It s a Vertically Aligned World

It's a Vertically Aligned World

The merger of application integration technology and vertical-specific applications and application integration standards is a natural evolution. Indeed, most application integration technology vendors are working toward providing a common application integration infrastructure along with a specific vertical extension. Sometimes these are mere libraries of code, sometimes completed bolt-on or standalone applications. The objective is to provide additional value to the end user, making the application integration technology that much more valuable.

As we move forward we are going to see these "high-in-the-stack," vertically aligned applications become more widespread, and with the rise of vertical standards, such as HIPAA and STP, these will become even more important. The downside is the additional complexity, and the fact that many need to get their own application integration house in order before attempting to move toward a vertical solution. You have to move up the stack, never down the stack.