WebMethods continues to build up its platform of tools for deploying service-oriented architecture environments, as the integration vendor today announced plans to purchase Infravio, which makes software for managing SOA components, for $38 million.
Infravio’s SOA registry and governance products are designed to enforce the policies that determine how developers, IT staff and business users can use application and data services, from their initial design through deployment. Infravio’s X-Registry Platform includes design, runtime and change management features.
With the integration of Infravio’s tools, WebMethods says it will bolster features in its SOA platform including content validation, service-level agreement management, security enforcement, and versioning and impact analysis.
Governance capabilities are key as enterprises grow their SOA deployments. According to Gartner, at least 65% of large organizations will have more than 35% of their application portfolios SOA-based by 2010, which is up from fewer than 5% of organizations in 2005. However, a lack of working governance mechanisms will be the most common reason for failure in midsize to large post-pilot SOA projects, according to the research firm.
The Infravio deal is webMethods’ second acquisition in three weeks. Last month webMethods acquired Cerebra for its metadata management capabilities. Cerebra’s products are designed to help companies centrally manage assets spread across multiple stand-alone repositories. As enterprises deploy SOAs, metadata management tools help make clear the interdependencies among the assets being brought together.
WebMethods plans to integrate Infravio’s products into its own Fabric product suite by year-end. In the interim, webMethods will offer Infravio’s products on a standalone basis.
WebMethods expects to close the deal with Infravio this month. Infravio has 65 employees. Its customers include Allianz Life, Lockheed Martin, McGraw-Hill Companies and Providence Health System
