Integration Vision: What’s Coming with BizTalk 2020
In previous blogs, I have spoken in detail about the BizTalk upgrade process and key items to note when preparing for a version upgrade.
Well, Microsoft is at it again. Recently, the company released its BizTalk 2020 roadmap with clear direction on the upgrade as well as key product offerings that addressed many areas such as cloud connectors (adapters), Office 365, secure messaging (TLS1.2 support), analytics and reporting, and improvements to deployment and administration. Let’s explore the details of the new roadmap.
Platform Support
BizTalk 2020 will include all previously released feature packs and platform support for the newest versions of Windows Server, SQL Server, and Visual Studio; BizTalk Migration Tool will get an upgrade path from previous BizTalk versions (from 2010 / 2013 / 2013 R2 / 2016).
Platform Support
| Product Support
|
Core Product Features and Improvements
Azure Integration
| Office 365 Support
|
Deployment and Administration
| Secure Messaging
|
Administration
| Analytics and Reporting
|
Logic Apps IBM 3270 Connector
Currently, the Logic Apps connector for IBM 3270 emulation is available for preview. Microsoft Connector for 3270 integrates Azure applications with resources available via TN 3270 Screen Scraping. It therefore allows enterprise developers to build modern applications that automate end user task flows based on legacy IBM mainframe 3270 programs, to deliver Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other integration capabilities to transform business.
Here’s a brief overview:
3270 Connector
- Includes TN3270 client
- Based on HIS Session integrator
- Requires Integration Account
- Enables Actions defined by 3270 Design Tool
3270 Design Tool
- Capture
- Records screens or import CICS Basic mapping support files
- Defined fields (recognition, input output, error)
- Navigate
- Creates navigation plan
- Methods
- Declares process or methods (with input and output parameters)
- Stores metadata in Hist integration Designer XML (HIDX) file
- Uploads HIDX to Integration Account
- Capture
The BizTalk 2020 release announcement is exciting news for all existing BizTalk customers and users. It indicates Microsoft’s priority to make BizTalk an integration tool. Similarly, this new release is helpful for customers looking to create integration scenarios with on-premise as well as hybrid integrations.
If your current BizTalk version is nearing the end of support, now is the time to initiate discussions for an upgrade or a migration to Logic Apps for a more modernized solution. SPR can help your business set up a pilot, providing a pathway to migrate from BizTalk and onto the cloud with proper assessment, planning, and implementation. For more details send us a request.