Software AG goes all-out for in-memory data processing

Software AG is adding in-memory capabilities to the Enterprise Service Bus with Version 9.0 of its sprawling webMethods software suite, while the new Terracotta In-Genius will use in-memory technology to speed the processing of business intelligence.

BigMemory, the in-memory data platform of Software AG's Terracotta business unit, also got a boost Monday with an upgrade to version 4.0, available now. It can be more easily integrated with Hadoop, supports Java 7, and can deliver up to 60 percent faster data access, the company announced at the Cebit trade show.

WebMethods, Software AG's business integration suite, will gain a number of new functions in version 9.0, the company announced. The additions will include CloudStreams, an integration layer for cloud-based apps such as Salesforce.com, and Infostreams, a tool for linking social collaboration features to business events.

Meanwhile, integration with BigMemory will bring the ability to cache data locally or in a distributed fashion, and to process larger XML documents in-memory. It will speed up some functions by a factor of 150 to 200, CTO Wolfram Jost said at the company's news conference, speaking through an interpreter.

"With CloudStreams we give customers the possibility of installing webMethods on the Web," Jost said. The new capabilities will also allow the linking of public and private clouds in order to better handle seasonal workload peaks, he said.

Software AG plans to release webMethods 9 in the second quarter.

In-Genius, due in the third quarter, will also use BigMemory 4.0. In this way, Jost said, "Terracotta's in-memory big data platform is going to be expanded into an in-memory middleware platform."

In-Genius will provide an in-memory layer of event processing, low-latency messaging and data storage linking online transaction processing, Hadoop and data warehouse systems to business analytics, real-time dashboards, social media and mobile applications, according to an architecture diagram shown by Jost.

With the capability to process 1 million event transactions per second, In-Genius is touted by Software AG as a transformational tool for the financial services industry, where it could be used to detect fraudulent patterns before transactions are authorized, or for logistics companies to calculate pick-up and delivery routes in real time, based not just on package location but also on traffic and weather conditions.

There was no mention of in-memory capabilities in Version 9.0 of Aris, but Software AG's business process management suite is now available with a new user interface. It also includes a new module, Aris Connect, the simplified functions of which are intended to involve a wider range of workers in defining business processes.

Jost described it as "Aris for the masses" and said it will also run on tablets and smartphones. "Aris Connect is based on the same infrastructure but it also has these social and mobile functions," he said.

Peter Sayer covers open source software, European intellectual property legislation and general technology breaking news for IDG News Service. Send comments and news tips to Peter at peter_sayer@idg.com.