Microsoft Enables Integration Between Host Systems and Windows Integrated Server Infrastructure

August 17, 2004 - (HostReview.com) - Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the newest version of its industry-leading legacy platform interoperability solution, Host Integration Server (HIS) 2004, part of Microsoft® Windows Server System (TM). With HIS 2004, enterprises can integrate their existing IBM mainframe and midrange systems with new Windows®-based solutions, enabling customers to use and extend their host assets at a significantly lower cost.
"Host Integration Server 2004 gives customers new ways to get more out of their existing IT systems in a cost-efficient manner. Customers have told us that they need technology that enables them to utilize their mainframe assets and expose those assets as Web services," said Ted Kummert, corporate vice president in the Business Process and Integration Division at Microsoft. "We are now providing an opportunity for companies to integrate their mission-critical mainframe applications, data sources, and messaging and security systems through Web-service-enabled SOA solutions that are reusable and extensible."

TSYS, the nation's largest provider of electronic payment processing, needed to develop a more flexible solution for its 600-person call center, a solution integrated with mainframe systems that hold critical customer information. TSYS is now using HIS 2004 in its call center to further improve performance, integrating its mainframe resources with its Windows-based environment and creating an SOA-based solution so it can reuse the services its developers create.

Microsoft will now offer a Standard Edition and an Enterprise Edition of HIS 2004. Host Integration Server 2004 Standard Edition will have an estimated retail price (ERP) of $2,499 (U.S.) and will include core host access services in the form of network, data and security integration technologies. Host Integration Server 2004 Enterprise Edition will have an ERP of $9,999 (U.S.) and will include the same capabilities as the Standard Edition as well as the application integration capabilities in Transaction Integrator and the message integration functionality in the MQSeries and Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) bridge. Both the Enterprise and Standard editions of HIS 2004 are scheduled to be generally available Sept. 1, 2004.

Microsoft Windows Server System is an integrated and interoperable server infrastructure that reduces IT complexity to enable IT professionals to deliver innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of business.

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