Home > Articles > Software Development & Management

Understanding Data-Oriented B2B Application Integration

Migrating data from one database to another sounds straightforward and reasonable enough, but for data-oriented B2B application integration to actually work, architects and developers need to understand both the complex world of database technology and the way in which information flows throughout an enterprise. EAI expert David S. Linthicum discusses the issues behind creating a successful data-oriented B2B application.

Migrating data from one database to another sounds straightforward and reasonable enough, but for data-oriented B2B application integration to actually work, architects and developers need to understand both the complex world of database technology and the way in which information flows throughout an enterprise. EAI expert David S. Linthicum discusses the issues behind creating a successful data-oriented B2B application.

Data-oriented B2B application integration represents the "entry point" for most enterprises that are considering B2B application integration—which makes perfect sense. Data-oriented B2B application integration allows for data to be moved between data stores. Relevant business information can be shared among these data stores and, ultimately, with trading partners. Data level as an entry point for B2B application integration has the added benefit of numerous tools and techniques that enable the integration of information from database to database, tools and techniques that adapt information "on the fly" so that it is represented correctly by both the source and target applications.

Accessing databases at the data is a relatively easy task, accomplished with few, if any, significant changes to the application logic or database structure. This is a tremendous asset because altering applications is not possible in many problem domains, where you are likely dealing with systems that are beyond your direct control.

However, the straightforward appearance of data-oriented B2B application integration should not create the impression that it is simple. It is not. Migrating data from one database to another sounds straightforward and reasonable enough, but for data-oriented B2B application integration to actually work, architects and developers need to understand both the complex world of database technology and the way in which information flows throughout an enterprise. Moreover, it's just dangerous to update databases without understanding any integrity issues that may exist at the application level. Therefore, people employing data-oriented B2B application integration need to make it their job to understand how the application handles data integrity, making sure that any integrity rules are not violated.

In most trading communities, databases not only number in the thousands, but they also represent a complex and complicated mosaic of various database technologies and models that provide data storage for applications. This reality makes integrating databases a difficult task, one that would have been nearly impossible before the introduction of powerful many-to-many, B2B application integration data movement and transformation tools and technologies.

However, this problem is even more complex. Data from one system may not be compatible with a different system. The semantics are so different that the two systems just can't understand each other—for example, sales accounting practices might be different. Thus, data-oriented B2B application integration is not just about moving information between data stores, but it's also about managing the differences in metadata and applications semantics.

Going for the Data

B2B application integration data access demands an "end run" around application logic and user interfaces to extract or load data directly into the database. Fortunately, most applications built in the recent past decouple the database from the application and interface, but many do not. As a result, this once-daunting task is transformed into something relatively simple—that is, relatively simple if you are dealing with a recently created application. Unfortunately, there are still many databases that are tightly coupled with the application logic. In these scenarios, it is impossible to deal with the database without dealing with the application logic as well. As we have suggested, this is a much more difficult proposition—so difficult that it may be reason enough to employ method or application interface-oriented B2B application integration along with data-oriented B2B application integration, or even to consider using another type of B2B application integration exclusively.

Data-oriented B2B application integration's simplicity and speed to market advantages are the consequences of a business logic that rarely has to be altered (a cohesive rather than coupled approach). It frees the enterprise from having to endure seemingly endless testing cycles, or the risk and expense of implementing newer versions of applications. Indeed, most users and applications will remain blissfully ignorant of the fact that data is being shared at the back end.

Numerous database-oriented middleware products allow architects and developers to access and move information between databases, thereby simplifying data-oriented B2B application integration. These products can integrate various database brands, including Oracle and Sybase. They also allow for the integration of different database models.

The advent of B2B application integration-specific technology, such as message brokers, B2B application integration management layers, and simple data movement engines, enables the enterprise to move data from one place to another—from anywhere to anywhere—without altering the target application source. What's more, this can now be done in real time, within online transaction-processing environments.

Although the technology for moving data between two or more data stores is familiar and well-tested in real applications, this familiarity does not exempt the architect or developer from understanding the data that is being moved, or from understanding the flow and business rules that must be applied to that data.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020