing mainframe applications.Create new applications using Objects or

Messaging technology.Access mainframe & client/server databases

directly. Replicate one or more database to a relational

database.

Technology Choices


Update Existing Mainframe Applications

Used to modernize or “re-purpose” applications without re-engineering.

Provides reliable, cost effective, and secure access to information.

Based on terminal emulation and screen scraping.

Uses HTML, ASP and JAVA scripting.


Access a mainframe application from an internet browser

Web Enabling Existing Applications

HTMLASPJAVA


Vendors of Web Enabling Technology

AttachmateCore Technology CorporationGallagher/ RobertsonHummingbirdICom Informatics.Standard Networks


An object is a self-contained entity that contains procedures that manipulate data.

Provides portability and interoperability of objects across heterogeneous systems.

Uses Java Beans, COM and DCOM or CORBA technologies.

Used when synchronous processing is required.

Creating Applications using Objects


Viewing road construction zones on a highway map for travel planning.

Transaction Processing using Objects

object

object

Object

Business logic

Presentation logic


Vendors of Object Oriented Technology

BEA, Inc.IBMIONAMicrosoftUnisys


Creating Applications using Messaging

Enables direct or indirect program to program communication.

Messages can travel over different networks and protocols, computer systems and software.

Uses message passing, queuing, switching and replication technology.

Can be synchronous or asynchronous.


Example using Messaging

Accessing a library of registration forms, filling them out online and having results e-mailed to your PC.

E-mail server

Q

Message server


Vendors of Messaging Technology

BEA, Inc.BullIBMLevel 8MicrosoftOracle


Direct Access to Mainframe Data

Creates SQL based access to mainframe host data.

Host Administrator process enforces security and data access rules.

Circumvents existing application logic.Uses ODBC, JDBC and OLE for DB

technology.


Direct Access to Data

HostAdministratorData Access

Driver

ClientApplication

Query a mainframe database for a list of Department field offices and order the list based on a citizen’s zip code.


Vendors or Direct Access Technology

Asgard SoftwareEasySoft IBMNCRPioneer Systems, Inc.UniAccess


Data Replication

Copies all or part of operational data to a relational database.

The replicated data may be refreshed when updates occur to the original data.

Refresh cycles should be asynchronous to allow continued access to operational data.

Data can be reformatted during replication.


Data Replication

ReplicatorDatabase server

InquiryDB

Process

Create and maintain a relational inquiry database using information from an operational process


Vendors of Data Replication Technology

AttachmateIBMMicrosoftOracle


IT Infrastructures

Current EnvironmentMiddleware Enabled EnvironmentComputing Services Support Initiatives


Current Environment

Internet

LMAN

Network


Middleware Enabled Environment

LMAN

Network

Internet

•Data Access•Data Replication

•Presentation•Business Logic


Computing Services Support Initiatives

Special Interest Groups

Representatives from Departments, Computing Services and OITS.Review Product Selection. Resolve support issues.Address security concerns.Insure functionality supports Depts objectives.



Coordinate Training

Develop Vendor Contracts.Centralized Facilities.Explore Product capabilities



Continue the research

Develop research teams with Departments.

Explore Product capabilities.Research enhanced functionality.Propose new features to vendors.


Current Department Initiatives

DOE Teacher Certification Inquiry.MDOS Repeat Offender Inquiry for auto

dealers.Others...


The Next Step

Special Interest Group participation.SIG member nominations.Publish presentation to MIPC Web Site.

www.state.mi.us/cio/csJerry [email protected]

In search of.... October 3, 2014Computing Services 2 Overview Definition of Middleware Background Project Methodology Technology Choices IT.

Documents

computing services mipc

integration services

monitors slide

step agenda slide

applications information

project results

middleware tools

new applications