Enterprise Solutions development in software architecture

Author: Ritesh Mehta

Enterprise solutions are designed for integrating multiple facets of a business through the interchange of information from different business processes and related databases. An enterprise software is also known as EAS or enterprise application software. It is a computer software that is used in satisfying the needs of an organization instead of the individual users. Examples of these organizations include schools, businesses, clubs, interest-based user groups, governments, clubs and charities. Enterprise software is a critical part of a computer-based information system.

DEVELOP A USEFUL ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS ARCHITECTURE

In developing a useful enterprise solutions architecture, it is necessary to understand first the questions that should be answered with the architecture. Based on these questions, one could develop an approach and then determine models needed. It is also necessary to do quantitative and qualitative analysis on the architecture to see where the business could be improved or determine the changes necessary or the improvements to the architecture.

Enterprise architecture is a logical organization of a company and the supporting applications, data and IT infrastructure, with goals and objectives that are clearly defined for future business success. A typical architecture consists of models or diagrams that showcase how the aspects of a business relate. Enterprises must have an ‘as-is’ architecture that represents its present state and a planned architecture to show the company’s direction over the next one to five years.

Software architecture serves as a blueprint for a system and project developing which defines the work assignments that should be carried out by the design and implementation teams. The architecture is the main carrier of system qualities like modifiability, performance and security, none of which could be achieved with the absence of a unifying architectural vision. Architecture is an artifact for early analysis to ensure that the design approach would yield a system that is acceptable. By creating effective architecture, one could identify the risks in design and mitigate them early on in the process of development.

COMPANY WIDE SOLUTION WITH SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

An enterprise software, or an Enterprise License is meant to provide a company-wide solution. An Enterprise license provides a solution for all the websites of a company. Software enterprise editions are intended to be packed full of the kind of features that one would typically need to suit multi-server multi-site solution of some kind. Enterprise architecture aligns several key areas, such as the following:

  1. BUSINESS. Strategies, processes, organizational charts and functions.
  2. APPLICATION. Interfaces, portfolios and services.
  3. INFORMATION. Logical, conceptual and physical data model to showcase what information is needed and how it relates to other information.
  4. INFRASTRUCTURE. Network concept diagrams and technology reference models.

ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE SERVICES

The services provided by an enterprise software typically are business-oriented tools, which include shopping online and processing of online payment, automated billing systems, interactive product catalogue, security, IT service management, enterprise content management, enterprise resource planning, CRM, project management, resource management, human resource management, collaboration, manufacturing, enterprise- app integration and enterprise forms automation.

ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS

Enterprise solutions offer easy to manage, scalable programming solution offering business management and accessibility of information for both internal and external clients. The solutions deal with the problem of providing information to clients. It deals with databases and programming. The main issue is how to most efficiently get data accessible to those who want access. An enterprise solution must have the following characteristics.

  1. Scalability – must be able to accommodate client increase.
  2. Security – must be able to ensure that information isn’t stolen by those that should not access it.
  3. Cost – it must be easy to program.
  4. Portable – should accommodate technology changes.
  5. Management – must be able to offer the ability to manage implementation, including version control software and software which helps in managing team effort to provide a solution.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR A COMPANY

Size is not everything and neither the price tag of the features list of a vendor should be the primary reason for purchasing an enterprise solution. Rather, there should be a solutions-oriented approach, such as taking into consideration what problems the new software should solve, the specific business goals that the software is expected to achieve. It is important to find software vendors who think beyond features and could solve bigger business issues. Often, vendors attempt to sell based on features that are their strengths but not necessarily relevant to the critical requirements of a client. Looking for a software vendor who meets the end goal of an enterprise, could pinpoint which features to focus and could customize future solutions would bring more value.

For a business to properly choose an enterprise solutions, a proper definition of requirements should be accomplished. All the features desired together with priorities for every feature should be assigned to make the right decision.