Covering the functional characteristics of an on demand computing infrastructure, this book describes the IBM software products that can be used to create a computing infrastructure that has these characteristics. Also discussed is how IBM’s on demand strategy can help a business to make more informed purchasing decisions for IBM application software.

This detailed look at IBM’s software products for e-business enables IBM users to gain a fundamental understanding of e-business architecture, where IBM software products fit into that architecture, and where to go to get more information. The main products and platforms for development tools and components, application server software, and secure network and management software are described. This book also distinguishes between two or more IBM software products that appear to serve the same purpose but really have different applications. Key products covered include DB2, Web Sphere, Lotus Domino, and Tivoli. This replaces 1885068581.

This MaxFacts Guidebook describes the three components of IBM's new On Demand business model so IT professionals can see the big picture and understand how their businesses can benefit. Pros will come away with a new understanding of how to evolve a current computing infrastructure to achieve the flexibility vital to the emerging On Demand business world. Provided is an overview of key building-block product lines such as IBM eServer systems, TotalStorage, Infoprint printers, WebSphere, DB2, Tivoli, and Linux. The methods for learning how autonomic computing can help infrastructures automatically sense and respond to changing conditions so that things keep running smoothly are demonstrated, and virtualization techniques that can be leveraged to improve utilization and reduce costs are discussed in detail. The evolution of infrastructure toward the goal of end-to-end integration by leveraging hardware and software that adheres to open standards is also covered.

A guide to the many new IBM solutions recently made available to accommodate the needs and budgets of even the smallest business, this book will help new companies as they migrate toward the On Demand business model.

Get an inside look at how successful businesses build their e-business architectures. In this book, four IBM e-business experts capture years of experience into easy-to-follow guidelines. Deliberately focusing on Business patterns, Integration patterns, and Application patterns, the authors share with you proven architectural patterns that can help get you up and running quickly, while at the same time reducing your risks. Because today's economy demands that e-business initiatives emphasize profitability and return on investment, the authors also offer guidance on methods to minimize cost, yet ensure quality. Many e-business applications and initiatives fail because of the lack of a comprehensive look at e-business architectures. For example, the recent crashes of many e-business applications costing millions of dollars could have been avoided if all aspects of operational issues had been addressed properly. This book offers a blueprint for avoiding such mistakes and for achieving success in the new digital economy. It also includes case studies, examples, references, and pointers to other materials at the IBM Web site www.ibm.com/framework/patterns.

The enviable position in which growing businesses find themselves today and the relevance of IBM's sweeping On Demand Business strategy to these growing businesses is explained in this booklet.