ZapThink » Testing

Don’t Forget Your Developers!

Erich Oliphant — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:43:53 +0000

In our collective desire to equip our organizations or clients with the tools and technologies required to support the realization of SOA strategy and enablement, the focus of selection processes tends, understandably, to be centered on enterprise-centric concerns. Interoperability, standards compliance, reuse, etc., tend to lead the charge through the evaluation process. All of these considerations are important and valid selection criteria, to be sure. However, we find that most organizations frequently overlook another critical consideration: developer friendliness. No matter the degree of sophistication of, say, a BPMN modeling tool, or an ESB route builder or SCA composite creator, at the end of the day, some poor individual is attempting to turn a specification or requirement into usable software.

Over the years, the software engineering community has developed many best practices, tools and techniques for coding in Java or C# or whatnot to consistently develop and deliver high quality code. However, these tools and techniques focus at the code level, rather than at the middleware level necessary for supporting Service abstractions and compositions in a SOA deployment. A frequent issue we find when an organization adopts a given middleware suite is that development teams, while gaining a toolset that allows them to abstract away less important details and focus on the specifics of creating Services and integrations, may in fact lose some of their ability to effectively engineer high quality solutions based on well-established best practices. Tools, in fact, are part of the problem; the solution is more organizational than technical.

Cycle Time

A key concept in effective development is cycle time. No matter what overall process style is governing a development project, whether it be year-long waterfalls or two-week sprints, the personal development process is inherently incremental and iterative. An implementer writes, compiles, tests, and debugs code in an ongoing cycle that gradually converges on a deliverable implementation. A great deal of thought (and silicon) has been dedicated to ensuring that this process allows the implementer to focus on the problem-solving aspects of software development, as opposed to burning valuable time waiting for compiles, external builds, or other delays. As a result, good development environments provide the implementer with a sandbox that minimizes or eliminates external dependencies and maximizes the percentage of a developer’s day that is spent on development as opposed to overhead.

Unfortunately, many SOA tools force developers to take a step backwards. Rather than interactively running an ESB route in one’s development or authoring environment, an implementer may need to first deploy that route to a middleware server. In many cases the resource requirements of that server may dictate that it’s run in shared infrastructure as opposed to locally as well. So much for the sandbox!

Debugging

We all strive for bug free systems, of course, but the fact remains that no matter the level of abstraction we are using to develop a system, it will not always do exactly what we expect. While at first blush, the nice boxes and lines in a BPMN diagram look simpler than a chunk of Java code, there will always be times when the actual and expected results don’t jibe. Especially as an organization’s use of SOA tooling becomes more sophisticated, there will be a corresponding increase in the sophistication and complexity of processes, metadata and other artifacts.

Traditional development not only deploys debugging capabilities to track down issues, but also for gut-checking new or modified code, just to validate that it’s behaving as people expect. At the code level, developers are accustomed to a wide variety of tools and capabilities that allow them to step through code execution, view and change the value of variables, set breakpoints based on arbitrary conditions, etc., which have come a long way from the days of having to litter code with print statements in order to figure out what was going on.

However, some SOA toolkits fall short in this area, forcing teams to first deploy to servers, then depend on server-based logging and tracing capabilities (in essence, glorified print statements) in order to try to understand how a process or route is working (or not). This extra step increases cycle time and the conceptual distance between what an implementer is developing and what’s actually executing in the middleware infrastructure. There is far more to a SOA deployment than the code, but the development tooling is still invariably code-centric.

Testing

Frequent, continuous, and automated testing is a hallmark of good development practice. There’s no shortage of testing frameworks and continuous integration tools that provide a technical framework for teams to test early and often at the unit, integration and functional levels of abstraction. There’s also a rich ecosystem of tools that support stubbing or mocking of resources such as databases that allow tests to zero in on functionality with minimal external dependencies.

At the level of abstraction addressed by SOA tooling, the need for this kind of testing support actually increases. Business Services and Service compositions depend upon other Services and resources that may reside beyond departmental or even enterprise boundaries. Furthermore, coordinating all involved organizations for the kinds of repeated ongoing testing that high quality SOA deployments require is an entirely different set of challenges from traditional QA, focusing more on governance than testing. To adequately address the testing part of the quality story, your SOA development environment must include the ability to interact with virtualized external interfaces and resources in order to assess the quality of your systems under development.

Builds and Deployment

We’ve all seen the slick vendor demo where a custom integration is whipped up in 15 minutes, then deployed directly to a middleware server, and executed to oohs and aahs of an appreciative audience. However, in the back of our minds, all of us in the audience know that in the real world, we never deploy systems in that manner. Instead, we must deploy solutions to multiple environments for various testing, QA, and other assessment phases, and once the solution leaves the development shop, the individuals involved in the deployment are not the same people who use the slick IDE. It’s the configuration management and operational personnel who have to deploy to multiple environments, across server farms and Cloud environments.

It would be wonderful if today’s ESBs and other SOA platform solutions would address this problem. Unfortunately, middleware solutions do not always provide rich tooling to support the realities of the deployment environment, where traditional solutions are highly scriptable and readily integrated into existing build and deployment infrastructures. For instance, some middleware solutions require the use of specific, development-oriented tools by operational personnel in order to deploy a new business process into a production environment. This limitation can add time and complexity to a SOA deployment.

The ZapThink Take

The easiest way to address these issues is to make sure that actual implementers, as well as configuration management and operational personnel, are all involved with the development of assessment criteria as well as the execution of the overall evaluation of your technology. This involvement will help to ensure that the biggest consumers of your shiny new middleware, the people that actually develop solutions with it, are able to deliver the highest quality solutions in the shortest possible time, helping you actualize the return on the significant investment in middleware infrastructure.

You should also not be afraid to perform an extended evaluation, in order to allow all of your implementation stakeholders to get an opportunity to put your investment through its paces in real world scenarios. A typical approach is a preliminary narrowing of middleware candidates, then a longer evaluation (three months or more) of the remaining candidates, in your organization’s production environment.

The big picture, finally, is governance. SOA requires full lifecycle governance that drives policies across design, development, QA, and deployment activities. Vendors typically focus their tools on individual phases, and even the large vendors, with their supposedly SOA suites, typically fall short in how well they coordinate activities across lifecycle phases. Don’t expect technology to solve this problem. Only people can do that.

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Events in Sydney, Australia

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:10:00 +0000

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Events in Sydney, Australia

SOA Certification and Training, Networking, and Governance Events January 2010

BALTIMORE, MD October 21, 2009 — ZapThink today announces the opening of registration for three separate Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Enteprise Architecture (EA) training, certification, and networking events in Sydney, Australia, running from January 11, 2010 to January 19, 2010.

“Companies are tired of all the hype surrounding Web Services and SOAs, and are finding it difficult to learn what they really need to know from vendor-centric conferences and training,” said Ronald Schmelzer, senior analyst with ZapThink, LLC. “IT professionals want to learn from their peers about what it really takes to put together a well-designed SOA, and desire third-party credentials to assert their SOA knowledge. The Licensed ZapThink Analyst boot camps give Enterprise Architecture practitioners the SOA education and credentials they’ve been waiting for.”

Courses, certification, and networking offered include:

In the four-day SOA training course, attendees will get hands-on experience and expertise in how to implement the latest SOA best practices and methods. Learn about Service modeling, Service domains, SOA infrastructure planning, SOA testing, SOA Quality, Governance, and Management, developing a SOA Roadmap, SOA ROI and Business Planning, SOA Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and metrics, SOA security and performance optimization, SOA policy management, Composite Services and Business Process, Service-Oriented Business Applications (SOBA), and Mashups. Hear about notable SOA security case studies and get hands-on guidance in making SOA work. And, once you complete this course you will become a credentialed Licensed ZapThink Architect.

The ZapThink LZA SOA training and certification program offers the following benefits:

An annual credential that allows ZapThink to endorse individual enterprise architects as having specific SOA skills
Posting onto an LZA Directory that enables companies to research and locate architects to assist with their SOA-specific needs
Opportunity to contribute to ZapThink’s online research and content
Participation in exclusive annual LZA-only conferences, events and activities.

Increasingly, individuals like are looking to get the backing of a qualified third-party organization that can endorse their existing SOA skills as well as enable continuous improvement, enhanced networking with those looking for architecture resources, or enhance their current SOA-enabled careers. Through its LZA program, ZapThink is filling the unmet need for knowledge and credentials in this area.

For more information and to register for the events, visit http://bit.ly/ctIJ. Early bird discounts are available for a limited time. Seats are limited to only 45 people per LZA boot camp, and ZapThink expects certain boot camp dates and locations to sell out.

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in Washington, DC

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:10:00 +0000

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in Washington, DC

Licensed ZapThink Architect (LZA) Boot Camp to Run February 1-4, 2010

BALTIMORE, MD October 14, 2009 — ZapThink today announces the opening of registration for its four-day Licensed ZapThink Architect (LZA) Boot Camp, providing in-depth, hands-on training and certification on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and taught by notable SOA expert Jason Bloomberg. The LZA SOA Boot Camp will run from February 1-4, 2010 in Washington, DC (http://bit.ly/vw7WQ).

In this four-day SOA training course, attendees will get hands-on experience and expertise in how to implement the latest SOA best practices and methods. Learn about Service modeling, Service domains, SOA infrastructure planning, SOA testing, SOA Quality, Governance, and Management, developing a SOA Roadmap, SOA ROI and Business Planning, SOA Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and metrics, SOA security and performance optimization, SOA policy management, Composite Services and Business Process, Service-Oriented Business Applications (SOBA), and Mashups. Hear about notable SOA security case studies and get hands-on guidance in making SOA work. And, once you complete this course you will become a credentialed Licensed ZapThink Architect.

The ZapThink LZA SOA training and certification program in Washington, DC offers the following benefits:

An annual credential that allows ZapThink to endorse individual enterprise architects as having specific SOA skills
Posting onto an LZA Directory that enables companies to research and locate architects to assist with their SOA-specific needs
Opportunity to contribute to ZapThink’s online research and content
Participation in exclusive annual LZA-only conferences, events and activities.

The LZA Washington, DC SOA Boot Camp will be held from February 1-4, 2010. Register at http://bit.ly/vw7WQ.

For more information and to register for an LZA Boot camp, visit http://bit.ly/vw7WQ. Early bird discounts are available for a limited time. Seats are limited to only 45 people per LZA boot camp, and ZapThink expects certain boot camp dates and locations to sell out.

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in London

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:10:00 +0000

ZapThink today announces the opening of registration for its four-day Licensed ZapThink Architect (LZA) Boot Camp, providing in-depth, hands-on training and certification on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and taught by notable SOA expert Jason Bloomberg. The LZA SOA Boot Camp will run from December 8-11, 2009 in London (http://bit.ly/180Csy).

The ZapThink LZA SOA training and certification program in London offers the following benefits:

An annual credential that allows ZapThink to endorse individual enterprise architects as having specific SOA skills
Posting onto an LZA Directory that enables companies to research and locate architects to assist with their SOA-specific needs
Opportunity to contribute to ZapThink’s online research and content
Participation in exclusive annual LZA-only conferences, events and activities.

The LZA London SOA Boot Camp will be held from December 8-11, 2009. Register at: http://bit.ly/OYJdN

For more information and to register for an LZA Boot camp, visit http://bit.ly/OYJdN . Early bird discounts are available for a limited time. Seats are limited to only 45 people per LZA boot camp, and ZapThink expects certain boot camp dates and locations to sell out.

Summa and ZapThink SOA Events

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Summa is sponsoring two upcoming ZapThink SOA events.

The first event is a networking and panel discussion of SOA Experts (including Jason Bloomberg, David Linthicum, Summa’s own Jason Armstrong and others.) It is October 1 in Washington DC (Tyson’s Corner). More details are here:

The second event is in Pittsburgh on October 22nd – focused on SOA and modernization featuring project case studies from CMU ahd Highmark. More detail and registration information are here.

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in Boston, MA

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:09:00 +0000

The ZapThink LZA SOA training and certification program in Boston offers the following benefits:

* An annual credential that allows ZapThink to endorse individual enterprise architects as having specific SOA skills
* Posting onto an LZA Directory that enables companies to research and locate architects to assist with their SOA-specific needs
* Opportunity to contribute to ZapThink’s online research and content
* Participation in exclusive annual LZA-only conferences, events and activities.

The LZA Boston SOA Boot Camp will be held from October 26-29, 2009. Register at www.//bit.ly/izbIZ.

For more information and to register for an LZA Boot camp, visit http://www.//bit.ly/izbIZ. Early bird discounts are available for a limited time. Seats are limited to only 45 people per LZA boot camp, and ZapThink expects certain boot camp dates and locations to sell out.

Are Your Business Analysts Ready for BI and MDM? Plus, a SOA Event Discount

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Discount for ZapForum DC: SOA & EA Networking Event: IT Business Edge readers in the Washington, D.C. area can receive a 50 percent off discount for ZapThink’s SOA and EA Networking event. Several big-name SOA analysts will be there, including David Linthicum, JP Morgenthal, Tim “The SOA Chief” Vibbert, James Kobielus of Forrester, and, of course, ZapThink analysts Jason Bloomberg and Ronald Schmelzer, who claims he’s the “Life of the SOA Party.” If you can go and check the facts on that claim, I’d appreciate it! The event is 5:30-8:30 at the Gordon Biersch Tysons Corner, October 1. To receive your discount, just use ITBEDISC for half off the regular $29 registration.

SOAは死んだのか？ ZapThinkフォーラムレポート（米・ボストン）

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:08:00 +0000

2009年7月23日、米ボストン周辺にてSOA、EAコンサルタントのためのイベント「ZapThinkフォーラム」が開催された。今回は、「SOAはもう死んだのか？」をテーマに熱い議論が繰り広げられた。本稿では、その概要をお伝えする。
ビールを片手にSOAを語り合う

　 2009年7月23日、米ボストン周辺のSOA、EAコンサルタント達が、恒例のZapThinkフォーラムに参加すべく「M.J.O’Conner’s Irish Pub」の一室に集合した。このフォーラムは、SOA、Web Service、EAなどのコンサルティングに携わる人々の相互交流を目的としたもの。一般的なフォーラムと違って飲食店において立食形式で行われるほか、一方的な講義形式ではなく参加者全員が同じ立場で意見交換できるなど独特の工夫が凝らされている。普段は演壇の上でしか見たことのないような著名人とビールを片手に話せる環境が魅力的なイベントだ。

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in Dubai

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:08:00 +0000

ZapThink Announces Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Training in Dubai
Licensed ZapThink Architect (LZA) Boot Camp to Run November 2-5, 2009

BALTIMORE, MD August 17, 2009 — ZapThink today announces the opening of registration for its four-day Licensed ZapThink Architect (LZA) Boot Camp, providing in-depth, hands-on training and certification on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and taught by notable SOA expert Jason Bloomberg. The LZA SOA Boot Camp will run from November 2-5, 2009 in Dubai, U.A.E. (http://).

In this four-day SOA training course (http://), attendees will get hands-on experience and expertise in how to implement the latest SOA best practices and methods. Learn about Service modeling, Service domains, SOA infrastructure planning, SOA testing, SOA Quality, Governance, and Management, developing a SOA Roadmap, SOA ROI and Business Planning, SOA Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and metrics, SOA security and performance optimization, SOA policy management, Composite Services and Business Process, Service-Oriented Business Applications (SOBA), and Mashups. Hear about notable SOA security case studies and get hands-on guidance in making SOA work. And, once you complete this course you will become a credentialed Licensed ZapThink Architect.

The ZapThink LZA SOA training and certification program in Dubai offers the following benefits:

An annual credential that allows ZapThink to endorse individual enterprise architects as having specific SOA skills
Posting onto an LZA Directory that enables companies to research and locate architects to assist with their SOA-specific needs
Opportunity to contribute to ZapThink’s online research and content
Participation in exclusive annual LZA-only conferences, events and activities.

The LZA Dubai SOA Boot Camp will be held from November 2-5, 2009. Register at: http://bit.ly/aheCZ

For more information and to register for an LZA Boot camp, visit http://bit.ly/aheCZ . Early bird discounts are available for a limited time. Seats are limited to only 45 people per LZA boot camp, and ZapThink expects certain boot camp dates and locations to sell out.

ZapThink Hosts Practical Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Enterprise Architecture (EA) event in Washington, DC

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:08:00 +0000

ZapThink Hosts Practical Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Enterprise Architecture (EA) event in Washington, DC
Focus on Cost-Effective Legacy Modernization & Data Management

BALTIMORE, MD, August 11, 2009 — ZapThink announces today the availability of its upcoming Practical Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Enterprise Architecture (EA) morning seminar event, running on October 2, 2009 in Washington, DC. The event features speakers, best practices, case studies, and lessons learned on how to implement cost-effective legacy modernization and data management strategies in the context of the latest enterprise architecture initiatives. The Practical SOA event series is targeted at companies and individuals looking for practical business case studies and value propositions for SOA, those who want to learn the latest best practices for making SOA a success, those looking to hear from successful architects about their SOA efforts, want to learn from peers about what it takes to put together a successful SOA, and/or want to take their SOA efforts to the next level.

“Companies are looking for practical solutions to their SOA and EA challenges,” said Ronald Schmelzer, Managing Partner with ZapThink, LLC. “Practical SOA events give Enterprise Architecture practitioners, consulting firms, and vendors, the best practices and practical implementation knowledge they are seeking by hearing from other architects and getting hands-on instruction on particular SOA and EA challenges.”

Sponsors and presenters at the upcoming Practical SOA & EA event in Washington, DC on October 2, 2009 include:

Dan Finerty, DataDirect
Jason Bloomberg, ZapThink

At the morning event, which runs from 8AM to 12noon PT, attendees will hear about the following topics:

Make SOA work in the context of legacy systems
Learn how to involve the mainframe in the context of SOA
Learn about methods for dealing with “legacy” data and composing heterogeneous data in a SOA environment
Returning Value with a Data Service Layer
Legacy, Data, and the Cloud

For more information and to register for this Practical SOA event, visit http://bit.ly/2Ty0ZU. Cost is just $29 to attend. Seats are limited and ZapThink expects Practical SOA events to sell out.