How companies choose to configure deployment architecture for better functional design affects everything that a
B2B platform does. Upgrades, modifications and platform rebuilds can disrupt business instead of enhancing it,
but the right solution architecture generates a fluid process for development and carrying out regular business
operations, launching new projects, integrating new features, handling routine maintenance and other
B2B platform responsibilities.
Today’s enterprise-level eCommerce platforms serve many stakeholder, internal staff and customer needs, but many
companies are dealing with these issues from a weakened position and a big handicap — inadequate functional
architecture design.
B2B eCommerce has evolved beyond what Internet developers ever envisaged when computer technology first came
online for common usage, and technology advances, exponential increases in databases, evolving marketing needs
and increased mobile access have created an environment where companies can feel that they’re stuck with old
infrastructure because they don’t want to risk going offline to upgrade their capabilities.
One Forrester Research survey found that 66 percent of B2B IT managers had difficulties exchanging information
and that 63 percent reported problems when trying to add new trading partners. There are many potential
solutions based on SOA strategies that segregate and consolidate functions for local functions, development
environments, staging and testing. The following configuration, which was designed by Clarity Connect, is
well-conceived and designed to optimize B2B processes:
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Clarity Connect designed architecture that allows its API layer to reside behind the firewall at MCI and
simultaneously within the staging area.
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This configuration supports expanded staging options and integrations with external connections
simultaneously.
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Clarity Development and Local Environments can access the Connector securely for security-driven operations.
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Data is continuously synced between the CEF and CRN/AX by using the connector to queue this interaction.
- MCI business rules apply within the Connector for business logic, mappings, etc.
That’s one example of how custom architecture design can create a platform that supports business processes,
external integrations,
security concerns and a range of B2B eCommerce needs with a common
toolset while incorporating modern solutions for onboarding business associates, adding new transaction sets and
validating and confirming data without interrupting the regular flow of business.