Once completed, the integration will allow users to leverage a common set of services across portal and Web applications and provide an entryway for creating a service-oriented architecture (SOA).

Future versions of WebLogic Portal and AquaLogic Interaction (formerly Plumtree Corporate Portal) will allow users to share portlets and create components of common activities such as collaboration, search, content management, knowledge management and distributed publishing, BEA officials said.

The components will be available as services to users of both systems, according to BEA officials.

The integration plan also calls for a series of new products that can package the common services so Web applications can use them.

Substantial benefits