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Inside The Microsoft BizTalk Framework - Part One By Mark Merkow, CCP, CISSP July 23, 1999 BizTalk Philosophy The BizTalk philosophy is embodied in an 11-page document that denounces the evils of application integration ''glue.'' It describes how the two extremes of application integration using custom-developed middleware layers -- "make it work as one system" vs. "make them work together" -- as the source of hidden costs that are increasingly pushing out the ability of IT departments to accurately manage their budgets. Microsoft''s Biztalk advocates using XML under specific practices to reduce the reliance on the gluing approach to application integration, providing what they call "friction-free integration." As a result, Biztalk was designed to be: transport independent, location and technology independent, and flexible with data types and data transformations Transport Independence Transport independence permits the exchange of BizTalk message pairs using any method of transport that''s already in place (for example RPC, HTTP, SMTP, FTP, MSMQ, MQ Series, IIOP, DCOM, etc.) Using BizTalk Servers that are Framework Compatible helps eliminate technology concerns related to network media. Location and Technology Independence Location and technology independence provides programmers the freedom from what is otherwise required intimacy with Application Program Interface specifications for those systems they''re attempting to integrate. BizTalk message constructs permit simplified and abstract mechanisms that enable programmers to eliminate coding practices in order to resolve differences associated with security contexts, location resolution, calling conventions, and data types. Flexible Data Types and Transformations Flexible data types and data transformation processes using BizTalk messaging, XML, and XML Style Sheets (XSL) reduce the problems that programmers face with parameter ordering, function or method locations, coding around return values, and determining what to do with called application program responses. Once programmers implicitly know that their programs produce properly formatted messages and responses, they''re free to concentrate on coding any required data transformations correctly. Microsoft has established the BizTalk.org Web site as a free exchange for public participation in encouraging BizTalk''s viability in the marketplace. Their intent is to the grow the site into a portal to serve: Locating information Managing information Learning about and publishing XML, XSL, and information models By late-1999, an online repository will provide for value-added member and partner programs. BizTalk Members As a BizTalk member, developers using XML will be placed in touch with businesses requiring its use. The site will serve as a centralized and managed library to share schemas, XSL, and business processes that are encoded under the BizTalk Framework. Memberships are available at no cost.

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