1.1 The Patterns for e-business layered asset model

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1.1 The Patterns for e-business layered asset model

The Patterns for e-business approach enables architects to implement successful e-business solutions through the re-use of components and solution elements from proven successful experiences. The Patterns approach is based on a set of layered assets that can be exploited by any existing development methodology. These layered assets are structured in a way that each level of detail builds on the last. These assets include:

• Business patterns that identify the interaction between users, businesses, and data.

• Integration patterns that tie multiple Business patterns together when a solution cannot be provided based on a single Business pattern.

• Composite patterns that represent commonly occurring combinations of Business patterns and Integration patterns.

• Application patterns that provide a conceptual layout describing how the application components and data within a Business pattern or Integration pattern interact.

• Runtime patterns that define the logical middleware structure supporting an Application pattern. Runtime patterns depict the major middleware nodes, their roles, and the interfaces between these nodes.

• Product mappings that identify proven and tested software implementations for each Runtime pattern.

• Best-practice guidelines for design, development, deployment, and management of e-business applications.

These assets and their relationships to each other are shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1: The Patterns for e-business layered asset model

Patterns for e-business Web site

The layers of patterns, along with their associated links and guidelines, allow the architect to start with a problem and a vision for the solution, and then find a pattern that fits that vision. Then, by drilling down using the patterns process, the architect can further define the additional functional pieces that the application will need to succeed. Finally, the application can be built using coding techniques outlined in the associated guidelines.

The Patterns Web site provides an easy way of navigating through the layered Patterns assets to determine the most appropriate assets for a particular engagement.

For easy reference, see the Patterns for e-business Web site at:

• http://www.ibm.com/developerWorks/patterns/

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