AN ENTERPRISE APPLICATION is one that supports any multidivisional organization with data and services that enable business-spesific functions. Such appllications typically integrate multiple technologies, such as database access, directory services, mail services, business processes, and more. This chapter defines the components of an enterprise application and then explores the technologies involved in creating one.

Finally the chapter introduces IssueTracker, the fully functional enterprise application that this book builds with each subsequent chapter. The IssueTracker example application will serve as central repository for issues within an enterprise such sales requests, support issues, development bugs, and executive status. As an enterprise-wide application, IssueTracker will interact with multiple server-side resources, such as databases, email servers, process management angines, directory services, Web services, reporting services, and mobile services. Starting this chapter, each chapter outlines the best practices that yield maximum performance, reliability, and scalability.

Defining Enterprise Applications

An enterprise represents a corporate entity with several interacting departments, each managing different types of data and performing different functions. FIgure 1-1 models a typical enterprise. It is composed of several departments including Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Development, Customer Support, and Information Technology. Each department operates independently but shares spesific data or services. For example. The Sales department tracks the names and contact detail of customers. The support department refers to the customer information to help customers experiencing problems with the company's product and to enter customer problem information to improve the product and update the status of the problem. Finally the company's management monitors the customer and problem information captured in an effort to improve the company's operations