In part 1 of this blog I discussed a few misconceptions that are holding some organizations back from moving to the cloud. With those addressed, I now want to talk about how you can move forward with confidence and the benefits you can realize.
The benefits of taking the first step
Knowing that organizations are at different points on their cloud journey, our software modernization approach is designed so you can take incremental steps towards the cloud. Begin by transitioning how you deploy and install B2B Integrator 6.0 and File Gateway 6.0, so you can start seeing benefits right away.
Here are four tasks that are easier, faster and more cost-effective than ever – saving you approximately 40% in time to install and startup when compared to using the traditional IBM Installation Manager.
- Simplify installation and upgrades with a Docker container
You can now use a Docker container when you install, deploy or upgrade to B2B Integrator 6.0 and File Gateway 6.0 or above in both private and public clouds. Docker is a tool designed to make it easier to create, deploy and run applications as containers. A container includes an application and all the dependencies and prerequisites including code, runtime, system tools, system libraries and settings. If you decide to use a Docker container you’ll see immediate advantages like ease of deployment, high availability, scalability and serviceability. You can read this blog for more details on Docker containers, the differences with virtual machines, and how containers create efficiencies, save costs and make your life easier.
- Manage customizations without manual intervention
You can now add, edit or delete customizations like custom properties, custom jars, custom services, and user exits using the B2B Integrator UI or B2B RESTful APIs. Earlier, these customizations were added manually and stored in a file system. The customizations are now stored in the database, which makes it easy to upgrade and scale without having to re-do these customizations. To access the customization module, you need APIUser permission. When you upload the customizations through the UI, they are deployed on all the nodes and when you upload using the RESTful APIs, you have the option to deploy on specific nodes or on all the nodes. For the changes to take effect, you must restart the B2B Integrator application.
- Install new nodes in minutes with dynamic clustering
You can now install a new node in minutes not hours, because a new node is joined automatically to the existing cluster. The existing nodes know the information about the added node, so you don’t have to copy all the properties in the database manually. The new node becomes part of the cluster dynamically, without having to restart the existing nodes.
- Gain greater flexibility and scalability with smaller containers
We have divided B2B Integrator and File Gateway into multiple components each in their own Docker containers, including separate containers for Adapters and RESTful APIs. As shown in the figure below, making the applications consumable in smaller components provides more flexibility in deployment and allows you to scale independently.
With the added confidence, expertise and benefits you’ll gain with this first step on your journey, you’ll be ready for step two. In the meantime, we are continuing to innovate and invest for the long term to bring you more capabilities with each release going forward.
How to start your journey today
Along with support for Docker containers, we are continuing to support our traditional installation method.
If you are current on Service & Support and entitled, you can access traditional e-images or Docker images through Passport Advantage and get started today. The upgrade guides are available now for IBM B2B Integrator 6.0 and IBM File Gateway 6.0.
Otherwise, please contact your IBM rep or business partner who are always ready to help.
Want to know more or have questions about starting your journey to the cloud? Please post in the discussion forums.
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