Computergram International: MicroScript Disputes Vitria's App Integration Claims

By William Fellows

Healthcare application integrator MicroScript Corp disputes Vitria Technology Inc's recent claim that it will be able to connect a couple of applications together in 21 minutes using new BlackJack release of its BusinessWare EAI suite. MicroScript, a Danvers, Massachusetts-based PC interface specialist argues that without specific references Vitria's claim is too simplistic. "It took MicroScript five hours to build four interfaces with its new Appian [integration] product at Partners Healthcare, US."

Moreover, MicroScript says there's no need to spend the $400,000 which Vitria claims is its average engagement price, on an EAI solution. "You could do it for a quarter of the price," it says. Vitria's claim that it holds a 18-24 month lead over rivals, which it says are largely preoccupied with integrating the various components of their own suites, is also disputed. MicroScript, which described itself as the only Microsoft Corp partner in the application integration market, says it developed its technology from the ground-up, with components developed upon COM. "No other vendor is shipping native Windows NT-based DNA (COM+) solutions. MicroScript is the only company in the NT application-integration space - Vitria is moving this way, but it's a long way behind," it claims.

With likes of IBM, HP and BEA Systems entering the integration market at the high end, providing large-scale messaging integration products, MicroScript says it will continue to focus on the middle and lower ends of the market, claiming its strength is rapid deployment interfacing. "Those companies [IBM, HP, BEA] will be targeting high-end organizations, almost a niche market." It says it also believes that large, long-term projects which these companies undertake might suffer from fast-moving technology changes in the market. MicroScript believes that companies like Baan, SAP, Peoplesoft and JD Edwards are driving integration, "creating open standards for external adapters."

MicroScript further claims it is "the only vendor in the EAI market with non-invasive technology. Lots of application integrators can't integrate many old legacy systems - their services and products can only kick-in at a certain point in technology development. MicroScript transcends the barrier between old legacy systems and newer applications. Vitria doesn't do this." MicroScript claims an installed base of 1,400 customers versus Vitria's 40 customers, and says it is now beginning to move beyond its traditional healthcare market. MicroScript was spun out of services company Selecterm Inc in 1993.