Open source collaboration software maker MindTouch Dec.
15 said it has worked with open source startup SnapLogic on a new solution for enterprise
application integration, a very old computing challenge that plagues businesses
laden with disparate applications.
Traditionally, EAI has helped companies enable applications
-- CRM applications from one vendor and database apps from another provider --
communicate with one another so that data may be exchanged between the apps with
fidelity. Without EAI, entire computer systems may be rendered useless.
EAI is not very sexy, but in an age where enterprises
have dozens of different applications, it's proven quite necessary. In fact,
it's been so necessary that providers such as IBM, Informatica, Tibco and
others have been able to charge thousands to millions of dollars for implementations
of their software across large businesses.
Now the major challenge for companies is getting their
legacy on-premise software to work with Web-based cloud computing applications,
and to do so without leeching their savings.
SnapLogic, a fledgling company created by Informatica co-founder Guarav
Dillion, has executed such implementations as
bolting Salesforce CRM implementation into the on-premise systems of a technology
services company, and infusing Twitter into the business
intelligence solution of a large consumer products company.
To wit, MindTouch CEO Aaron Fulkerson told eWEEK his
company is offering
MindTouch Business Application Integration to medium-sized businesses for
$4,995 for 50 users, a recession-friendly price for software of this kind.
SnapLogic is powering the integration layer with its DataFlow Server, whose components
can read, write and transform data from any location and allow databases, files, Web
and SAAS data to be shared and leveraged by existing apps.
MindTouch, whose
collaboration platform includes wikis and other tools to help corporate
employees work together, is offering the solution's presentation layer.
Fulkerson said that one of the things that made SnapLogic an attractive partner is that while traditional middleware apps
help companies bolt applications and systems together, SnapLogic's software
acts like a universal adapter to business apps, providing business
intelligence reports to let business managers know how applications are
performing.
The $4,995 offer for MindTouch Business Application Integration is good through Dec. 31.
MindTouch will double that price to $9,995 starting Jan. 1.
Enterprise Applications News & Reviews 
