IBM To Link Integration Software

The company plans to move its WebSphere middleware and MQ and CrossWorlds integration software to a common runtime by the beginning of next year, said Stuart McIrvine, program director for WebSphere integration.

WebSphere 5 application server, slated to ship this month, will be the foundation for IBM's MQ and CrossWorlds suites of integration software, McIrvine said. Currently, the WebSphere app server and MQ and CrossWorlds integration products all have separate runtimes.

Observers have criticized IBM for having too many disparate products under the WebSphere integration line that were acquired from other companies and don't integrate seamlessly with other IBM products. These products include the CrossWorlds enterprise application integration tools.

Vendors in the integration software space all are working to link the many aspects of integration together in a solid portfolio, said Larry Calabro, worldwide Enterprise Connection Services practice leader at Deloitte Consulting.

"It would be fair to say that if you're going to create an integration platform, you're going to mix workflow, portal, process integration, the general application server and basic messaging and delivery," Calabro said.