IBM to .NET Interoperability with BizTalk Host Integration Server

The IBM mainframe, or even a midrange system, represents a huge investment and contains a wealth of business data. It also poses a major challenge when it comes to integration. Enterprises have invested large amounts of resources into their mainframe and midrange systems and are hesitant to shelve these systems in favor of today's distributed IT systems. However, legacy and mainframe-based applications, technologies, and data can be integrated into today's .NET technologies through the use of BizTalk's Host Integration Server. Modernization can be achieved while preserving past investments.

Before attempting such a task, Microsoft trainingIs highly recommended. BizTalk Server on its own is complex; add in the complexities associated with IBM mainframes and you will see that you have a challenge ahead. Armed with knowledge and the tools found in the BizTalk products, and you will be well on your way toward successfully integrating IBM with the .NET Framework.

Among the benefits of integration are:

Lower cost of ownership
Integration with host programs and sessions
Host messaging integration
Host data integration
Consolidated network infrastructures and reduced operating costs
Secured host connectivity
Identity management

A number of mainframe modernization strategies exist ranging from supplementing mainframe systems with new servers or migrating workloads to a more efficient environment. Integration with BizTalk Server and its Host Integration Server tools adds Windows functionality while preserving legacy applications and systems. Ideally, integration tasks include integrating: the network, security, data, messaging, and applications.

Tools, protocols, adapters, mapping, programming interfaces, and other technologies allow for the prompt integration of platforms, data, applications, messaging, and security between IBM systems and the infrastructure. With the Host Integration technology, IT teams can readily deploy Windows technologies while also connecting to supported IBM mainframes and midrange systems.

Preparing for such an integration is crucial to its success. Consider enrolling in a Microsoft BizTalk boot camp before attempting such as large scale BizTalk project. After all, not only must you understand what tools are available to accomplish integration, you must know how to use those tools. Once mastered, Host Integration Server allows for the faster delivery of new applications using the familiar .NET Framework and Visual Studio 2008 rather than IBM host-based technologies.

Microsoft BizTalk Host Integration Server is a supplemental software to the branch edition of BizTalk Server 2009, though an evaluation version is available. In addition, four additional adapters (BizTalk Adapter for Host Applications, Adapter for DB2, Adapter for Websphere MQ, and Adapter for Host Files) are available in the supplemental BizTalk Adapter for Host Systems 2.0 package.

If you currently hold your MCTS certificationIn BizTalk, the .NET Framework, or Visual Studio, you already have many of the skills that you will need. However, depending on the complexity of the integration and the adapters required, you may need additional training. Turn to CBT Planet, your final destination for all of your Microsoft BizTalk Server training needs.