Archived content

NOTE: this is an archived page and the content is likely to be out of date.

Middleware Technologies to Drive Innovation

2015-4 (Vol.51. No.2)

Fujitsu is developing and strengthening information and communications technologies (ICT) and services companywide and has sequentially announced a Mobile Initiative, a Big Data Initiative, a Cloud Initiative, and a Security Initiative as a total system to support these efforts. This special issue introduces the middleware technologies supporting these innovation-driving initiatives.

Feature Papers

1. Preface (449 KB): Fujitsu plans to integrate the knowledge and know-how obtained through innovation fostering and co-creation activities with our customers and to promote an evolution toward "middleware with intelligence." This special issue introduces Fujitsu's innovation-driving middleware technologies, which continues to evolve. ---[Kazuo Imada, SVP, Software Business]

Overview

2. New Middleware as a Driver of Innovation (578 KB): Looking to the future, all manner of things will come to be connected to the Internet, resulting in the exchange of massive amounts of information. In that world, innovative approaches to converting constant streams of information into real value will play a major role in growing a company's business and promoting social development. Believing that the three management resources of people, information, and infrastructure are the key elements driving innovation, Fujitsu has announced a Mobile Initiative, Big Data Initiative, Cloud Initiative, and Security Initiative as a system for providing information and communications technology (ICT) products that integrate and use those elements. In this system, middleware—the foundation of solutions and systems—will be given the role of coordinating and integrating a wide variety of services, networks, and mobile devices and of achieving safe and easy-to-manage operations. It will also have the role of supporting innovation in the field for corporate business. Fujitsu is leveraging the know-how it has accumulated in implementing systems both inside and outside the company to promote the further evolution of middleware. This paper describes Fujitsu middleware that supports these four initiatives. ---[Masaya Yamada]

Middleware to Drive Mobile Initiative

3. Innovation in On-site Work Using Smart Devices and Augmented Reality Technology (777 KB): There is a growing need in the corporate world for improving operations in the field and raising the quality of work through the use of smart devices. To meet this need, Fujitsu provides the FUJITSU Software Interstage AR Processing Server (Interstage AR), which uses augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay digital information obtained via information and communications technology (ICT) on real-world information displayed on a smart device. This product has a variety of features that foster innovation in on-site work. It can improve the accuracy and quality of fieldwork by overlaying information such as operating instructions and manuals needed for on-site operations on screens displaying actual facilities and by providing an intuitive and visually appealing navigation system. In addition, it enables users to input messages while in the field, which improves the accuracy of information passed on to others and facilitates preventive maintenance. Furthermore, it makes work more efficient by incorporating a terminal data cache for offline environments or sites with poor signal reception. These features can produce valuable results for customers, such as shortening work-training periods. This paper introduces Fujitsu's approach to putting this product into actual practice and fostering innovation in customers' on-site work. ---[Hideki Hara, Hiroshi Kuwabara]

4. Mobile Platform Products Supporting Use of Smart Devices (657 KB): Smart devices such as smartphones and tablets are coming to be applied in a wide variety of business scenarios both inside and outside the company thanks to their mobile and portable features. This revolution in work style centered about the use of smart devices was perhaps inevitable, but there are still many needs in system management and development such as enhanced security measures and efficient software development methods under multiple OSs. To meet these needs, Fujitsu provides a middleware product called FUJITSU Software Interstage Mobile Application Server (IMAPS) and a service platform called FUJITSU Cloud PaaS MobileSUITE (MobileSUITE). IMAPS enables the efficient development and operation of applications for smart devices by providing a multi-platform development environment, a secure application execution infrastructure, and a business operation environment for improving on-site productivity. MobileSUITE provides services that enable functions for content delivery and digital catalogs to be used immediately and also provides mobile device management (MDM) functions. Using these MobileSUITE services and functions in combination enables prompt support of situations requiring security measures. This paper introduces the features of these two products and presents examples of their application. ---[Jutaro Imai, Kensuke Okano]

5. WSMGR for Web Supporting Mission-critical Applications on Smart Devices —Mainframe in Your Pocket— (727 KB): Mainframes are widely used for running mission-critical enterprise systems as they provide a high level of reliability while enabling the use of existing assets. An enterprise that combines the use of open systems and mainframes is generally more concerned about the effective use of information and communications technology (ICT) assets and in particular the use of existing mainframes than a full migration to open systems. At the same time, the surge in using smart devices for business applications in the open-system world is now bearing down on the mainframe world. The FUJITSU Software WSMGR for Web open server software provides an environment in which mainframe business applications can be used on smart devices anytime and anywhere with optimal operability without having to rewrite those applications. Introducing smart devices into business operations, however, brings up difficult issues related to security, operations know-how, etc., so Fujitsu also provides a service called Mainframe Connect as an all-in-one solution that includes network security from the terminal to the mainframe. This paper introduces WSMGR for Web technologies supporting smart devices, mainframe technologies supporting mobile use, and key services that make use of those technologies. ---[Mitsuo Fujitake, Yukio Hirao, Akihiko Miura]

Middleware to Drive Big Data Initiative

6. Big Data Analysis Solutions for Driving Innovation in On-site Decision Making (725 KB): Information systems have traditionally been constructed and used for increasing corporate value, developing competitive products, improving employee productivity, and accelerating the decision-making process. Today, however, dramatic improvements in hardware performance, advances in various types of sensors, and changes in the social environment such as consumer-driven dissemination of information via social networking services (SNSs) are generating a great need for "big data" analysis. In its early stages, the use of big data depended on information and communications technology (ICT) specialists and expert analysts located at support sites. Now, to speed up decision-making at sites directly involved in increasing sales and lowering costs, analysis based on big data is being performed at these frontline sites, and some marketing and planning departments have already begun to base their actions on big data. Moreover, high-function middleware that facilitates such big data usage has been appearing. However, issues arising in actual implementations of systems with such middleware have hindered advanced decision-making in the field. This paper introduces Fujitsu's approach to resolving these issues by providing integrated solutions that optimally combine big-data middleware and analysis scenarios and describes the effects of introducing these solutions. ---[Tooru Shibata, Yoichi Kurachi]

7. Technologies for Real-time Use of Information through Integration of Diverse Forms of Internal and External Data (608 KB): As markets continue to diversify, the amount of internal and external data and the amount of processing required are growing explosively, and the quality of the target data is changing as well. This situation is creating a demand for systems that can quickly and easily analyze and use massive amounts of data so that market needs can be accurately assessed and sound business decisions can be made. FUJITSU Integrated System Analytics Ready is a hardware appliance product integrating a series of functions that can extract the data deemed necessary from a huge amount of stored data and analyze and use that information. These functions include "easy-to-implement system," "high-speed database as a platform for analyzing and using data," "operational data storage for storing huge amounts of data by using simple settings," "data linking for collecting data from diverse data sources," "data processing by using an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI)," and "safe sharing of consolidated data." The last one is the most needed function because it protects stored data from a variety of threats without a loss in customer convenience. This paper introduces technologies for high-speed and safe use of data in response to market needs. ---[Kazushige Nakamura, Shinya Echigo, Takehiko Aoyagi]

8. High-speed Data Processing through Ultra-high-speed Data Management Using InfiniBand (663 KB): Today, many enterprises seek to link core business operations with the processing of big data on computers, so the need is growing for accurate processing of data that can be instantaneously generated in huge amounts. Fujitsu is responding to this need by applying its extensive experience in mission-critical systems and advanced technologies and by offering ultra-high-speed in-memory data management software. This software uses InfiniBand, which is widely used in the supercomputer field, as the network communications medium. Incorporation of InfiniBand's remote direct memory access (RDMA) function in the network management layer enables this software to achieve response times less than half those of conventional systems and eliminates the need for modifying interfaces to existing applications, thereby resolving compatibility issues. This paper introduces Fujitsu's approach toward providing a highly reliable system that can provide stable system response times and reduce the risk of accumulating or losing large volumes of data at the time of a system fault. ---[Shoji Yamamoto, Toshiaki Yamada, Daisuke Shimabayashi, Hideo Sarashina]

9. Vertically Integrated Database System Combining Advanced Hardware with Database Technologies (675 KB): To survive in a highly competitive, rapidly changing business world, an enterprise needs information and communications technology (ICT) systems that can respond flexibly and quickly to the market. However, as ICT systems become increasingly complex, the need to reduce their management and operating costs increases. Databases, moreover, are ICT systems having high-reliability and high-performance requirements. The FUJITSU Integrated System HA Database Ready product integrates database technologies cultivated by Fujitsu over many years with advanced hardware. Providing "high-reliability and high-performance," "openstandards," and "ready-to-use" features, HA Database Ready can significantly reduce the costs of deploying, designing, and operating a database infrastructure. This paper introduces a fully redundant system that uses advanced hardware to support high-reliability and high-performance operation and Fujitsu's Smart Software Technology for performing a full range of tasks from system deployment to system operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting using a simple graphical user interface (GUI). ---[Yosuke Miyauchi, Ryohei Takahashi, Mitsuhiro Kinomura]

Middleware to Drive Cloud Initiative

10. OpenStack-based Next-generation Cloud Resource Management (566 KB): FUJITSU Software ServerView Resource Orchestrator (ROR) is a middleware product for more efficiently operating and managing private clouds. In recent years, many companies have moved to aggregate their internal hardware resources, creating private clouds, while actively utilizing public clouds to reduce system deployment costs. These have produced a greater need for flexible operations of private clouds, demand for the ability to use the diverse application programming interfaces (APIs) that are available on public clouds on private clouds as well, and demand for the ability to centrally manage both public and private clouds. Fujitsu offers ROR to respond to this need. This paper introduces ROR, which uses OpenStack open source software to centrally and easily manage the resources of both public and private clouds. ---[Toshihide Yanagawa]

11. Realization of Construction and Simple Operation of Flexible Cloud System by SDN (678 KB): FUJITSU Software ServerView Resource Orchestrator (ROR) is a middleware product which realizes centralized management and effective utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) resources such as servers, storage and networks and ICT cost optimization by improving the operation and management efficiency. Applying this middleware makes it possible to construct a flexible cloud system according to the customer's cloud requirements and needs and to simply operate it. One technology to support this functionality is software-defined networking (SDN), which is a control technology that uses software to allow network configurations and settings to be dynamically changed in a centralized manner. ROR is a core product that realizes SDN in the datacenter domain, in particular. Fujitsu's SDN, which features close coordination between ROR and network virtualization-enabled hardware equipment, is in the practical application phase in the Numazu Software Development Cloud Center. This paper describes product features with the focus on the network functions of ROR from the viewpoint of SDN and future outlook in terms of network operation and management of a cloud system. ---[Yuko Aki, Masaki Nakajima, Yoshitaka Kizuka]

12. Next-generation Cloud Operation Management Technologies (758 KB): The difficult business climate in which companies find themselves today is forcing them to make their business and technology processes more flexible and less costly in accordance with their business policies. Many companies are doing this by making greater use of cloud computing systems, and there is a growing number of companies that use hybrid clouds, which combine a private cloud with a public cloud. These trends are increasing the number and variety of resources that must be managed. Moreover, the resources themselves are changing, making it difficult to gain the bird's eye view of the entire information and communications technology (ICT) system that is needed to manage it. Furthermore, new issues are arising, such as the inability of information systems departments (ISDs) to control all the clouds used within companies or to optimize ICT resources on a company-wide basis. This paper introduces FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Software Configuration Manager, developed by Fujitsu to help companies meet the operation and management challenges presented by cloud environments and the technologies it uses for centrally managing and automatically acquiring configuration information for everything from hardware to virtual environments, operating systems, and software. It also introduces FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Service Catalog Manager and the technologies it uses for controlling cloud usage and automatically deploying services. ---[Hideo Shimizu, Shingo Suzuki, Norihiko Sakamoto]

13. Technology to Automate System Operations for Flexibly Responding to Dynamically Changing Cloud Environments (638 KB): Cloud services (hereafter referred to as "the cloud") and virtualization technologies are rapidly growing in popularity. There is increasing demand for corporate information systems to be efficient, optimized ones which do not consist solely of on-premises systems, but also employ private and public clouds where appropriate. Virtual environments and private clouds are often composed of large numbers of physical servers and devices in order to enable them to accept all the execution environments of widely distributed operational systems. This shift of corporate information systems to large-scale environments composed of diverse server devices has made it difficult to manage these environments manually. This problem has been addressed by automating system operation work, which involves creating scripts that perform sequences of commands, reducing management workload. However, simple automation scripts have difficulty handling operations which span multiple servers. This has required operation procedure documentation to be created and much work based on the documentation to be performed. This paper introduces Fujitsu's development and operation of FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Runbook Automation, which dramatically improves operation efficiency by standardizing, creating workflows, and automating the operation of corporate information systems, which has until now been done manually. ---[Jun Yoshii, Daiki Hanawa]

14. High-reliability, High-availability Cluster System Supporting Cloud Environment (562 KB): Fujitsu is offering FUJITSU Software PRIMECLUSTER, a high-reliability software platform that supports the continuous operation of entire systems. With its highly reliable technology linked to Fujitsu servers (SPARC M10, FUJITSU Server PRIMEQUEST 2000/1000 series, and FUJITSU Server PRIMERGY), PRIMECLUSTER ensures fast detection of malfunctions and secure operational continuity not only in a physical environment but also in a cloud environment, unlike other companies' cluster software. Also, due to a link to the live migration function of the server provided by virtualization software, PRIMECLUSTER enables the server unit to undergo maintenance without changing redundant configurations, or active-standby configurations. This realizes even greater availability for platform systems in a cloud environment. In these ways, PRIMECLUSTER supports continuous operation on a 24/7 basis, even in a cloud environment that integrates a customer's business systems. This paper introduces the technology of PRIMECLUSTER, cluster software that supports platform systems in a cloud environment and business systems running in a cloud environment. ---[Seishiro Hamanaka, Kunikazu Takahashi]

Middleware to Drive Security Initiative

15. Fujitsu's Security Technology Based on Practical Knowledge (949 KB): Information and communications technology (ICT) is leveraged in wider applications today, and enterprises are faced with an ever-growing need to protect themselves against cyber-attacks, which continue each day to become technically more sophisticated. Measures against these attacks should aim to not only prevent malicious intrusions, but also implement possible countermeasures in case such intrusions take place. It is crucial to respond to a security breach quickly, and the response time significantly impacts security risks such as those relating to data leakage and network contamination. Fujitsu has developed a software suite, FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Security Control (SSC), which follows a preprogrammed operation process and navigates through automated responses against cyber-attacks. This product has already been launched on the market. It helps enterprises to reduce the costs of process programming and actual security operation, and it can automate operation process to enhance flawless security operations by eliminating human error. Fujitsu has integrated its operation management technology with response scenarios developed through the company's practical knowledge. This paper describes a software product with built-in operational processes against standard cyber-attacks based on this technology. It also outlines its features that significantly reduce the response time by automating a series of actions upon detecting malware (network shut-down, identification of infected terminals, response alert to operators, etc.). ---[Takayoshi Kurita, Michio Masuno, Atsushi Wataki]

16. Device Management Technology for Preventing Data Leakage (853 KB): Security countermeasures against targeted attacks are important elements in preventing the leakage of data such as critical internal company data and customer data. Targeted attacks often focus on known vulnerabilities, making it essential to apply security patches in a timely fashion. However, making sure that security patches are applied to all devices is no easy feat. Even if security patches are applied in a thorough manner, this will not guard against zero-day attacks that target unknown vulnerabilities. That makes it vital to implement security countermeasures which prevent data from being leaked even in the event of malware infection. Fujitsu provides FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Desktop Patrol (DTP) and FUJITSU Software Systemwalker Desktop Keeper (DTK) to solve this problem. DTP is used to centrally manage information and communications technology (ICT) assets and control security. DTK almost completely eliminates the risk of data leaks by applying operation restrictions to ICT assets and logging ICT asset usage. This paper introduces DTP and DTK, which prevent data leakage from endpoint devices (computers, virtual terminals, and smart devices). ---[Jun Sugii, Keita Nojiri]

Top of Page