Silicon Graphics Inc has launched a combined software and services program, the Information Connection Architecture, which aims to speed integration of Enterprise Resource Planning and Product Data Management applications. ICA is designed to let companies build process-based document applications which connect several data sources, enabling users on any desktop to log onto an intranet site and query the various databases from a single source and then view the results on a web page. The architecture incorporates Webware tools for building a graphical user interface in either Java or Hyper Text Mark-up Language code. It uses Netscape Navigator as the browser and Rosetta and Virtual Reality Modeling Language for viewing. Middleware comes in the shape of CSE Incs DataMap. The product includes adapters designed to enable faster integration between applications; add-ons are currently for Oracle, Sherpa, PIMS, QAD, MFG/PRO and Workgroup CMS. Silicon Graphics is also working on modules for Baan, Parametric Technologys Pro/Intralink, Computervision and Dassault Systemes Catia Data Manager. In addition to its own Global Web Implementation Services group, Silicon Graphics says it will also be working with systems integrators including Origin Technology, Serco CIT, Performance Graphics Ltd, Open Computers and Finance Ltd.
