Tips

Tips

• Firebase, AWS and more: A comparison of five leading MBaaS providers

  From new to experienced developers, everyone gets to choose from five of the best MBaaS providers to help with mobile app work. But how do you choose the right one for you?  Continue Reading

• Deciding when it's time to combine containers and microservices

  Containers can offer wonderful benefits for microservices, but that doesn't mean they should always be used in conjunction. Tom Nolle explains the pros and cons of this approach.  Continue Reading

• REST vs. SOAP: Choosing the best web service

  SOAP and REST offer different methods to invoke a web service. Learn the variations between the two approaches, including integration concerns and client choices.  Continue Reading

• Will new Android Nougat features make it more enterprise-ready?

  Will Google's latest Android operating system benefit enterprises? Upgraded features such as file-based encryption and seamless updates may make Nougat a fit for business.  Continue Reading

• In API projects, official clients aren't optional anymore

  In the midst of API projects, remember that officially supported clients are must-haves these days to send a positive message to the API community.  Continue Reading

• What alternatives to HTTP are there for microservices?

  Using HTTP as the bus for traffic between microservices can create some unwanted impacts, including more TCP/IP overhead. Mark Betz goes over some useful alternatives to HTTP.  Continue Reading

• Microservices governance requires standards, security and scrutiny

  What does it take to govern microservices? Christine Parizo explains why this requires comprehensive security, the establishment of standards and a careful selection of products.  Continue Reading

• Are native mobile apps worth the cost when web is an option?

  There are strong arguments on both sides of the native vs. responsive web app debate. But in most cases, cost may be the factor that buries native and makes web the way to go.  Continue Reading

• How case management can tighten up your SOA environment

  Steve Weissman explains how principles of case management can be used in a SOA environment to coordinate between its moving parts in order to run seamlessly.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise architecture model helps to maximize mobile empowerment

  Businesses put a lot of effort into mobile for their employees but still come up short. Tom Nolle explains how approaching mobile with an EA model can help.  Continue Reading

• What a developer learned about API usability and design in high school

  In API design projects, one engineer boosts API usability with a lesson he learned in high school. Learn what that lesson was and how it helps him craft a quality API.  Continue Reading

• Poor componentization puts service programming at risk

  Managing components is not easy. The evolution of microservices and the internet of things is not making it any easier. Here's how to properly structure your componentization architecture.  Continue Reading

• Core advantages of microservices need to align with business goals

  How should we think about application architecture when it comes to microservices? Here we explore how to realistically fit microservices into your business application portfolio.  Continue Reading

• API versioning with the Semantic Versioning specification

  While developers have some flexibility in the versioning schema they use for internal projects, it's important to establish an easily understandable standard for API versioning.  Continue Reading

• Using API Blueprint and Dredd for stronger, test-driven documentation

  While the benefits of test-driven development are still debated, there are plenty of arguments in its favor. Learn more about TDD, including a particularly helpful markup language.  Continue Reading

• ALM and DevOps tooling still a critical part of orchestration

  It seems that 'DevOps' is beginning to be increasingly used alongside the term 'orchestration.' Tom Nolle explains what these two things share in common -- and what they don't.  Continue Reading

• Why building microservices may call upon your gardening skills

  What do microservices and landscaping have in common? In this piece, one microservices-oriented CTO shares tips for their creation, including how thinking like a gardener can help.  Continue Reading

• Create a holistic GRC system for SOA and microservices

  Things like cloud applications and microservices have altered the traditional foundations of GRC. Tom Nolle explains why and describes a new approach for GRC.  Continue Reading

• Persistent storage for containers: What developers need to know

  Due to the nature of containers, achieving persistent storage is often a challenge in containerized environments. Chris Tozzi explains why and what developers can do about it.  Continue Reading

• The basics of establishing a RESTful API testing program

  RESTful API testing is about establishing a culture of continuous testing and team accountability. Greg Sypolt reviews the core components of a RESTful API testing program.  Continue Reading

• How to keep things on track when building API portfolios

  As important as APIs have become, many still fail to achieve API success by not setting goals properly. Tom Nolle explains why this matters and how to manage an API portfolio.  Continue Reading

• In no-server, NoOps cloud era, developers deliver to users

  What do developers and musicians have in common? Both have been stripped of the middleman as their products are delivered directly to users. But what does a NoOps era look like?  Continue Reading

• Legacy system modernization: Try hitching apps to a cloud

  If you're struggling to bring your legacy applications into the modern age, the cloud can help bridge systems. Expert Steve Weissman says it may not always be ideal, but can still work.  Continue Reading

• How to choose middleware for your mobile-first strategy

  A key part of going mobile-first is selecting the middleware that aligns with your end goals. In this tip, Tom Nolle examines the factors to consider when picking that middleware.  Continue Reading

• Creating successful RESTful API design

  Successful API design requires lots of attention to detail. Take these three steps for creating RESTful API design.  Continue Reading

• SOA vs. microservices: Is a service by any other name a fad?

  Comparing SOA vs. microservices architecture, a veteran developer sees evidence that the latter is a fad. Even small biz should consider SOA, he advises.  Continue Reading

• Five deployment technologies for flexible services

  Learn how to ease responsive tech stacks with these five deployment technologies.  Continue Reading

• Finding middleware that fits a parallel programming model

  Parallel programming can help streamline app and resource management, but finding the right middleware for this approach can be tricky. Tom Nolle explains what to look for.  Continue Reading

• Finding harmony between middleware tools and emerging apps

  Tom Nolle explains how developers and architects can navigate the bewildering world of middleware tools and create harmony between middleware and emerging applications.  Continue Reading

• Why you should reconsider using model-driven software development

  Model-driven development has been around a long time, but in today's complicated app world, it may be time to give this methodology another look. Expert Tom Nolle explains.  Continue Reading

• Reflecting software architecture evolution in your stack

  The roles and responsibilities of enterprise architects are expanding, and as such, they need to understand how changing software architecture can best serve their organization.  Continue Reading

• Put people at the heart of your SOA governance model

  Governance is critical in IT, but practitioners often are wrapped up with the technical components; they forget about their people. Expert Steve Weissman explains further.  Continue Reading

• Six aspects of API creation that greatly impact production

  When it comes to API creation, simplicity is critical. Vivek Gupta of AnyPresence discussed the six aspects of API creation developers can address to accelerate API production.  Continue Reading

• Choosing your application development strategy

  Which is more effective: the top-down or bottom-up application strategy? Tom Nolle explains why choosing one requires an in-depth understanding of application requirements.  Continue Reading

• Designing a modern enterprise architecture

  Building apps to handle thousands of simultaneous, distributed services requires a new architectural approach. Kurt Marko examines the steps organizations will need to take.  Continue Reading

• UX development becomes a critical priority in 2016

  As a rapidly growing number of users demand access to enterprise apps, developers must think even harder about how they approach UI and UX. George Lawton explains what this means.  Continue Reading

• Five tips for better API versioning and migration

  Business needs change, and that often means APIs must change along with them. Here we examine five key strategies for avoiding disaster when API changes must occur.  Continue Reading

• How to design a B2B system for integration and the cloud

  Just when EAI seemed like the perfect solution for B2B management, integration and the cloud brought on a whole slew of challenges. Here we explore how business can adapt.  Continue Reading

• The importance of determining your CEP architecture bias

  Making the most of CEP architecture requires figuring out which organizational goals you want the platform to help you achieve. Tom Nolle explains how to determine this.  Continue Reading

• Use a BPM strategy to modernize legacy applications

  How viable is a BPM strategy to modernize legacy applications? Tom Nolle takes a critical look and provides a step by step explanation of how it can be used effectively.  Continue Reading

• Consistency is critical in a business rules management system

  As much as business rules management can help an organization streamline operations, a general misunderstanding of business rules is hurting efforts. Steve Weissman explains why.  Continue Reading

• Adopting a 4-tier architecture for mobile solutions

  Developers have depended on the 3-tier architecture for Web applications, but now mobile demands a new, 4-tier architecture. Matthew David discusses what to know about 4-tier.  Continue Reading

• Testing microservices and APIs in the cloud

  While app architects and developers find that microservices and RESTful APIs provide much-needed agility, it's also complicating testing efforts. Tom Nolle explains why.  Continue Reading

• API management software proves overwhelming for some buyers

  As APIs have become more important in the enterprise, the features of API management software have grown more complex. Kurt Marko explains why and how to focus on the basics.  Continue Reading

• How BPM will support robotic process automation

  As robotics becomes an increasingly critical part of organizations' business processes, BPM is playing a role in overcoming the challenges of robotics automation.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the true nature of CEP applications

  Complex event processing lets you gather BI in time to influence current operations. But unlocking the value of event-driven architecture requires a thorough understanding of CEP.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Can APIs neutralize B2B integration pain points?

  B2B integration is necessary for a huge number of today's companies, but interacting with partner systems and data is not always simple. Ken Yagen discusses how the use of APIs can help.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: The role of RESTful APIs in B2B integration

  RESTful APIs are making their way into the enterprise, and now they are poised to make an impact on B2B integration. Ken Yagen explains why and how they can be leveraged effectively.  Continue Reading

• Are microservices more like SOA or MVC architecture?

  How new is the concept of microservices? Does it compare more closely with the principles of SOA or those of MVC architecture? Chris Riley examines this topic.  Continue Reading

• Are microservices a magic wand for legacy software modernization?

  For many organizations, dealing with legacy software modernization is simply a painful fact of life. However, microservices may provide relief. Brad Irby explains how.  Continue Reading

• Examining the mobile technology trends for 2016

  2015 was a big year for mobile -- and 2016 is bound to be even bigger. But what IoT and mobile technology trends can we really expect in the new year? Matthew David offers his take.  Continue Reading

• What can we really expect from Apple TV apps?

  Apple recently released the new, fourth-generation Apple TV -- complete with support for apps. But will Apple be able to dominate the app market with this new device?  Continue Reading

• Business data management risks can't be solved just with SOA, cloud

  SOA and the cloud are not the answers to everything. We examine the steps organizations need to take in order to solve problems surrounding business data retention.  Continue Reading

• Using a Web traffic tool to keep track of your data

  Now more than ever, it's critical to keep track of the data being sent to the Internet even when your device is sitting idle. Brad Irby examines the tools you can use to do this.  Continue Reading

• Fit component coupling into your middleware architecture

  An application needs to control component coupling and middleware at the same time. Tom Nolle examines the fundamental coupling concepts app managers need to understand.  Continue Reading

• How to move from Ruby to Java microservices architecture

  Gilt, an online luxury marketplace, moved from a monolithic Ruby architecture to a more high-performance Java microservices architecture. Here are best practices.  Continue Reading

• Why should I use a build server?

  Because apps can be built on a developer's local machine, some question the usefulness of a build server. However, Brad Irby points out that they provide some distinct advantages.  Continue Reading

• Is there a way to automate API code generation?

  As useful as APIs are, developers still struggle to create them due to lapses in documentation and specs. Brad Irby explores a tool that can help automate API code generation.  Continue Reading

• Is it time for Google as a business platform?

  Microsoft has dominated the enterprise space, but it may be time for a new player to make its mark. Matthew David explains why it's time to consider Google as a business platform.  Continue Reading

• Should bus technologies be used at all?

  Should today's enterprises bother using bus technologies? Tom Nolle answers this question by examining the role of the bus, including the old enterprise service bus.  Continue Reading

• A three-step approach to retaining data

  Retaining data because you can invites computing costs and legal liabilities, but dumping everything isn't the answer either. Here is a three-step approach to address the problem.  Continue Reading

• The not-so-obvious consequences of container technologies

  As adoption of container technologies has increased, more enterprises have realized that it comes with a set of consequences. Learn how to recognize and avoid these issues.  Continue Reading

• Key strategies for adopting container technologies

  Without the proper tools and support structure in place, organizations may find their adoption of container technologies to be a failure.  Continue Reading

• How to keep projects on track with SOA governance tools

  SOA governance tools can help keep projects on track, and vendors have been releasing a plethora of options. Find out how they stack up in this article.  Continue Reading

• What does microservice architecture mean for the cloud?

  Tom Nolle explains why microservice architecture should not be considered ready-made for the cloud and how developers should approach a combination of the two.  Continue Reading

• How to simplify how you outsource software development

  Outsourcing software development can stressful. Information system architect Brad Irby provides six steps to approach it.  Continue Reading

• Microservice architecture: What app managers should know

  Microservice architecture is gaining popularity among app managers, but what are the pros and cons of this approach? Brad Irby explains in this tip.  Continue Reading

• A guide to the dashboard development process

  Brad Irby explains what developers need to know about the dashboard development process in order to keep users happy.  Continue Reading

• Exploring approaches to architecture security model development

  Architecture security has been proposed as both a "top-down" and "bottom-up" approach. In this tip, Tom Nolle examines the implications of each security model approach.  Continue Reading

• How to create flexibility with executable agile BPM tools

  Learn about a new generation of tools that are fulfilling the vision of a more executable and agile BPM.  Continue Reading

• Rethinking modular programming interfaces for microservices

  As computing methods change, IT needs to rethink modular programming. Tom Nolle examines Google's gRPC to determine if it can help.  Continue Reading

• What should iOS app developers look out for with iOS 9?

  What does the release of iOS 9 mean for mobile development? Contributor Matthew David explains what iOS app developers can expect upon its release.  Continue Reading

• What to know about modeling when designing mobile apps

  Tom Nolle examines the essential facts mobile app developers need to know about designing mobile apps, the tools used, and more.  Continue Reading

• Understanding hybrid cloud workflow management

  Working with hybrid clouds requires proper planning. Tom Nolle explains what cloud planners need to know about hybrid cloud integration and workflows.  Continue Reading

• SOA governance tools offer automation, centralization

  This article takes a look at SOA governance tools and how various vendor offerings stack up.  Continue Reading

• Geolocation and mobile BPM: A natural extension

  Are you using geolocation as an extension of your mobile BPM strategy? Steve Weissman explores the value of geolocation for the business process.  Continue Reading

• Overcome the challenges of working with legacy code

  Contributor Brad Irby explains how adding a data access layer to your existing code can eliminate problems when testing legacy code.  Continue Reading

• Where is mobile backend as a service taking us?

  As much as organizations are realizing the value of mobile backend as a service, there are still unanswered questions.  Continue Reading

• How to implement dependency injection in existing apps

  Adapting an existing app to dependency injection is worth the effort, according to an expert. Follow these tips to make the process go smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Clusterpoint 3.0 NoSQL cloud database service targets developers

  Learn why Clusterpoint's new 3.0 NoSQL database technology is our editors' choice for innovation for July 2015.  Continue Reading

• AppDynamics introduces Application Integration Platform

  Learn why AppDynamics Application Intelligence Platform is the June 2015 selection for our innovation spotlight.  Continue Reading

• Use BPM and metadata for breaking process silos down

  Learn why using existing metadata and BPM within an organization can help break down silos and unify dispersed teams.  Continue Reading

• How DevOps can improve software vulnerabilities

  Find out why and how enterprises should include security architects into the DevOps process to help avoid software vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• Do the advantages of containerization software outweigh security concerns?

  While containers are making the release of consistent software faster and easier, architects need to rethink how to secure applications.  Continue Reading

• How Runscope overcame microservices challenges

  Learn how Runscope overcame a number of challenges surrounding deployment and service discovery work once the company began using microservices.  Continue Reading

• Creating balance between design and performance

  Designers and developers are often at odds when it comes to creating engaging design and performance for user experiences that render quickly.  Continue Reading

• Companies see growing need for application modernization

  Legacy apps don't live up to today's needs. Whether they like it or not, organizations are becoming more aggressive about application modernization.  Continue Reading

• Use cases for Lean Six Sigma as a BPM tool

  Lean Six Sigma and BPM are intended to improve business optimization. Learn how working with both improves long-term goals.  Continue Reading

• A single-page application may benefit BPM

  Here are some factors to consider when weighing the applicability of taking a single-page application approach to all or part of your BPM application.  Continue Reading

• Call it 'microservices,' but it's still SOA

  Experts suggest that terms like 'microservices' and '12-factor apps' may not signal the death of SOA, but are simply a new name for an old technique.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of mobile application integration

  Architects tend not to realize that mobile application integration is far different from traditional application integration. Learn how to manage integration in a different way.  Continue Reading

• Understanding how DevOps software development evolved

  Many IT organizations are turning to the practice of DevOps software development. But this requires more than implementing an open source tool.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of business process tools: BPM, BPaaS, iBPM

  As business process tools gain in popularity, enterprise architects need to evaluate what they know about BPM, BPaaS and iBPM.  Continue Reading

• Do BRM standards really matter?

  Learn about new standards for implementing decision management and why it can impact purchasing BRM standards products.  Continue Reading

• Navigating the BPaaS landscape

  With the growth of the cloud has come an explosion of BPaaS offerings. Will they help solve business problems?  Continue Reading

• Middleware stack adds layers, lightens up, thanks to cloud

  The addition of layers in the middleware stack and demand for development of lightweight applications will lead to better cloud access.  Continue Reading

• Selecting the right business rules management system

  At first glance, most business rules management systems look alike. Dig deeper to uncover niche capabilities and appropriate prices, experts say.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for implementing BRM

  BRM is being leveraged by enterprises in order to enhance agility and communication.  Continue Reading

• Cache networks for better mobile application performance

  Architects find they can improve mobile application performance by leveraging caching networks and new data synchronization protocols.  Continue Reading

• Integration tools that bridge the mobile DevOps gap

  A new generation of mobile DevOps integration tools promises to streamline the application development lifecycle and reduce the severity of bugs.  Continue Reading