IT Service architectures
We will advise you on the use of IT and system technologies in order to implement your information and communications infrastructure so that you derive the maximum benefit at all times.
We will implement your customer-specific system solutions using modern technological components and development processes; we will guarantee you optimum integration into your existing system landscape; and you benefit from our know-how all along the value-added chain in the IT cycle. We work according to a “Plan”, “Build”, “Run” concept.
The use of the latest technologies and solutions means that more and more components and services become available which can be integrated into customised solutions for your specific situation at low cost.
The use of reusable components ensures rapid, inexpensive implementation on the basis of proven solutions that have been tested in practice. We use available open source components wherever possible and appropriate.
Agile, integrated architectures will turn out to be the main differentiating characteristic of successful enterprises.
[Source: GARTNER]
Seizing opportunities, using ESA³
Changes are a stroke of luck – provided you are able to seize new opportunities and use innovations effectively. New ideas alter sequences and processes and can only be rapidly implemented if the technological base keeps pace.
Established infrastructure
Businesses employ a wide range of different applications and technologies. Different manufacturers’ systems are used. That diversity is even greater in what is called the "extended enterprise", the virtual business which includes customers, partners and suppliers. Despite all this heterogeneousness it is essential to ensure smooth exchange of information between in house IT systems and external ones. This is facilitated by Enterprise Services Architecture: within the “extended enterprise”, processes are carried out with no break of media, process cycle times are shortened and implementation and maintenance costs are significantly cut. The result is increased profitability accompanied by protection for investments in existing systems.
Having the right IT strategy makes the difference
Our strategy for Enterprise Services Architecture is called ESA³. This involves using opportunities to model business processes in a new way.
If you use a technology that supports you in setting up a consolidated platform across the enterprise to integrate your partners, suppliers, customers and employees, you have the ability to respond to customer requirements and the possibility of seizing market opportunities. Today’s infrastructures are complex and rigid. The use of proprietary software and hardware makes it more difficult for different units to work together at the same time.
Development trends in IT
- Traditionally
- structured
- predictable
- sequential
- transaction-based
- rigid
- Internetworking
- Industriy standard
- Connectivity
- Flexibility
- Low complexity
- ESA³
- Modularity
- Components
- Functional
- Dynamic definition of applications
- Business process-oriented
We set out to change things
The need for a relevant change demands a new IT model. The ESA³ model combines the ruggedness of traditional IT with a model based on industry standards, known as the Internetworking model. Standards were decisive in enabling the Internet and its Web services to become successful in the first place.
Traditional
In the traditional model the focus is on calculations, data processing, transactions and other, highly structured individual tasks. The model delivers good results for rigid types of applications and will continue to do so in future. However, if there is no need to model highly structured processes or applications, the model is no longer practicable. This is the case for example in horizontally distributed, integrated applications.
Internetworking
The Internetworking model starts from very different premises. It propagates simple mechanisms based on standards. This allows a number of components to be connected to enable simple functions to be performed: in particular, searching for information, browsing documents and Websites or sending e-mails.
The Internetworking model has not only given rise to a handful of new business models but has also revolutionised the way tasks are performed. External communication, customer processes in Sales and Marketing and customer support have fundamentally changed. Furthermore, these business models are characterised by perceptibly greater dynamism today.
These fundamental changes were also accompanied by a growing realisation that IT is considerably more successful if it is based on industry standards.
Service orientation as an IT strategy is based on both models and uses standards to define how traditional applications interact with one another.
Efficiency starts with an architecture
ESA³
The infinity³ Enterprise Services Architecture is our basic concept for service-oriented business solutions offering a greater degree of adaptability, flexibility and openness. ESA³ guarantees simpler implementation of business innovations while at the same time using existing resources. This enables you to reduce your licence, operating and set-up costs. Our architects define the necessary technological strategy in consultation with you and draw on our consolidated experience to help you get there faster.
Structure of Enterprise Services Architecture
Description of the ESA³ platform:
The core is a communications level designated ESB, via which all the connected systems communicate with one another. ESA³ models processes (workflows) in all directions.
System level: all the backend systems within ESA³ make their respective functionalities (middleware) available via a corresponding workflow engine.
Functional level: workflow engines are used here too. Virtual functions are supplied to the respective applications in encapsulated form.
The application remains totally independent of the backend system used.
At enterprise level, ESA³ transfers development, combining and implementation to virtual functions, to allow the corresponding business requirements to be fulfilled. A service normally comprises a series of virtual functions combined with a simple business logic. This can be accessed repeatedly as the basis for a certain business process and can also be used over again. Combining virtual functions into services at enterprise level creates flexible components for automation of business scenarios across the enterprise.
Applications development according to the “Lego® principle”
Services allow you to develop combined applications efficiently. These applications combine functionalities and data from existing systems. All the services communicate via standards and can be described in a central repository.
ESA³ gives enterprises an inexpensive basic concept for combining innovative new applications by expanding existing systems. At the same time, the necessary flexibility is assured to enable inexpensive implementation of subsequent changes in the process.
You remain in control
Strategic IT planning allows your business objectives to be achieved. Firms that understand the scope and limits of IT have a definite edge here. It is essential for you to develop that knowledge as core competence within your business, and not hand it over to third parties. Our architects will draw up a clear picture in consultation with you of the technological target landscape using ESA³ and will clearly point out the risks and opportunities. That way, you remain in control.
Applications infrastructure should be outsourced
Do what you are best at, namely developing profitable products. Your basis for this is the applications infrastructure, a platform for implementation of your products. You should “buy” that platform. Make use of infinity³’s experience to ensure that you use the right standards and applications when developing your platform. That secures your investments as well as ensuring a good return.
Good architecture, appropriate architecture
An architecture which is internally coherent and is based on the very latest technologies and trends is a “good” architecture. An architecture which is based on parameters such as costs, time to market, corporate goals and actual quality requirements is termed an “appropriate” architecture. We take care to create the appropriate system architecture with you that will integrate with your IT landscape throughout the enterprise and meet your entrepreneurial requirements.