Enterprise application integration
As app development and cloud trends push more elements into software environments, enterprise application integration processes become both more complicated and critical to manage. Our experts explore critical enterprise application integration (EAI) considerations, such as cloud application integration, B2B integration, data integration tools, platforms and more.
Top Stories
-
Tutorial
27 Mar 2024
How the saga design pattern in microservices works
When a sequence of steps must be performed to support an operation, the microservices saga design pattern is a perfect fit. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Nov 2023
6 common problems with open source code integration
Open source provides its fair share of benefits for businesses that put it to use. However, don't ignore these six hazards that development teams may face along the way. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Dec 2023
interoperability
Interoperability refers to the degree to which a software system, devices, applications or other entity can connect and communicate with other entities in a coordinated manner without effort from the end user. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Nov 2023
WSO2
WSO2 is a middleware vendor that sells open source application program interface (API) management software. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Nov 2023
6 common problems with open source code integration
Open source provides its fair share of benefits for businesses that put it to use. However, don't ignore these six hazards that development teams may face along the way. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Nov 2023
The growing link between microservices and WebAssembly
The microservices architecture has become popular, but it runs into complexity and cost challenges. Implementing WebAssembly can alleviate those worries. Continue Reading
-
Definition
26 Oct 2023
What are microservices? Everything you need to know
Microservices, or microservices architecture, is an approach to the design and implementation of enterprise applications in which a large application is built from modular components or services. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Oct 2023
Understanding protocol buffers vs. JSON
Protocol buffers have some compelling advantages over JSON when it comes to sending data between internal services. But is it really a replacement for JSON? Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Oct 2023
API economy
The API economy refers to the set of business models and practices designed around the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) in today's digital economy. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Aug 2023
Webhooks explained simply: What they do and how they work
Webhooks make significant use of basic API call mechanisms, while also setting event triggers in a few clicks of a button without the overhead of heavy request-response structures. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Jul 2023
The basics of TOGAF certification and some ways to prepare
TOGAF offers architects a chance to learn the principles behind implementing an enterprise-grade software architecture, including how to align business goals with IT capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Jul 2023
How to maintain polyglot persistence for microservices
Managing microservice data may be difficult without polyglot persistence in place. Examine how the strategy works, its challenges and some options for polyglot databases. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2023
New AWS service targets data security, genAI feature to come
The cloud provider's new service helps employees within organizations be more productive while securing their work. The vendor will add a generative AI feature in the future. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 May 2023
Essential skills for data-centric developers
To become more data-driven, organizations need data-centric developers. Developers can learn a mix of technical and interpersonal skills to be an attractive candidate for the job. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 May 2023
middleware
Middleware is software that is used to bridge the gap between applications and operating systems. Continue Reading
- Definition 01 May 2023
-
Tip
10 Mar 2023
What developers need to know about open banking
Open banking has made financial transactions easier and more secure for those with multiple banking accounts; however, vulnerabilities within open APIs raise security concerns. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Feb 2023
polyglot persistence
Polyglot persistence is a conceptual term that refers to the use of different data storage approaches and technologies to support the unique storage requirements of various data types that live within enterprise applications. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jan 2023
Azure Logic Apps: How it compares to AWS Step Functions
Developers can use Microsoft Azure Logic Apps to build, deploy and connect scalable cloud-based workflows. Learn how it measures up to other cloud platforms and AWS Step Functions. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Dec 2022
integration
Integration is the act of bringing together smaller components or information stored in different subsystems into a single functioning unit. Continue Reading
-
Definition
13 Dec 2022
application programming interface (API)
An application programming interface (API) is code that enables two software programs to communicate. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
21 Oct 2022
The advancing role of data-centric developers
More than ever, increases in data-centric developer reliance, data sources and users push developers to understand IT purchasing to provide more value to data. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Jun 2022
data abstraction
Data abstraction is the reduction of a particular body of data to a simplified representation of the whole. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jun 2022
Can you really use a shared database for microservices?
Since its emergence as a mainstream development style, experts have debated the wisdom of using a shared database for microservices versus providing a database per service. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
07 Jun 2022
How Broadcom's merger with VMware will affect developers
Broadcom's acquisition of VMware may seem like a straightforward business move, but some key details surrounding the deal point to big potential shakeups in the market. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 May 2022
Evaluate key Azure Data Factory benefits and limitations
Organizations have plenty of options for data integration tools, some on premises and others in the cloud. Find out which type is the better fit and whether Azure is a good choice. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Apr 2022
object
In object-oriented programming (OOP), objects are the things you think about first in designing a program and they are also the units of code that are eventually derived from the process. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Mar 2022
The role of sidecars in microservices architecture
Sidecars can do a lot for microservices when it comes to communication with distributed application components, though they also present some precarious management challenges. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Feb 2022
Resource Description Framework (RDF)
The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a general framework for representing interconnected data on the web. Continue Reading
-
Definition
13 Oct 2021
open API (public API)
Review this definition to learn about open APIs, also known as a public APIs, including their associated benefits, industry use cases and unique attributes. Continue Reading
-
Definition
13 Jul 2021
object-oriented programming (OOP)
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a computer programming model that organizes software design around data, or objects, rather than functions and logic. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Jul 2021
How pub/sub messaging works, and why it matters today
While pub/sub has been a standard messaging approach for decades, it's arguably more important than ever for developers to understand what it is, how it works and why it matters. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jun 2021
Is integration platform as a service right for you?
Is iPaaS a helpful platform for your enterprise software integration needs or just an unnecessary tool that adds complexity to the environment? Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Jun 2021
IPaaS vs. API management: Why the enterprise needs both
Enterprise iPaaS and API management integrate applications and data, but it's not a choice of one or the other. Here's why you probably need both, and why planning is necessary. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 May 2021
Review these top enterprise iPaaS benefits and challenges
Have you considered using an iPaaS to integrate your various apps? Understand where iPaaS works, and runs into challenges, to help prepare for a successful iPaaS implementation. Continue Reading
-
News
28 May 2021
Jitterbit buys iPaaS vendor for EDI, e-commerce capabilities
Jitterbit broadened its reach to retailers and their trading partners with the acquisition of eBridge Connections to address EDI and e-commerce use cases. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 May 2021
9 iPaaS use cases for the enterprise
IPaaS connects enterprise applications and data, which encompasses on-premises systems to the cloud and IoT. Review these iPaaS examples to understand how it all works. Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2021
Dell strikes $4 billion deal to sell iPaaS specialist Boomi
Dell nails down a $4 billion cash agreement to sell integration-platform-as-a-service vendor Boomi to investment firms just weeks after spinning off VMware. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Apr 2021
Why microservices and IoT apps are perfect together
The development of IoT apps certainly presents its fair share of challenges, but the benefits that microservices bring might be an antidote to those struggles. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Apr 2021
Software AG's WebMethods update adds tools for non-IT users
Software AG's WebMethods upgrade aims to ease digital initiatives for IT pros and business users with new app integration, API management and microservices orchestration features. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Apr 2021
Using a business rules engine to streamline decision-making
Get to know some of the details behind a business rules engine, particularly the automated approach it takes to handling critical, rules-based decisions. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Apr 2021
application service provider (ASP)
An application service provider (ASP) is a company that offers individuals or enterprises access to applications and related services over the internet. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Mar 2021
Can a loosely coupled architecture reduce technical debt?
While there are a lot of factors that impact technical debt, the level of coupling found in the underlying software architecture is often a primary culprit. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Mar 2021
Boomi Flow adds support for multi-cloud, hybrid deployments
Dell's Boomi subsidiary expands the deployment options for its low-code Flow workflow automation tool to public clouds and customers' on-premises data centers. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
03 Mar 2021
Break down platforms via a service decomposition strategy
There's more than one way to break down a platform into microservices. This excerpt from 'Developing Microservice APIs with Python' explains one: decomposition by subdomains. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Nov 2020
software stack
A software stack is a collection of independent components that work together to support the execution of an application. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Nov 2020
How to master microservices data architecture design
Microservices have data management needs unlike any other application architecture today. You'll need the right set of knowledge, mechanisms and design principles to succeed. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Sep 2020
Apache, Spring and Mule: Explore 3 top integration frameworks
A good integration framework should underpin every application strategy. Apache Camel, Spring Integration and Mule ESB can simplify integration at scale. We deconstruct them here. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Sep 2020
The basics of software coupling metrics and concepts
To move toward a distributed, modular architecture, development teams need to carefully investigate software coupling concepts and learn how to measure dependency complexity. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Aug 2020
Styles, protocols and methods of microservices communication
As application architectures grow in complexity, messaging must become a priority. Review the two types of microservices communication and the primary protocols involved. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jul 2020
Craft an application integration strategy and pick the best tool
Application integration is easier said than done. Learn how to navigate this challenging process -- particularly, if you're integrating legacy applications with new applications. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
07 Jul 2020
Test your knowledge of iPaaS tools and strategies
Do you understand everything you should about iPaaS? This quiz will test your knowledge of iPaaS tools and fundamental capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Feb 2020
Fundamental patterns for service discovery in microservices
Service discovery is a huge part of managing a microservices-based application. We examine helpful service discovery patterns developers can use for clean service interaction. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Jan 2020
The 3 fundamentals of hybrid cloud architecture management
When an enterprise chooses hybrid cloud, it needs to ensure the application harmonizes between the two environments. Review these three tips on architecture, integration and APIs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Dec 2019
This 90-year-old business crushed application integration problems
By putting a microscope to a 90-year-old manufacturing company's digital transformation project, find out how application integration problems materialize and how to solve them. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
06 Nov 2019
Why application intelligence is the linchpin of modern data centers
AI-based application intelligence tools help IT cope with growing scale and complexity by automatically detecting workloads, analyzing requirements and making recommendations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Nov 2019
Integrate applications with these 4 Azure integration tools
Integration can ensure consistent and scalable workflows in cloud applications, even connected to on-premises resources. Evaluate tools and services Azure offers for the task. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Sep 2019
How do you choose between SDKs and APIs for enterprise apps?
Explore the pros and cons that differentiate SDKs and APIs from each other and come to understand what types of applications call for SDKs, APIs or both. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jun 2019
Netflix content engineers pick GraphQL over REST, Falcor
When the Netflix content engineering team chose a data query language for a new system to pull data from a variety of back-end services, they passed over REST to go with GraphQL. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Jun 2019
What key messaging patterns should enterprise architects know?
An unknowable number of interactions occur to enable digitization. Applications must pass these messages according to a design pattern, and these two categories suit enterprise-scale apps. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 May 2019
5 modern ETL tools for microservices data integration
Batch-style ETL tools don't provide the data integration capabilities microservices require. Learn about a handful of modern tools that can handle a plethora of data sources in real time. Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2019
Jitterbit enterprise integration platform gets updates
Jitterbit has released Harmony Spring '19, the newest version of its enterprise integration platform as a service. The update includes more than 120 new features. Continue Reading
-
Guide
03 May 2019
An essential guide to iPaaS management and vendors
Before committing to iPaaS, understand the landscape. This guide takes a look at how iPaaS works, the vendor considerations and the essential components of an integration strategy. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Apr 2019
Let app architecture dictate cloud integration tool selection
Does your application rely on a homogeneous or heterogeneous stack? Will the architecture evolve? Learn the types of cloud integration and which app and dev team setups they match. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
02 Apr 2019
Take a quiz on integration platform as a service fundamentals
Many IT teams turn to integration platform as a service when they face integration challenges unique to their combination of technology. How much do you know about iPaaS? Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Mar 2019
Analyst: Form a hybrid integration plan for your architecture
App integration is complex, and since every enterprise has a unique mix of apps and platforms, there's no blueprint for success. Analyst Massimo Pezzini explains how architects should craft a plan. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Mar 2019
5 key management practices for a hybrid cloud architecture
Workload bottlenecks easily arise between legacy and modern apps in a hybrid cloud. Coordinate integration with these five steps to prep a microservices application for hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Mar 2019
Examine 4 hybrid cloud options from bursts to SaaS to CI/CD
Hybrid cloud can provide an enterprise with a happy medium of cloud and on-premises benefits. Unsure where to begin? Try setting up hybrid web services, software services or development tools, and other practical approaches. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Feb 2019
5 ways to manage multiple data sources for high-performance apps
Applications can pull from and work with data from multiple sources, as long as the app design incorporates these five fundamental data management and mapping techniques. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Feb 2019
3 ways to grade integration platform-as-a-service vendors
The best iPaaS vendors offer a mix of standardization and flexibility, and they can't leave out compliance. Learn how to compare offerings based on these crucial capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Feb 2019
How integration platform as a service stacks up against PaaS and SaaS
IT orgs that face a hybrid mix of apps and data sets can turn to iPaaS for integration -- without the overhead of more software to manage. And there's more than one kind of iPaaS. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Feb 2019
5 common traps lurking in RESTful development
Unfortunately, many RESTful API developers fall into the same traps during design. Here are five common mistakes that you can avoid with the right planning. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jan 2019
The 2 fundamental approaches to hybrid cloud integration
Organizations that want to create a hybrid cloud environment need to develop a strategy. Consider these two approaches. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Dec 2018
Pair AWS with microservices deployment to meet CI/CD goals
When combined with microservices, these AWS offerings can provide an easier way to adopt a fully Agile development methodology. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Dec 2018
API integration becomes an enterprise priority
To gain the agility required of multi-cloud and mobile computing, enterprises will invest in agile API integration platforms, as well as event-driven integration. Continue Reading
- 18 Dec 2018
-
Tip
13 Dec 2018
The top ways microservices impact EDI processes
B2B integration has changed, and traditional EDI transaction methods may not meet modern needs. Here is how microservices can help organizations simplify today's complex B2B endpoints. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Dec 2018
IT pros look to iPaaS tools for LOB integration demands
App integration and automation are tricky for IT, particularly when business users launch their own projects. Workato is among the many iPaaS vendors who aim to address this need. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Nov 2018
Top enterprise application trends require revamped thinking
Gartner experts revealed the top 10 trends in application architecture they expect to unfold across enterprises within three to five years. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Nov 2018
Open source tools to consider for your RESTful APIs
Software teams don't have to break the bank when they shop for RESTful API management tools. The right combination of tools that use open source code can help manage the whole lifecycle at low cost. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Oct 2018
Unlock distributed analytics with a microservices approach
Mobility creates distributed computing environments, which lead to a scenario where some of the older analytics processes are no longer useful. Distributed analytics with microservices can help. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Aug 2018
Use API gateways to aid microservices communication, security
Discover where API gateways fit into microservices architectures to help manage interactions between client applications and users. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Aug 2018
Mavenlink M-Bridge tether professional services automation silos
Service organizations get a built-in integration platform with Mavenlink M-Bridge, a professional services automation platform to standardize API integrations for systems-of-record apps. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Aug 2018
Best tools and methods for designing RESTful APIs
Approaches to RESTful API design may differ, but five essential elements to API design exist to help guide your tool selection conundrum and solve your RESTful API design problems. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2018
WSO2 integration platform twirls on Ballerina language
The latest release of WSO2's flagship integration platform aims to help enterprise developers build and implement microservices. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Jul 2018
How to combat complexity in microservices data management
Architects who shift from a monolith to microservices need to consider a critical component: data. Learn how microservices affect data management, and discover tools that can help. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 May 2018
Comcast's monolith to microservices shift spotlights pains, gains
The shift to microservices is not an easy task. A senior software professional at Comcast explains the important lessons learned as his team moved Xfinity Home off of the monolith. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 May 2018
What's the big deal with application integration architecture?
Learn how enterprise architecture, componentization, evolving development processes and the cloud have changed application integration architecture in today's modern enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Apr 2018
How to mitigate the complexity of microservice communication
As development teams continue to adopt microservices, they must ensure communication errors do not get out of control. Here are some tools and techniques to do just that. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2018
Salesforce's MuleSoft acquisition shows API management appeal
Salesforce's blockbuster deal for MuleSoft illustrates the industry's persistent appetite for API management and integration to connect apps and data. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2018
Service mesh amplifies microservice management capabilities
Kubernetes emerged to help development teams better orchestrate microservices, and now, service mesh stands to help teams more easily handle microservice integration. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Nov 2016
REST vs. SOAP: Choosing the best web service
SOAP and REST offer different methods to invoke a web service. Learn the variations between the two approaches, including integration concerns and client choices. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Aug 2016
Where do we draw the line between an iBPM and BPM platform?
What is the difference between iBPM and BPM? Is iBPM simply an extension of the old BPM ways, or is truly something unique? Esther Shein tackles this question. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jun 2016
The basics of establishing a RESTful API testing program
RESTful API testing is about establishing a culture of continuous testing and team accountability. Greg Sypolt reviews the core components of a RESTful API testing program. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 May 2016
Why you should reconsider using model-driven software development
Model-driven development has been around a long time, but in today's complicated app world, it may be time to give this methodology another look. Expert Tom Nolle explains. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Aug 2015
Your key products for enterprise application integration
Tom Nolle helps you determine which EAI software product is most appropriate for your company. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2015
Deep linking promises front end integration
At DeveloperWeek, software experts discussed how deep linking will improve integration between Web and mobile applications. Continue Reading
-
Guide
28 Jun 2013
Guide: When and how to use REST
This guide goes over RESTful APIs and basic scenarios where REST should be used instead of SOAP. Continue Reading
-
Podcast
03 Apr 2013
How application integration maintenance is like taking care of a car
Forrester analyst Randy Heffner offers some best practices and his predictions for software integration management. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Aug 2010
Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA)
The Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA) is a set of standards defining the way in which information is shared among diverse components of large, heterogeneous grid systems. Continue Reading