WebMethods adds rules engine to integration suite

17.11.2005
Offering flexibility in business rules implementation, webMethods this week is announcing plans to include an embedded rules engine in it its Fabric business integration software suite.

Components of Fair Isaac Blaze Advisor will comprise the rules engine in an upcoming version of Fabric. With the integration, business rules implementation is extended to business users, rather than just being the domain of developers, said Gary So, vice president of strategic marketing at webMethods

Currently, business rules, such as parts of a loan approval process, would be hard-coded by developers. Now, end-users can change rules themselves without having to make requests to IT, said So.

"It doesn't have to be [only] developers anymore" that can address business rules, So said.

Fair Isaac provides an externalized rules engine in which rules are stored in a central repository for reuse, said Shawn Willett, principal analyst at Current Analysis. "The benefit is that you can better keep track of rules in a central area," Willett said.

"It's easier for developers within a company to reference what's already been done. It's a timesaver," he said.