Technical Parallels between SeeBeyond and Biztalk

Having discussed migration approaches, we want to highlight another challenge/dilemma that can come in the way of getting a quick start on the migration effort. The challenge is ability of a BizTalk trained team to be able to quickly understand the parallels between SeeBeyond and BizTalk.

Given this challenge and dilemma, we decided to dedicate a section to discussing these parallels and draw some analogies between the concepts, features, technologies and artifacts of the BizTalk and SeeBeyond platforms.

The best way to learn is by example. For the BizTalk architect or developer attempting a migration project - the first look into the SeeBeyond world is confusing and ambiguous – because the familiar concepts and artifacts they are familiar with in BizTalk are missing or fused with another feature. For some there are simply no parallels at all. There is little or no documentation available in this area on the internet and one has to rely on assistance from experts.

Please note that many parallels are mostly loose analogies to help the BizTalk developer gain a newcomer’s familiarity with SeeBeyond. Since the architecture of both platforms is different, drawing parallels between both is a hazardous task, fraught with shoe-horning and over-simplification. We have attempted it nevertheless - on the grounds of giving the migration team a first look / toehold into the world of SeeBeyond and dispel some of the fog surrounding it. Caution is advised against literal interpretation of these parallels – and no technical implementation based on it is recommended. A deeper and more thorough understanding of SeeBeyond Technical Architecture and concepts is advised before the migration project is undertaken.

In order to do the parallels justice, it is perhaps advisable to discuss what are the key components that make up the SeeBeyond suite and how they tie together