Microsoft is enhancing its BizTalk Server integration platform with a new set of services, acting on the company’s strategy of providing software and services as opposed to simply software as a service.
As Microsoft faces increasing competition from SAAS providers such as Salesforce.com and companies offering computing in the cloud, such as Google, the Redmond, Wash., software maker is shifting its strategy to meet these challenges head-on.
Indeed, Microsoft previously defined its vision for SOA (service-oriented architecture) and software plus services, “so the next logical step is to roll out some services,” said Steven Martin, director of product management in Microsoft’s Connected Systems Division.
Microsoft will roll out its new BizTalk Services April 24, Martin said. The services represent hosted versions of technology created in the CSD unit, Martin said.
Click here to read more about BizTalk getting a bigger development role.
The BizTalk offerings include Identity Services, which provide authentication, access control and federated identity based on the WS-Trust specification. In addition, new Relay Services facilitate traversal and bridging of physical networks, enabling high-fidelity interconnection between cooperating systems for cross-organizational messaging behind firewalls.
Read the full story on eWEEK.com: Next Step: BizTalk
