Java System Solutions

XML Gateway

Product factsheet

The XML Gateway is a lightweight middleware component written to provide a solution to the ever-expanding integration requirements of the BMC Remedy platform.

The gateway is typically use to submit and retrieve data from the AR System (whether it is ITSM or CMDB related), but as a fully-flexible tool it is able to adapt to any integration requirement through its modern Java EE design.

XML Gateway is used in evaluation and production by many enterprises around the world, typically as part of a long-term integration solution or a short term mechanism of migrating from a legacy system to the BMC Remedy Action Request System.

An easy-to-use web interface allows rapid development of XML messaging solutions independently of a third-party system. Allowing this development to take place without a third party system vastly decreases implementation time: once the data mapping has been completed, the integration becomes little more than connecting two systems together.

The gateway can provide solutions to supporting any type of XML message, both inbound and outbound, and therefore it will adhere to any message specification a client wishes to use.

Product features

Bi-directional integration between BMC Remedy (AR System) and any third party system through XML:

• receives XML messages and can perform multiple transactions against ARS;
• creates XML messages and can send to one or more third party systems;
• provides and interprets XML responses.

Pure Java J2EE design coupled to AR System through the ARS APIs:

• one solution, not multiple modules bolted onto ARS. If ARS fails, the product carries on running;
• runs in any modern Java Servlet container (Weblogic, Tomcat, Websphere, Jboss, etc.);
• absolutely no additional workflow needs to be installed to configure and maintain the gateway.

Connectivity through HTTP, Java Messaging Services, Webservices, e-mail and file:

• extremely modular design, keeping the transport layer separate from the payload;
• allows new transport layers to be added to meet developing enterprise needs;
• full Java Messaging Services support provided out of the box. JMS provides guaranteed message delivery and where applicable often represents the best integration mechanism between heterogeneous systems.

ARS attachment support:

• attachments can be sent to and retrieved from the gateway with ease;

Data translation layer for non-XML messages. Systems communicating using non-XML-based formats not already supported can quickly be integrated through translation filters.

• Supports CSV and SWIFT messaging out of the box.

Integrated message-sending framework:

• allows messages to be sent to one or more third-party systems in a single transaction;
• reports back to ARS the status of the message transmission process;
• can decode individual responses from third parties;
• scheduled resending of messages in the event of a third party being unavailable.

Any XML document or standard can be both generated and processed.

• XML Schema supported to ensure valid XML passes in and out of the gateway.

Written with a variety of uses in mind. While integrating systems is of course a major use of the gateway, it can easily be used for other solutions, such as:

• providing RSS feeds and lightweight web interfaces to e.g. Blackberry devices;
• adding value to the CMDB release management process through Class&Attribute management between multiple Remedy instances;
• multiple interfaces allowing clients/consultants to develop bespoke plugins to enhance the gateway's functionality.
• connects to any JDBC database backend, LDAP or Active Directory as well as ARS.

Comparison

Installation: XML Gateway can be installed in a few minutes with minimum fuss (and no AR System server restart). No Remedy modification, reconfiguration or application redesign is needed; there are no plugins or additional workflow.

Compatibility: Unlike solutions relying on extra in-system forms and workflow, the XML Gateway is completely independent of ARS application design and works with all applications (not just the standard ITSM suite).

Stability: XML Gateway is a contained application written completely in Java, without the extra points of failure that plugins and supplemental processes in other languages can bring. There are no dependencies to impair the ability to upgrade your Remedy instance.

Performance: The gateway is a pure Java Enterprise application and operates within industry standard Java Enterprise Environment containers (such as Weblogic). These engines power the world's financial institutions and are tried and tested. Not being constrained by workflow-and-plugin performance, it scales as far as your ARS Server can scale.

Reachability: The gateway is independent of Remedy and can continue to queue requests for, and respond to third-party systems in the event of an ARS System failure.

Usability: Comes with an easy-to-use web interface allowing XML integrations to be tested and developed without the need for third party interaction with the gateway. This allows rapid development and testing of various XML messages before the gateway has even connected to a third party system.

Evaluation

We are confident that, subject to some pre-requisites (availability of hardware and permissions to install our software), we can demonstrate XML transactions to Remedy rapidly (typically within five working days, or even fewer if appropriate information has been provided in advance).

We work with a number of Remedy partners to provide the ITSM integration consulting skills and would be more than happy to demonstrate the benefits the product can bring to your business.

Contact us for more information or to request an evaluation.