Transaction-based enterprise application integration (EAI) and development system

Abstract

An architecture for a computing environment wherein transactions preferably model the enterprise and its business processes directly, allowing third-party systems, like ERP, supply chain and Web portals, to be more loosely coupled. Because the system will often be distributed throughout the enterprise, reliance on central critical servers is reduced. The system of the present invention can also fill-in gaps in the functionality of legacy systems, as well as invoke complex applications and direct automated systems. The system offers an architecture where users can model their particular enterprises in business terms so that disparate applications can be linked without custom programming.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 09 / 940,179, filed Aug. 27, 2001, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 228,219, filed Aug. 25, 2000. The foregoing applications are relied on herein and incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to message processing in a network of interconnected computers and other electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for moving messages among the interconnected computers based on the transactions to be performed. [0003] It is often necessary in various commercial enterprises to route messages among interconnected computers. For example, an enterprise resources planning (ERP) system installed in a production facility may need to communicate with computers used to control production equipment on the plant floor. Frequently, however, these various computers will have disparate operating systems and co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved system for moving messages among interconnected computers that substantially reduces or eliminates the need for custom programming.

[0009] Unlike the prior art, the architecture of the present invention is not based upon a central server that simply maps data and routes messages between existing applications. Instead, transactions of the present invention model the enterprise and its business processes directly, allowing third-party systems, like ERP, supply chain and Web portals, to be more loosely coupled. Because the system will often be distributed throughout the enterprise, reliance on central critical servers is reduced.

[0010] In addition, the system of the present invention can fill-in gaps in the functionality of legacy systems, as well as invoke complex applications and direct automated systems. The system offers an environment where users can model their particular enterprises in business terms (the often complex and usually incomplete mix of real systems in which businesses are run), not computer languages. Thus, disparate applications can be linked without custom programming.

Problems solved by technology

Frequently, however, these various computers will have disparate operating systems and communication protocols.

Moreover, an extensive amount of programming may be required for implementation and maintenance in an environment of constantly changing interfaces and application logic found in the world of manufacturing plant automation and B2B trading partners.

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