Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What are the benefits of event-driven architecture patterns?

  See how event-driven architecture patterns can set up an enterprise application for adaptability in a way that monolithic architectures can't.  Continue Reading

• How do you choose between SDKs and APIs for enterprise apps?

  Explore the pros and cons that differentiate SDKs and APIs from each other and come to understand what types of applications call for SDKs, APIs or both.  Continue Reading

• Can API mapping fix data integration problems?

  The more distributed and complex a modern application is, the more likely an API mapping tool should join the developers' arsenal for efficient design and troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Why would I use Micronaut framework instead of Java?

  Micronaut is JVM-based, so what does it bring to application development and test that the Java framework doesn't already address?  Continue Reading

• What key messaging patterns should enterprise architects know?

  An unknowable number of interactions occur to enable digitization. Applications must pass these messages according to a design pattern, and these two categories suit enterprise-scale apps.  Continue Reading

• What are TOGAF benefits for large enterprises' architectures?

  Enterprise architects should value a standardized architecture framework, especially during microservices adoption. Here's how TOGAF helps control enterprise software development processes.  Continue Reading

• When should I choose between serverless and microservices?

  Serverless and microservices work well together, but they still have their unique qualities. We review their main differences and where one might accomplish goals the other can't.  Continue Reading

• What tools help with microservices Salesforce development?

  It's not always easy to develop Salesforce apps with microservices. Developers and admins should evaluate CI/CD tools that support microservices development in the Salesforce world.  Continue Reading

• Should I use in-house or SaaS tools to develop APIs?

  It's perfectly viable to approach API development using either in-house or SaaS-provided tooling, but each path has its place. Learn how to choose between these two methods.  Continue Reading

• Should I use tools that support the OpenAPI Specification?

  Thinking about applying the OpenAPI Specification to API development? Analyze OpenAPI's automation and standardization benefits and see if it will ease your API design difficulties.  Continue Reading

• How can microservices help modernize legacy applications?

  Can microservices help modernize legacy applications? An expert lists ways microservices help developers break the monolith into functional services.  Continue Reading

• How can Chaos Monkey testing help with microservices?

  Resilience testing isn't just for infrastructure. Architects can adopt this disaster recovery testing strategy to build more reliable microservice applications.  Continue Reading

• Can containerization tools aid microservices communication?

  Containerization tools have taken on a critical role in managing communication between microservices, and two Kubernetes-based tools in particular are getting the job done.  Continue Reading

• What does 2018 hold for application containerization?

  There was plenty of movement around Kubernetes in 2017, and there seems to be more to come in the year ahead. Twain Taylor makes predictions about container management in 2018.  Continue Reading

• When should app developers choose no-code platforms?

  No-code platforms have a place in app development, but knowing how and when to use them is key. An expert looks at features that make them a good choice for many app dev projects.  Continue Reading

• Why use open source tools for containerized apps?

  An expert looks at the top three open source tools -- Kubernetes, Elasticsearch and Prometheus -- that enable running containerized applications at scale.  Continue Reading

• Does a containers-as-a-service platform support governance?

  The introduction of containers can certainly complicate governance, especially when working with microservices. Here's how a containers-as-a-service platform can help.  Continue Reading

• Native apps or APIs when developing for mobile platforms?

  Although Android and iOS rule mobile OSes, within these OSes are multiple versions. Because of this, when developing for mobile platforms, you face a choice: native apps or MBaaS APIs.  Continue Reading

• Does Kubernetes service governance work for microservices?

  Learn how Kubernetes container orchestration can be leveraged by organizations to provide the service registry governance needed to support a microservices architecture.  Continue Reading

• Should you build or buy infrastructure for your enterprise mobile apps?

  Building enterprise mobile apps from scratch is becoming more complex. To lessen the challenges, companies are turning to mobile-backend-as-a-service platforms.  Continue Reading

• What are some API design principles for microservices?

  APIs are important, and having an API strategy is important, too. Twain Taylor takes a look at three major API design principles that all organizations need to keep in mind.  Continue Reading

• What are the best options for open source API management tools?

  While organizations have plenty of proprietary API management tools to choose from, there are plenty of open source options as well. Here are some of the top open source tools.  Continue Reading

• How important is ALM process automation in a modern DevOps approach?

  Automation is key to the modern DevOps approach and application lifecycle management. Twain Taylor explains where and how automation should fit into your development phases.  Continue Reading

• What are the best tools for building enterprise mobile applications?

  Many enterprises still rely heavily on consumer-grade mobile applications, but making your own may not be as complex as you think. Here are three ways you can get started.  Continue Reading

• Should I be creating apps for car manufacturers?

  There are several platforms available for creating apps for improving the driving experience. Expert Matthew David discusses why it may be easier than you think.  Continue Reading

• How will microservices development benefit enterprise architecture?

  Microservices development requires organizations to abandon the monolithic models they are familiar with. But what can an enterprise architecture gain from microservices?  Continue Reading

• Are there easier ways to build mobile apps?

  As the mobile industry is maturing, so is the way apps are being designed. Learn about the latest tools and software updates to help support and build mobile apps.  Continue Reading

• What are the best open source Docker management tools?

  Open source options are making it easier containerize your applications. Learn about the top four approaches to Docker management.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of integrating a CI tool with Docker?

  If you're moving toward DevOps, consider the benefits of integrating a CI tool with Docker. Learn why this step is necessary and how best to go about integration steps.  Continue Reading

• Should Xcode 8 users migrate to Swift 3.0 or simply upgrade to 2.3?

  Developers who use Xcode 8 have been faced with a choice: Make the jump to Swift 3.0 or simply upgrade to Swift 2.3. Here's what developers should consider when making the choice.  Continue Reading

• How do I connect to JSON APIs in an Android project?

  In this article, mobile expert Matthew David walks developers through some of the most effective ways to connect to JSON APIs in an Android-based project.  Continue Reading

• Connecting APIs: How to integrate a JSON framework with iOS

  Apple now supports two developmental languages. This means integrating JSON with iOS isn't as difficult as it might seem. Expert Matthew David explains further.  Continue Reading

• Should you consider microservice architecture for mobile?

  Microservices can offer flexibility for developers, but should they be using it for mobile development? Matthew David offers his take.  Continue Reading

• How do I create a secure API for mobile?

  As APIs gain importance in mobile delivery, the ability to create secure mobile APIs becomes critical. Matthew David walks us through the steps needed to create these secure APIs.  Continue Reading

• Is the future of vertical video here?

  Mobile phones have shifted the demand from the horizontal video format to vertical. But what has prompted people to change their preference? Matthew David examines these trends.  Continue Reading

• How does application container technology affect CI efforts?

  Containers are certainly the new app development craze, but does this new technology help or hinder efforts around continuous integration? Chris Riley examines.  Continue Reading

• How do I get started developing for Android?

  Android is a popular OS, and developers who don't already know how to develop apps for this OS should learn. Matthew David explains the steps needed to get started right.  Continue Reading

• Should you have an m-commerce strategy?

  Mobile has now made a significant mark on the area of e-commerce, quickly becoming a preferred platform for consumers. Matthew David explains why an m-commerce strategy is needed.  Continue Reading

• Are automobiles the next mobile app platform?

  Is the car the next mobile app platform? Considering the moves that have been made by companies like Apple and Google, and it very well could be. Matthew David examines the trend.  Continue Reading

• Should we take a mobile-first approach to development?

  More and more companies are placing emphasis on the idea of 'mobile first.' But what does it mean to take a mobile-first approach to development?  Continue Reading

• What are some strong tools for mobile app analytics?

  How can you keep better track of your mobile campaigns? In this article, contributor Matthew David examines a number of analytics tools for mobile apps and how to use them effectively.  Continue Reading

• How to choose a device when investing in emerging markets

  As companies plan to invest in emerging markets, their choice of device for launching apps will be critical. Matthew David explains what to keep in mind.  Continue Reading

• What is the future of app servers?

  The emergence of the stack brings up an important question: Are app servers dead? Contributor Todd Biske examines the future of the app server in a changing world.  Continue Reading

• How do I query data directly from an API?

  Making data available from the Web via an API may be simpler than you think. Brad Irby shows you how to query data directly from an API with Excel.  Continue Reading

• Should I support Android in the Enterprise?

  Is it worth an organization's time to support the use of Android in the enterprise? The answer is yes, and contributor Matthew David explains why.  Continue Reading

• How do you modernize legacy apps for mobile devices?

  Here are several options for incorporating mobile apps as part of a legacy system modernization effort. Approaches include vendor apps and writing APIs.  Continue Reading

• What is the best pattern to use for data persistence?

  When designing an application, developers must decide how to implement data persistence. Brad Irby explains which data persistence pattern to consider.  Continue Reading

• What are some good suggestions for code refactoring tools?

  Code refactoring tools are plentiful, so how do you choose the one that's right for you? Brad Irby explains what to look for when choosing a tool.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between an SOA and a microservices architecture?

  Everyone has a different viewpoint on SOA, but three key differences between SOA and microservices architectures can help you determine which is best for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• What should our company consider when outsourcing software development?

  An expert tells you what to consider when you are thinking about outsourcing software development.  Continue Reading

• What are the best ways to prevent refactoring problems?

  How do refactoring problems come about, and is there a way to predict them? Contributor Brad Irby has the answers.  Continue Reading

• Document your APIs and keep them simple

  How can developers make an open API easy to use and understand?  Continue Reading

• Four reasons you need microservices architecture

  Why do we need mircoservices architecture? How can we benefit from it?  Continue Reading

• Microservices architecture 101: What the heck is it?

  Whether you view microservices architecture as merely a change in emphasis or a change in approach, its principles have the potential to improve systems.  Continue Reading

• Why SaaS and SOA software architectures aren't mutually exclusive

  Why do some software architectures, like SOA, seem out of fashion when my company and peers are still using it and need it even more now that we're using SaaS?  Continue Reading

• Contrasting old and new predictive analytics tools, approaches

  Waqar Hasan discusses how predictive analytics tools are being implemented in business settings.  Continue Reading

• How your mind-set determines unified modeling language success

  Industry insiders say there are several attributes that can determine how much an organization benefits from unified modeling language.  Continue Reading

• Data grid technologies help IT's evolving need for speed, flexibility

  Many organizations are finding that current IT setups cannot meet modern demands, and in some instances, using data grid technologies can help.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise design: Is three-tiered architecture still useful?

  When dealing with complex systems, an enterprise design that includes a Web services tier that can support different types of devices is a necessity.  Continue Reading

• SOA architecture: Why you need API management

  While some of the hype around SOA architecture may have died down, the importance of API management remains.  Continue Reading

• Where SOA and the cloud fit in with API development

  API development is becoming increasingly important, as APIs are playing a bigger role than in the past.  Continue Reading

• Modernizing apps and migrating to the cloud: Challenges and trends

  Ovum's Margaret Goldberg says many businesses talk about migrating to the cloud, but they don't realize how difficult the task can be.  Continue Reading

• Which approaches for application updates and tools boost efficiency?

  Some may think application updates only entail moving to the cloud, but a solid plan is needed for success.  Continue Reading

• Integrating social media platforms into the business application mix

  It's important for organizations to be cognizant of what is being said about it on various social media platforms.  Continue Reading

• How using social media for business affects enterprise architecture

  There are several things, such as monitoring, that enterprises need to keep in mind before using social media for business purposes.  Continue Reading

• SOA applications: Why businesses are using SOA, skills architects need

  Use of SOA applications has regained popularity. Matt Brasier speculates why, and offers advice about the skills architects will need to use SOA.  Continue Reading

• SOA architecture: How enterprise architects can find problems

  Enterprise architects can find problems with an SOA architecture through monitoring and testing.  Continue Reading

• Integration methods: The pros and cons of REST integration with SOA

  There isn't a shortage of success and failure stories with any integration method. Here's a look at when REST integration with SOA may be best.  Continue Reading

• Why, when to use messaging middleware

  Messaging middleware has shifted from integration with legacy systems to integration between any two systems.  Continue Reading

• HTML5 or native applications: Which should you use?

  There are scenarios where HTML5 is better than native applications. Expert Michael Ogrinz discusses best uses for each.  Continue Reading

• How to use an XML appliance for versioning, governance

  XML appliances are only able to enforce policies placed in the request path, reminds enterprise architect Todd Biske, so it's important to ensure systems can't go around the gateway.  Continue Reading

• SOA governance: What customizations are important

  It's important not to let solid governance practices be limited to SOA, because deficiencies in other areas impact efforts.  Continue Reading

• Architects can meet mobile user needs by altering mindset

  Smartphones, tablets and desktop computers don't just differ in screen size; they are different form factors.  Continue Reading

• SOA governance: Must-have versioning tools, top features, best practices

  Following certain best practices and using appropriate versioning tools are key when it comes to service-oriented architecture governance.  Continue Reading

• REST or SOAP: Which offers the most benefits for mobile applications

  When choosing between REST or SOAP for mobile apps, it's important to remember there are two major models: native and wrapped mobile web applications.  Continue Reading

• Is a business architecture reference model key to SOA projects?

  Designing SOA to work with business initiatives is a challenge facing SOA projects. Business architecture reference models help, says Ramsay Millar.  Continue Reading

• How to minimize delays with project governance

  Expert Todd Biske gives six strategic hints to help minimize deadline delays with project governance.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of business transformation in the cloud?

  James Staten, Forrester vice president and principal analyst, discusses the role of business transformation in the cloud and other related issues.  Continue Reading

• What are some top cloud and mobile trends of 2012?

  James Staten, Forrester vice president and principal analyst, details the top cloud and mobile trends of 2012.  Continue Reading

• Moving business functions to the cloud? What you should know

  Forrester Vice President and principal analyst James Staten explains what companies need to know before moving business functions to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Innovation competitions: Do they actually spur software innovation?

  Mike Ogrinz says risk-taking is part of software innovation. There should be 'potential for failure,' a key ingredient to innovation.  Continue Reading

• What role does an ESB play in RESTful integration?

  ESBs may move from the central integration hub toward a specialized role integrating new RESTful architecture with legacy applications.  Continue Reading

• How can I better connect enterprise architecture with business capabilities?

  While businesses still must deliver on time and on budget, they must also ensure that the desired business outcomes were achieved.  Continue Reading

• When do I get to build my own portal application?

  Before building out a new enterprise portal application, you should probably examine existing systems to make sure they don't need to be re-engineered.  Continue Reading

• Working with SOA in an Agile environment

  In this Ask the Expert, Todd Biske explains if SOA needs to be lightweight and flexible in order to handle Agile projects and also talks about ways governance programs keep Agile developers on track without outside distractions.  Continue Reading

• Will HTML5 applications change enterprise application development?

  HTML5 applications should have a very positive impact on enterprise application development, particularly with Web applications and mobile application development.  Continue Reading

• Where's the ROI in a public API?

  Should enterprise architects provide public APIs that open up their systems? Mike Ogrinz takes a look at what rewards open APIs can bring in terms of ROI.  Continue Reading

• Thinking beyond 2012 and SOA, event processing takes the fore

  As we move from 2011 into 2012, Todd Biske predicts the next big thing in enterprise architecture -- Event processing.  Continue Reading

• The difference between EAI and an ESB

  EAI allowed for the central management of application integration, but was limited by the complexity of integration logic. ESBs arose as a more streamlined approach.  Continue Reading

• When collecting ''big data'' consider the best level of scrutiny

  We’ve faced the challenge of large-scale data analytics before. The new wrinkle is that we’re able to capture more data than ever. But, we should not be hoarders.  Continue Reading

• How to make an enterprise service bus work for your SOA

  An enterprise service bus (ESB) is best utilized for mediation and operational policy enforcement, according to SOA governance expert Todd Biske.  Continue Reading

• Meshing service-oriented architecture with the cloud

  Success with SOA (and ITIL) implies a maturity around service management. A mature service management approach should correlate with making better decisions around the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise application mashup orchestration

  Enterprise application mashup expert Mike Ogrinz explains mashup orchestration in terms of three separate aspects: facilitation, encouragement and of course governance.  Continue Reading

• What is a capability map?

  A capability model is only the first piece of the capability puzzle. The other half is a capability map that will enable the business to follow the capability model.  Continue Reading

• How do you draw up and follow a capability map?

  How you draw a capability model and map is really up to you. You can define the taxonomy in an Excel spreadsheet or in any number of EA tools on the market.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise mashup applications cause concern for SOA governance

  Do emerging enterprise mashup applications cause concern for SOA governance? They sure do, but SOA governance guru Todd Biske has some tips for minimizing the risk.  Continue Reading

• Making enterprise applications more mashup friendly

  There's a lot of attention paid to reusing existing resources with enterprise applications mashups, but what about modifying existing applications to make them more mashable?  Continue Reading

• Mashups and mobile: A match that makes sense

  Mobile devices have become increasingly popular. Providing workers with access to enterprise applications from these devices is proving to be a rewarding challenge.  Continue Reading

• Maximizing reusability of SOA services

  Reusability is often seen as the "holy grail" of software development – everyone wants it but nobody gets it. As such, maximizing reuse is a very tricky challenge.  Continue Reading

• Making the business case for enterprise mashups

  Our mashup expert, Michael Ogrinz, suggests a new branding campaign is the answer to making a lasting business case for enterprise mashups as a practice.  Continue Reading