A BizTalk server is the piece of software that processes BizTalk documents. A BizTalk server can be as simple as a filter that reads a BizTalk document, looks for particular pieces of information, and passes that information to processes that can handle it. Or a BizTalk server can be as complex as an enterprise-level application that manages partner relationships, tracks critical-path workflow, maintains information about data transformation, and interfaces with legacy and new systems.
In Part III, you will learn about what you need to consider when developing your own BizTalk server or evaluating a commercial BizTalk server for your organization. We will build two simple BizTalk servers, one that runs in a Windows DNA environment and one that runs on a non-Windows platform.