Information System for the Next Generation

Transcription

1 Information System for the Next Generation Information System for the Next Generation 238 Masato Saito Soichi Oyama Mitsuhiro Hanatsuka Keiichiro Inaba OVERVIEW: Network Computing centered around the Internet will bring about a big change in the information system environment of a company. Added to this change, the entire Japanese economic system will be overhauled because of the Big Bang financial reform. The framework of new company information systems should also reflect this trend toward globalization. Hitachi, Ltd. announced the Network Objectplaza in July, 1997, which is a software architecture that serves as a basis for the infrastructure of the enterprise information system of the next generation. Substantial enhancement to this system was carried out in April, The core of this system is distributed object technology and Internet technology. This system features capability of integrating and utilizing the softwares that were developed in the mainframe environment and are developing in the new environment. We expanded this architecture s collaboration framework so that it is able to use distributed object technology. We propose that it be used as the primary information system of an enterprise, and we believe it offers significant advantages over other systems. INTRODUCTION ENTERPRISE information systems will be drastically changed especially in terms of system development and construction methodology because of the popularization of personal computers and deployment of computer networks. The recent trend in enterprise information systems is shown in Fig. 1. In the past, enterprise information system development was done according to optimized system design approach that treated each target system individual basis. However, because of recent changes in the Japanese economy, for example, the removal of restrictions and the Change in social conditions (speed and change) Deregulation, financial Big Bang Utilization of information system in an enterprise system Productivity improvement of office worker Conventional businesses, improvement in transaction efficiency between businesses Rapid change in business environment makes collaboration important Improved efficiency within a company Coordination within a company, business expansion by direct connection with consumers Progress in network technology Sudden growth of the internet Spread of PCs Conventional Individual development Build development Added value through utilizing legacy software resources and current software Combined development (large expectation to package, ERP, etc.) Enlargement of information processing resources Application of the information system to society New system of electronic money, electronic commerce, etc. (Internet ) Fig. 1 Change in the Activity and Expectation of an Information System. It has changed to the development that the thought of the construction of an information system combines from the development that makes, in accordance with the environment where surrounds an information system.

2 Hitachi Reviw Vol. 47 (1998), No Other company New paradigm environment Network Objectplaza Universal database Intra-campany Mobile Internet Internet/ Intranet Office collaboration Internet/Intranet distributed object environment Internet New Off-the-shell software Collaboration tool Existing environment DBMS Existing Existing Operation management environment Fig. 2 Information System for the Next Generation. The enterprise information system centering around the environment of the new pradigm, that integrates an established system and Internet environment is the future figure. financial Big Bang, it will be much more important to provide high-speed development and implement of the practical use of legacy system resources into newly developed s. New information systems will also have to be able to directly connect with other company systems and/or consumers via Internet and provide sufficient performance for highly sophisticated s as well as collaboration capability between various s within this environment. For these reasons, the individual system development approach should be changed to take advantage of commercially available on shelf s. This change will result in less new code development. A typical enterprise information system required in the new market environments is shown in Fig. 2. User-side systems are connected to the new enterprise information system via Internet, no matter whether they are end user systems or other server side systems. Legacy information system resources are currently being connected and/or integrated as backend systems within new enterprise information systems or other newly developed information systems. The server connects end users and backend systems and performs various business. Hitachi has developed and systematized software technology and a system integration methodology for such an server concept (the Network Objectplaza). In the Network Objectplaza, distributed object technology, which connects various software components, is fully adopted as the base technology. The distributed object technology is mainly based on the software communication technology called CORBA* 1, which was developed in OMG (Object Management Group). The Network Objectplaza fully adopts CORBA technology and develops and expands the various functional components that are necessary for support of practical enterprise information systems. We will describe the goals and characteristics of the Network Objectplaza. NETWORK OBJECTPLAZA GOALS Network Objectplaza is being developed with the following aims. (1) Greater internet compatibility and security The Network Objectplaza enables easy development of internet s by supporting various secure internet functions (2) Lasting use of existing system Existing resources, such as those on mainframes, *1: CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) is a standard for distributed objects being developed by the Object Management Group (OMG).

3 Information System for the Next Generation 240 Application framework WWW (framework - web for enterprise) System management JP1 automatic operation, Internet automatic distribution Development environment Solution service Application Application framework System management Inter-system glue services Secure component integration framework Distributed object infrastructure CORBA Distributed Object Infrastructure TPBroker for C++, Java, COBOL Common services (Security, Messaging, etc.) Development environment C++/COBOL language environment Java environment (VisiBrokker, TPBroker for Java) Java Development environment (PowerJ, JBuilder etc.) Three-hierarchy distributed system development environment (CASE tool, etc.) Inter-system glue services WWW collaboration (web page generator) Database collaboration (Database access for ORB) Windows collaboration (VisiBroker Bridge) OLTP collaboration (TP1 access for TPBroker) Legacy collaboration (wrapper) MQ collaboration (TPBroker messaging queue) Tool kit for AP collaboration (Toolkit-Integration) Fig. 3 Network Objectplaza s Architecture and Product Construction. The construction of the next-generation enterprise information system is enabled with six components on th basis of distributed object technology. are important for stable continuation of current business operation. However, they sometimes make it difficult to adopt new s in cooperation with existing environment. The Network Objectplaza enables new development without changing the existing s by its capability to interface with existing resources. Users can reduce cost necessary for modifying existing systems and also regenerate their current system. (3) Use of popular packages It is widely seen that enterprises introduce packages such as ERP(enterprise resource planning) for the purpose of cost and time effective development of enterprise information systems. However, single packages can hardly satisfy individual requests made throughout an enterprise; it is necessary in general for users to customize packages and have softwre that can collaborate with existing s developed by other users or be usable with other packages. In such situations, it has been necessary to develop interfacing software that enables collaboration and the simultaneous operation of several s or packages. The Network Objectplaza supports ERP introduction or multi-package environments by providing components for collaboration with ERP and integration tool kits for integration. (4) Flexible management of hardware configuration Choosing any hardware configuration that is especially suited to a particular size is an important characteristic of distributed object technology. The Network Objectplaza has scalability and flexibility so that it does not influence an s configuration; that is true even when there are changes to the hardware configuration that may be required for performance or size reasons. (5) A variety of functions that enable easy development The Network Objectplaza enables system development with less coding by combining popular packages, existing resources and new commercial software called business objects. For this purpose, the Network Objectplaza provides an framework that can model an effectively use the system s middleware components. Application development is almost as simple as choosing the suitable framework and packages and then integrating them with the existing system.

4 Hitachi Reviw Vol. 47 (1998), No SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE AND PRODUCTS The Network Objectplaza consists of six categories of the distributed object infrastructure, the inter-system glue services, the development environment, the system management functions, the solution service (Fig. 3). Distributed Object Infrastructure (Supplies highly efficient and reliable infrastructure) The distributed object infrastructure is the foundation of the Network Objectplaza. It connects the various information systems in a company and provides a connection to outside resources. The computer system must be able to communicate with other systems scattered over other networks, and therefore should conform to global standards. Therefore, we adopted CORBA, which has been standardized by OMG. VisiBroker *2 of INPRISE *3 is well-known within the industry and is implemented in CORBA. Hitachi, Ltd. adopted VisiBroker to the nucleus and commercialized TPBroker in cooperation with INPRISE. TPBroker is strengthened the transaction function and function that become needed with a nucleus information system. Because it has secondary security functions and messaging functions that exchange information in an asynchronous manner with other systems, TPBroker s primary information system (nucleus) must be reliable. Inter-System Glue Services (Supplies various kinds of functions that facilitate system integration) The functions that connect the various s on The Network Objectplaza with the main environment will be used in this information system. Such coordination functions connect mainframe and new environments. The following items are being offered as a system collaboration. *2: VisiBroker is a trademark of INPRISE Corporation. *3: INPRISE is a trademark of INPRISE Corporation. *4: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U.S.and other countries. *5: ORACLE is a trademark of ORACLE Corporation. *6: Sybase is a trademark of Sybase, Inc. *7: Microsoft SQL Server is a product name of Microsoft Corp. *8: R/3 is a registered trademark of SAP AG. (1) Windows *4 collaboration: It enables the utilization of the functions available on the Network Objectplaza from the Windows environment and vice-versa. (VisiBroker Bridge) (2) WWW (World Wide Web) collaboration: This coordination function enables the utilization of an from the Internet environment. Gaining access to the web from the Internet is easy in the s provided (web page generator, VisiBroker Gatekeeper). (3) Database collaboration: This function provides a common access interface to various kinds of database (ORACLE *5, Sybase *6, SQL Server *7, etc.) from each on the Network Objectplaza (database access for ORB). (4) Online collaboration: This coordination function uses various kinds of online programs available on mainframes and open servers (OLTP, wrapper). (5) Batch system collaboration: This collaboration function carries out the triggering of the batch program on a mainframe and conveys the result to a program on the Network Objectplaza (wrapper). (6) Software package collaboration: There are several wrapping functions for ERP collaboration, including SAP R/3 *8. Collaboration with an for which a collaboration function was not available previously is facilitated by a development tool called Toolkit-Integration* that is able to easily develop the interface program that connects to the CORBA environment and each environment. This technology is based on the Secure Component Integration Framework that Concept Five Technologies of the U.S. and Hitachi, Ltd. have jointly developed. Application Framework (By leaps and bounds an improvement of development efficiency) It is becoming difficult to develop Internet s without thorough knowledge of each middleware function. The Network Objectplaza tries to improve development efficiency by concentrating on logic and interface design based on a sample of the

5 Information System for the Next Generation 242 that a user wants to construct. Hitachi, Ltd. makes software that is able to take a general from the and with a user sample tailor the general to the specific proposes of the user. The framework is called framework-web for enterprise and is intended for the businesses in the information transmission and information sharing field that use the web. Development Environment (Supplies the abundant development structure) We propose the product with the next policy in Network Objectplaza, in order to enable the selection of the developmental environment in accordance with the taste of a user as the developmental environment of a distributed object. (1) Three language environments: C++, Java *9, COBOL The distributed object technology of CORBA supports three languages (C++, Java, COBOL). In this way, a user can select a description language that suits his or her preferences when an or object part is made. Furthermore, it is possible to collaborate with s described in languages other than the ones mentioned above. (2) Concealment of the CORBA technology in a conventional developmental environment New technology in an often requires extra education for the developer of an. To solve this problem, in the developmental environment CASE tool of Hitachi, Ltd. used in the comparatively big scale development, IDL (interface definition language) neccessary to develop the distributed object environment is concealed. IDL can also be generated automatically in accordance with the specific definition procedure of CASE tool. In this way development on the Network Objectplaza is possible even if a developer does not have the required knowledge about a distributed object. In addition, even the development of a server environment is scheduled so as to enable the ActiveX *10 *9: Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *10: ActiveX is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. part on Windows an object, although it was making about the program development on a conventional client. In the Network Objectplaza, furthermore, various kinds of serviceable development support environment can be used, and in addition, the upper process design tool of Hitachi, Ltd. and other companies analysis/ design tools can also be used cooperatively. System Management Environment (Realization of the integration management in the system total ) In the network era, it is estimated that various environments coexist even in one information system. In terms of control, one moves in the coexisting systems environment needs to be consistently managed in the whole system. Hitachi, Ltd. is offering JP1 Version5 as an integration system management product. In the Network Objectplaza, a system manager is used to control other various kinds of environment together in addition to distributed object environment. By strengthening JP1 Version5, we are enabling the management at the level of an individual system unit. The JP1 CORBA event gateway is able to operate automatically and perform obstacle surveillance, etc., by sending instructions and controlling s on a distributed object infrastructure. Further improvement to the management system and distribution management functions in a unified development/implementation environment will cut the total cost of ownership. FORWARDING THE REAL SOLUTION FOR USER NEEDS Hitachi, Ltd. has emphasized two major points in its development of the Network Objectplaza. The first is to make the development of new Internet software easier and faster with distributed object technology. The second is the ability to deal with lots of new technologies from the IT world. This situation should have some impact, not only for developing a new system, but also for re-vitalization of the existing systems, like legacy /data and third vender software packages. Examples follow (also refer to Table 1).

6 TABLE 1. Field Which Is Expected in the Movement and Distributed Object Environment of the User Needs A distributed object environment that supports impact and, it to an information system is shown. Hitachi Reviw Vol. 47 (1998), No # Management concept Impact on information systems Solution by DOT 1 Global standard management Global standard accounting Global management Disclosure JQA, etc. Higher-level integrated networking between enterprise system and peripheral Having information in common and value adding Speed up of new business Instant new common business information (ex. highly integrated real-time risk management) ISO14000 (individual contents management, supply chain management) Open networking CORBA networking infrastructure, wrapping Applicable business software for global standardization COTS, APF Integrated management applicable DB collaboration, DWH infrastructure with DOT Very large integrated DB technology, multimedia DRDB 2 Cooperation Seamless Recognition Seamless and high-level networking collaboration Instant support for new enterprise/product support Security Open networking CORBA networking infrastructure Security infrastructure Directory management infrastructure 3 Interactive value trade Customer satisfaction SOHO Value/commercialization of information itself Electronic commerce Sharing infrastructure in front office, and sharing information in back office Electronic commerce infrastructure BtoB EC (ex. TWX-21), consurmer EC NC, mobile to infrastructure for nextgeneration handheld PC Java Common Re-vitalization of legacy assets/ infrastrucure Integration/distribution of company or business Flexibility of system formura (ex. transformation, update of legacy system or out-sourcing, etc.) Instant support for information/data distribution and integration Usable anywhere without change Technology for flexible system configuration, development environment infrastructure TCO: integrated system operation infrastructure Wrapping SCM: system configuration management COTS: commercial off-the-shelf technology APF: framework DB: database DOT: distributed object technology ORDB: object relational database C/S: client-server SOHO: small office, home office NC: network computer (1) Renewal of existing information systems; With this new IT, it is easier to integrate legacy systems on mainframe machine with new s. A company is able to create more value added services through inexpensive software development. An example is an Internet/intranet system with a mainframe system. (2) Drive to integrate system as total system of back office s or front office s; As is the case with legacy accounting systems and ERP, we sometimes need to make the best choice among those s. In particular, the trend of using more packaged software rather than custommade programs avoids the confusion of endless and meaningless maintenance. (3) Expansion of services distributed over EC; On the distributed object infrastructure, many of software components/parts that can be run usefully on this infrastructure, would be expected. For example, frameworks, business objects, EC s/contents and so on will become ease to be constructed. (4) Optimization of TCO; With this IT, we can expect TCO optimization. Because the level of system operation or security can be standardized on the infrastructure even among many system architectures we should stand. CONCLUSIONS In this paper, we introduced the Network Objectplaza, which is a software architecture for nextgeneration enterprise information systems. The infrastructure software of this system has been already developed, and currently, the main focus is on expanding the inter-system-glue service system so that system integration for enterprise information systems that use existing legacy systems can be accommodated.

7 Information System for the Next Generation 244 Practical examples are already on the market. Please refer to other articles in this issue for such examples. Hereafter, we will continue expanding the framework to support an increasing variety of business s. We hope to achieve systems in which it is easy to collaborate between s and easy to combine components. We will continue to develop and promote the establishment of a distributed object environment with the vision of using user and/ or other vendor, developed software resources through the standardizing activities of OMG and the Distributed Object Promotion Group founded in Japan. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Masato Saito Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1980 and now works at the Products Planning Development of the Software Division. He is currently engaged in the development of open middleware products. Mr. Saito is a member of ACM, IEEE, Information Processing Society of Japan, and can be reached by at saitomsa@soft.hitachi.co.jp Soichi Oyama Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1983 and now works at the Products Planning Development of the Software Division. He is currently engaged in the development of distributed object products. Mr. Oyama is a member of the Information Processing Society of Japan, Quality Management Society of Japan, and can be reached by at oyama_s@soft.hitachi.co.jp Mitsuhiro Hanatsuka Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1984 and now works at the Products Planning Development of the Software Division. He is currently engaged in the development of distributed object products. Mr. Hanatsuka is a member of the Information Processing Society of Japan, and can be reached by at hanatu_m@soft.hitachi.co.jp Keiichiro Inaba Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1985 and now works at the Products Planning Development of the Information System Division. He is currently engaged in the planning of information system. Mr. Inaba is a member of the Information Processing Society of Japan, Management Information Society, and can be reached by at sibelius@system.hitachi.co.jp