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BPM Software Report: Pegasystems
By Lou DiToro Gartner has counted 150 products that could be described as belonging to the category of business process management (BPM) software. How do you wade through the myriad offerings to find those companies and tools that are relevant for your organization's work? This column can help. We examine the companies and products that have a strong leadership position in the BPM space to help you understand what sets each apart. Pegasystems SmartBPM SuitePegasystems' SmartBPM Suite is a set of rules-based business process management programs designed to make it easier to plan, build, and manage dynamic BPM solutions. The suite is ideal for processes involving decision making based on complicated, frequently changing business rules. SmartBPM's strength is human-to-system processing. Typical applications include:
The suite's installed base of customers includes:
Latest DevelopmentsSmartBPM (version 5.1), the suite's latest iteration (released in June 2006) provides a new look and feel. Its built-in asynchronous JavaScript XML (AJAX) capability generates immediate feedback for users. Its internationalization capability enables multinational companies to develop a solution in a native language and deploy it globally. Version 5.1 has better diagnostics, increased context-sensitive help and enhanced "pre-flight" capabilities. Improved ergonomics include flash-based movies providing step-by-step tutorials for developers and the ability to test application components iteratively during development. The company said that since its software supports industry standard XPDL, it also supports a variety of third-party modeling tools; it currently has partnerships with Cognos and Proforma. Improved navigation and greater usability are key themes for Pegasystems version 5.1.
SmartBPM supports industry standards (BPEL and SOAP) and common development platforms (Enterprise Java Beans and .NET). It features a library of enterprise connectors and adapters, as well as smart case management. Web portal technology enables companies to collaborate with trading partners and opens up self-service to customers. To manage global policies and processes for record retrieval and retention, SmartBPM can integrate with multiple image repositories and document and content management systems. Key Suite ComponentsSmartBPM's key components include:
The PegaRULES Process Commander is the suite's process management layer. It offers a browser-based development environment, execution engine, and management dashboard. Pegasystems provides several user interface skins that can be used to create the appropriate look and feel for each organization.
The Process Commander, which provides a rules-based approach to BPM, codifies and executes rules and also drives operation. It assembles a runtime combination of business processes and business rules, adjusting the environment to support each case. When work is received, the Process Commander automatically evaluates the rule base and dynamically assembles the best processes, decisions, and data sources available. Rules and processes are stored as specialized layers of instruction and given a situational context within which to operate. Process Commander combines a business rules engine and a process engine. Supporting this environment is an XML Clipboard, which provides a Shared Data Space for system work. Rules and objects are stored in Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)-compliant databases (DB2, Oracle or SQL Server), while the system runs on Windows, Linux, AIX, and z/OS. Process Commander runs within J2EE-compliant application servers, including WebSphere and WebLogic. Its portal-type user interface provides access to system work, while its out-of-the-box views are modifiable. The Process Analyzer leverages a data warehouse of historic work and simulated data, with online tools to improve processes. The Process Simulator allows developers to simulate new business processes for testing before they go online. Using wizards, developers can quantify and compare service levels, time, error, and cost reductions. Business Rules and SupportSmartBPM's business rules -- defined in English-like expressions and in decision trees and decision tables -- include declarative and procedural rules, constraints and service level agreements. Skills-based rules describe and define proficiency ratings necessary for a user to complete work. In addition, SmartBPM supports:
The suite's multi-dimensional Context Management assesses which process fragments to bind based on a case's attributes. The suite also features flexible reporting capability with wizards to assist business users in defining and refining custom reports. SmartBPM offers industry- and process-specific frameworks, including Case and Management and Compliance (SOX) as well as 30 templates to accelerate the creation of process-enabled applications for horizontal industries. The financials services industry set, for example, includes retail banking, credit card and case process templates. Server volumes vary by processor size and CPU speed. One account reported approximately 70 million rule invocations per hour running on a single 8-way Intel server. The largest number of concurrent users on one production system is 10,000. Software licensing starts at $100,000. Optional modules for simulation, analysis and templates are priced separately. The CompanyKnown previously, as a business rules vendor, Pegasystems has transformed itself into a pureplay BPM vendor. It is a recognized leader in the human-centric BPMS market. Focused traditionally on financial services and healthcare, it has broadened its customer base to include telecommunications, travel and hospitality, government, retail, manufacturing, and utilities. Pegasystems has 11 offices worldwide and approximately 200 customers. Strategic business partners include IBM, Accenture, CSC, Satyam and Cognizant. In addition, its online Pega Developer Network provides support for developers. Useful DetailsPegasystems Inc. (Nasdaq: PEGA) Informative resources (registration required): White papers Analyst reports Submit Your Company for ConsiderationDo you have a company you'd like to have evaluated in this column? Contact editor (at) bpmenterprise.com with details. About the Author: Lou DiToro is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about business processes and competitive strategy. He welcomes feedback on his articles for BPMEnterprise.com. Contact Lou DiToro at louditoro (at) hotmail.com.Reproduction Without Permission Is Strictly Prohibited – Request Permission Publish an Article: Do you have a process management tip, learning or case study? Share it with the largest community of Business Process Management professionals, and be recognized by your peers. It's a great way to promote your expertise and/or build your resume. Read more about submitting an article.
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