Composite application
Encyclopedia
In computing
, the term composite application expresses a perspective of software engineering that defines an application built by combining multiple existing functions into a new application. The technical concept can be compared to mashups
. However, composite applications use business sources (e.g., existing modules or even Web services ) of information, while mashups usually rely on web-based, and often free, sources.
It is wrong to assume that composite applications are by definition part of a service oriented architecture (SOA). Composite applications can be built using any technology or architecture.
A composite application consists of functionality drawn from several different sources. The components may be individual selected functions from within other applications, or entire systems whose outputs have been packaged as business functions, modules, or web services.
Composite applications often incorporate orchestration
of "local" application logic to control how the composed functions interact with each other to produce the new, derived functionality. For composite applications that are based on SOA, WS-CAF
is a Web services standard for composite applications.
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
, the term composite application expresses a perspective of software engineering that defines an application built by combining multiple existing functions into a new application. The technical concept can be compared to mashups
Mashup (web application hybrid)
In Web development, a mashup is a Web page or application that uses and combines data, presentation or functionality from two or more sources to create new services...
. However, composite applications use business sources (e.g., existing modules or even Web services ) of information, while mashups usually rely on web-based, and often free, sources.
It is wrong to assume that composite applications are by definition part of a service oriented architecture (SOA). Composite applications can be built using any technology or architecture.
A composite application consists of functionality drawn from several different sources. The components may be individual selected functions from within other applications, or entire systems whose outputs have been packaged as business functions, modules, or web services.
Composite applications often incorporate orchestration
Orchestration (computers)
Orchestration describes the automated arrangement, coordination, and management of complex computer systems, middleware, and services.It is often discussed as having an inherent intelligence or even implicitly autonomic control, but those are largely aspirations or analogies rather than technical...
of "local" application logic to control how the composed functions interact with each other to produce the new, derived functionality. For composite applications that are based on SOA, WS-CAF
WS-CAF
Web Services Composite Application Framework is an open framework developed by OASIS. Its purpose is to define a generic and open framework for applications that contain multiple services used together, which are sometimes referred to as composite applications...
is a Web services standard for composite applications.
See also
- Service-oriented architectureService-oriented architectureIn software engineering, a Service-Oriented Architecture is a set of principles and methodologies for designing and developing software in the form of interoperable services. These services are well-defined business functionalities that are built as software components that can be reused for...
- Web 2.0Web 2.0The term Web 2.0 is associated with web applications that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web...
- Service component architectureService Component ArchitectureService Component Architecture is a software technology created by major software vendors including IBM and Oracle. SCA provides a model for composing applications that follow Service-Oriented Architecture principles...
- Mashup (web application hybrid)Mashup (web application hybrid)In Web development, a mashup is a Web page or application that uses and combines data, presentation or functionality from two or more sources to create new services...
External links
- On Estimating the Security Risks of Composite Software Services Research paper (PDF).
- Visual Composite Applications: Magnifying Data Return on Investment (ROI) White Paper (PDF).
- IBM DeveloperWorks Composite Application Blog
- Magic Quadrant for Application Infrastructure for SOA Composite Application Projects Gartner
- Composite application guidance from patterns & practices