JD Edwards sets agenda for pre-integrated open architecture for all

JD Edwards 5 applications, the latest iteration of the enterprise software developer’s open and standards-based ERP, CRM (customer relationship management) and supply chain management suite, is now being pre-integrated with IBM’s WebSphere application server and WebSphere portal server with embedded security and collaboration tools, and DB2 database. The firm expects users to get up and running faster and to reduce cost of ownership. The announcement follows JDE’s decision to standardise on IBM’s infrastructure for its most recent, and most all-embracing offering. “Application architecture is the new competitive battleground amongst leading enterprise applications vendors,” said Dwight Klappich, senior programme director with analyst Meta Group. “While functionality must remain the primary evaluation criteria, companies cannot overlook application architecture. The strategic partnership with IBM offers J.D. Edwards virtually instant credibility in the architecture war.” Bob Dutkowsky, JDE’s chairman and CEO, says: “This combination creates the industry’s most comprehensive, pre-integrated package... It provides customers lower total cost-of-ownership over time than any competitive offering and sets the standard for ease-of-use, including rapid implementation, easier integration and maintenance, and easy, portal-based accessibility to end users.” The joint package will run on all JDC currently supported technologies, including Microsoft Windows and Unix environments from IBM, HP, Sun and Unisys, and the IBM eServer iSeries (AS/400). JDE will also continue to offer manufacturing users integration and interoperability via its XPI (eXtended Process Integration) system which uses middleware developer webMethods technologies. JDE also makes the point that it and IBM also support Web services developments and the open J2EE standard for e-commerce, meaning that their customers will also benefit from developments in these directions as they emerge. The integrated software and infrastructure package, is to be introduced in phases beginning early next year, and JDE and IBM are establishing an Integration Centre to validate and certify J2EE compliant hardware configurations.