Platform vendors vs. "Pure-play"
Now we know what BPM is and how it can improve your business, how do you go about choosing a software solution?
To answer this question consider the fact that BPM is not just one tool, but an integration platform of business process related functionality. Implicit in what has been discussed so far is the fact that BPM requires the integration of disparate processes that are traditionally supported by a range of technology systems.
BPM suites
At the moment the market is a mix of niche nice tool "pure-play" vendors along with platform vendors but increasingly industry observers are highlighting the significant value these comprehensive suites can bring.
When these suites are deployed within the context of a single platform they work seamlessly and enable business leaders to manage and execute BPM processes with less reliance on the IT organisation than ever. The best BPM Suites have been designed from the ground up to deliver a comprehensive platform of functionality. Alongside process management you'll find a wide-range of integrated capabilities built on industry standards and frameworks.
A BPM Server is an integrated collection of tools, processes and corresponding technologies necessary to support the business process life cycle which enables continual improvement in near-real-time fashion while supporting evolving business goals and metrics. These processes/technologies include the following:
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Human workflow and interaction |
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Process Modelling and Simulation |
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Content and collaboration tools |
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System and application integration support |
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Business Activity Monitoring (real-time insights) |
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Business rules engine, repository and orchestration |
Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 is Microsoft's BPM server which, when combined with other Windows Server System products such as SQL Server 2005, delivers an industry leading BPM platform.
BizTalk Server 2006
Nearly 6,000 companies world-wide are already using BizTalk to automate and optimise their business processes. That momentum was sparked by the introduction of BizTalk Server 2004, which revolutionized the integration industry and added new business process features. BizTalk Server 2006 builds on that heritage and core architecture to provide you with a powerful tool that uses the latest Microsoft technologies and industry standards for automating and managing business processes. Core benefits in this latest release include easier setup, comprehensive management and deployment capabilities, seamless upgrading, richer business user and developer experiences and faster application integration.