B2B Integration : A Practical Guide to Collaborative E-commerce

Middleware Technologies 253
Unlike WebSphere, WebLogic products are generally easier to install
and maintain. In addition, integration and interoperability among various
servers is tighter and simpler to implement than its main rival,
WebSphere. WebLogic is one of the most mature and stable J2EE
application servers available.
BEA WebLogic has what IBM wants: market share. BEA was the
first vendor to achieve widespread industry acceptance of a J2EE
distributed component middleware platform. Though both IBM and
BEA regularly make contradicting claims about their market share, it is
IBM who must play catch-up (and it seems they are).
8.5. Conclusion
Middleware technologies reduce the effort required to develop and
maintain computer systems. By removing the complexities of
heterogeneous environments inherent in most organizations, middleware
products provide a reliable, scalable means for system integration within
the organization.
Middleware technologies advance the goals of B2Bi and enterprise
application integration. By integrating disparate systems throughout the
organization, middleware technologies can promote a zero-latency enterprise
strategy, where data is exchanged across systems in real-time; reduce
application development time and improve speed to market; create
standardized development methodologies throughout an organization;
facilitate the integration of systems inherited through mergers or
acquisitions; and reduce application maintenance.
Ultimately, the question is not if middleware should be used, but
how and to what extent.