Timeline: How AXA's IT Architecture Evolved

By Julia King

February 9, 2004 12:00 PM ET

Computerworld -

Release 1, 1989-92

Architectural focus/objective: Connectivity and common data access; middleware to front-end mainframe.
Key technologies: CICS, SNA/APPC LU 6.2 and Easel Corp.'s CASE tool. Front-end PCs run OS/2. Workstations communicate directly with the mainframe.
Number of applications benefiting from code reuse: 11
Estimated cost savings: $10 million

Release 2, 1993-96

Architectural focus/objective: Client/server. Focus on data transport, messaging, security, and common customer and agent files and directories.
Key technologies: Windows replaces OS/2. TCP/IP used for data communications between workstations and servers. Server-to-mainframe communications remain on IBM's SNA.

AXA develops an enterprise customer file, an enterprise directory and an agent file. It also introduces a proprietary application security system for authentication and authorization.
Number of applications benefiting from code reuse: Five
Estimated cost savings: $8 million

Release 3, 1997-2001

Architectural focus/objective: Web and open systems.
Key technologies: CORBA, Iona Technologies Ltd.'s Orbix product. Web application server software from Sun Microsystems' NetDynamics. Also deploys Solaris and Sun ONE Directory Server, Sun ONE Portal Server and Sun Webserver. The PC browser software is Netscape. IBM's MQSeries middleware (subsequently rebranded WebSphere MQ); Candle's Roma software (now PathWAI).
Number of applications benefiting from code reuse: 14
Estimated cost savings: $37 million

Release 4, 2002-Present

Architectural focus/objective: Deploying vendor-provided, standards-based products.
Key technologies: J2EE, IBM's WebSphere MQ, Microsoft Metadirectory Services, BEA's WebLogic Server, Oblix Inc.'s NetPoint software for centralized security, Siebel's CRM applications. Also IBM's DB2-based Client Information Integration Solution to replace its proprietary customer file system.
Number of applications benefiting from code reuse: Five
Estimated cost savings: To be determined

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