Lesson 10

In this module, you learned what tools can help you both

1. integrate the software technologies chosen for an eBusiness solution and
2. coordinate workflow and its various components.

Together, these tools will make for a solution that is well coordinated on the levels of technology and human interaction. More specifically, you should now know how to:

1. Define the function of middleware
2. Define what message-oriented middleware does
3. Define the function of RPCs
4. Define the function of data integration middleware
5. Define the function of distributed object middleware
6. Define the function of transaction processors
7. Explain the function of Enterprise Application Integration
8. Describe workflow services solutions and their role in integration

If you would like to see which vendors sell the tools discussed in this module, go to the Vendors list on the Resources page. Vendors are categorized by product and by module.

To create a well-coordinated solution for ecommerce that balances technology and human interaction, several tools can be used. These include:

1. Ecommerce Platforms: Ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento provide a powerful foundation for building an online store. These platforms offer a range of features and integrations that can help to streamline ecommerce operations, such as inventory management, payment processing, and shipping.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools: CRM tools such as Salesforce or Hubspot can help to manage customer interactions and provide insights into customer behavior. These tools can help to improve customer retention, provide personalized experiences, and improve customer satisfaction.
3. Marketing Automation Tools: Marketing automation tools such as Marketo or Pardot can help to automate marketing campaigns and provide insights into customer behavior. These tools can help to optimize marketing efforts, reduce manual effort, and improve conversion rates.
4. Analytics Tools: Analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics can provide insights into website performance, customer behavior, and other key metrics. These tools can help to identify areas for improvement, optimize ecommerce operations, and make data-driven decisions.
5. Communication Tools: Communication tools such as chatbots or live chat can help to improve customer service and provide real-time support to customers. These tools can help to reduce response times, increase customer satisfaction, and improve customer retention.
6. Order Management Systems: Order management systems such as Orderhive or Skubana can help to manage the entire order lifecycle, from inventory management to shipping and fulfillment. These tools can help to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and provide a seamless experience for customers.

In summary, a well-coordinated solution for ecommerce requires a combination of tools that balance technology and human interaction. Ecommerce platforms, CRM tools, marketing automation tools, analytics tools, communication tools, and order management systems can all be used to create a seamless ecommerce experience that meets the needs of customers and businesses alike.

1. API: A set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. Good APIs make it easier to develop a program by providing all needed building blocks.
2. COM+: Microsoft's language independent component architecture intended to provide general purpose, object oriented means to encapsulate commonly used features and functions.
3. CORBA: Enables pieces of programs, called objects, to communicate with one another regardless of what operating system they are running on or what programming language they were written in.
4. IDL (Interface Definition Language): A language used to describe the interface to a routine or function. For example, objects in the CORBA distributed object environment are defined by an IDL, which describes the services performed by the object and how the data is to be passed to it.
5. Message-brokering technology: Technology that acts as a message server being multiple systems/solutions requiring integration.
6. Message queue: Some messaging systems use a temporary storage facility, called a message queue, to store messages indefinitely. A message queuing system enables applications to communicate even though they may not be running at the same time.
7. ORB (Object Request Broker): A program that controls communication between clients and objects on servers.
8. Three-tier architecture: A special type of client/server architecture consisting of three well-defined and separate processes, each running on a different platform.

Click the Exercise link below to define and solve a specific integration problem.
Integration Solutions - Exercise