August 21 , 2006

FEATURE STORY:
Data Integration Alternatives for SharePoint

SharePoint use is spreading with unbelievable momentum.  Any mission-critical SharePoint application needs to integrate with the company’s pre-existing applications.  The need to integrate SharePoint with all these systems is growing exponentially.

Web Parts provide a standard technique to integrate SharePoint with external systems.  While extremely useful, Web Parts are not suitable for many common data integration scenarios.  A solid data synchronization tool is critical in cases like these:

1. ERP, DBMS, or File Systems - When SharePoint applications need frequent access to data stored in ERP, DBMS, or file systems, repeated use of Web Parts to retrieve this data may adversely impact system performance.  A better solution is to store the data in SharePoint and use a data synchronization tool to periodically refresh it.
2. Replication between SharePoint Sites - Data synchronization between SharePoint sites supports locality of reference and minimizes network traffic.
3. Groove - Synchronization between SharePoint and Groove workspaces can provide offline support.
4. Lotus Notes and Exchange Public Folders - Data synchronization can provide a period of coexistence to support a smooth transition to SharePoint from Lotus Notes or Exchange Public Folders.

SharePoint needs both Web Parts and data synchronization solutions.  Together, they form a powerful complementary data integration toolset.

A reliable data synchronization tool for SharePoint must satisfy four key requirements:

1. It must be easy to use by departmental users who typically don’t have a lot of IT support.
2. It must be robust – providing security, scalability, flexible configuration, logging, and failover protection.
3. It must support all important data sources – ERPs, CRMs, SFAs, DBMSs, file systems, and collaboration applications such as Groove, InfoPath, Lotus Notes, and Exchange.
4. It must support the full range of data synchronization features, including bi-directional synchronization, data transformation, and conflict resolution.

CASAHL ecKnowledge®, satisfies all these requirements.  Built on CASAHL’s experience with over 1,500 customers since 1993, CASAHL ecKnowledge can synchronize data between SharePoint and virtually any other data source – quickly, easily, and cost effectively.
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