Integration of online CICS applications into e-business solutions

In this article, different fundamental strategies for integrating CICS applications into e-business applications are presented and their constraints and advantages are explained in some detail. The possible solutions discussed here comprise the implementation or a standard product (e.g. CTG), the integration by using XML wrapping methods (XWRAP) which implies a medium implementation effort, as well as a reengineering concept (XCDS) with an implementation effort ranging from medium to high. The main advantage of the CTG solution is that the host applications hardly need to be modified and, hence, this solution can be used immediately. However, owing to some system related restrictions this solution is mainly suited for application systems used internally within companies. The XWRAP solution offers XML access to a limited number of e-business applications but there are some restrictions due to the compatiblity to the BMS format. Hence, this solution is mainly suited for application systems in maintenance without major future development. The main benefit of the XCDS solution is that the resulting application systems are well-structured and, thus, maintenance activities are facilitated. However, the implementation efforts rather high. Therefore, this solution is mainly suited for application systems which are subject of future development and enhancements and, at the same time, need to be integrated into e-business solutions with external access.