Project objective

The aim of the project was to create an integration layer to separate different applications. The customer has several systems written in different technologies, where currently applications implemented using PL/SQL in Oracle database prevail. The customer is currently implementing or rewriting legacy applications that no longer meet the requirements and needs to have a catalogue of services that this integration platform will provide.

Implementation

Implementation was performed over a short time, with the integration platform, including the first services, implemented within two months. The integration platform consists of several components:

• WSO2 API Management
• WSO2 Micro Integrator
• WSO2 Message Broker

WSO2 API Management is used to expose REST and SOAP interfaces, where security and throttling are also handled. WSO2 Message Broker uses the JMS protocol and is designed for integration services with asynchronous transaction processing.

The environment is designed for HA configuration, and Disaster recovery processes have been created. The implementation is ready for high availability of WSO2 API Management, including the possibility to upgrade the platform using a rolling update process.

WSO2 components were configured using a PostgreSQL database. When deploying services, it is possible to create interfaces via a GitOps approach. Everything is automated via Ansible and ready to be connected to the CI/CD pipeline.

Probes that monitor the behaviour on the integration platform have been implemented and send information to Zabbix monitoring in case of a problem. This functionality helps to detect outages on systems proactively. The integration platform is also ready for connection to the central log management. The platform provides information in log files ready for further processing.

Components of the project

The project included the delivery of expert consultation related to the design of integration services, the correct design of the service interface and the future concept of the integration platform (connection to Apache Kafka, KeyCloak).

As part of the project, we also delivered an integration methodology that describes the rules for:

• URLs of exposed services
• Types of service security
• Interface Configuration

Project result

After 6 months, a large number of interfaces have already been created allowing the customer to monitor traffic. Thanks to the integration platform, the customer can easily see which services and interfaces are used and whether the links between them are clearly defined.

The platform currently has dozens of services implemented, and around one million requests pass through the platform daily. During one year of operation, there has been no platform outage, and any problems on the services can be found in minutes without the need for tracing on the target systems. We have also successfully upgraded the platform with a rolling update.

What says the customer about our services?

“Wesecon colleagues walked us through the whole process of integration platform installation to our IT environment successfully. This process included the initial study to select suitable technology, architecture, sizing of WSO2 and its implementation. The cooperation continues successfully with operation and maintenance of the platform and also with exposure and adjustment of new interfaces. I highly appreciate especially flexibility, speed and quality of our cooperation.”

Břetislav Frk, IS Analysis and Development Manager, ČEPRO, a.s.