META Group Expects 90% of Large Organizations to Use Tools That Externalize Legacy Applications via Web Services by 2007

Business Wire, Dec 4, 2002

Business Editors & Technology Writers

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2002

METAspectrum Evaluation of Web-to-Host Tool Market Released Today

META Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: METG) today announced the availability of its newest METAspectrum(SM) evaluation, covering the host access market, specifically Web-to-host tools.

This METAspectrum evaluates vendors whose products enable access to and integration of legacy data streams via interception of the streams using a thin-client approach. Commonly referred to as Web-to-host products, these offerings typically enable integration of data into "newer" applications as well as the ability to remotely access legacy data. According to META Group, more than 90% of large organizations will utilize host access products that externalize legacy applications via Web services by 2007.

"We expect host access products to continue playing an important role for large organizations externalizing legacy applications," said Mark Vanston, program director with META Group's Enterprise Data Center Strategies service. "Web-to-host access solutions can reduce the cost of legacy integration, enabling organizations to leverage existing assets and capitalize on new IT opportunities."

Legacy externalization efforts will continue to be dominated by tactical, point-like application integration products with new presentation interfaces. However, demand for highly scalable e-commerce solutions primarily driven by Web services that leverage transactional legacy mainframe systems will propel screen-based data integration in the next two years. Organizations now face the difficult task of transitioning away from traditional emulation products, toward a Web services model.

Key Findings and Guidance

The Host Access: Web-to-Host Tools METAspectrum evaluates the top 11 vendors in this market. The analysis found:

- The host access sector has experienced rampant consolidation and merger activity during the last three years.

- Most vendors have had success selling traditional emulation products, but user uptake of Web-to-host products has been slow, despite heavy promotion.

- Purchasers will begin to increase their bias toward presence criteria, reflecting increasing market maturity.

- Leaders must demonstrate product breadth in terms of integration and functionality, combined with an established financial footing that enables further product development -- IBM is the clear leader because of its solid financial base as well as its technology.

- Challengers typically have good technical solutions, but lack the financial resources or breadth of product offerings necessary to challenge IBM in the leader area.

- Followers may have solutions applicable to certain customer segments, but do not have the necessary presence to become a broad market player over time.

About METAspectrum(SM)

METAspectrum evaluations from META Group provide IT professionals with a view into critical market success factors and vendor positioning. METAspectrum, in combination with META Group's SPEX modules -- which provide detailed technical analysis of product features and capabilities -- delivers comprehensive evaluations of both technology markets and vendor product offerings. METAspectrum evaluations are a standard component of a META Group retainer service subscription and are updated periodically, depending on the characteristics of individual markets. To learn more about the METAspectrum methodology, visit www.metagroup.com/metaspectrum or call (800) 945-META. For more information on META Group's SPEX offerings, visit www.checkspex.com.

About META Group

META Group is a leading research and consulting firm, focusing on information technology and business transformation strategies. Delivering objective, consistent, and actionable guidance, META Group enables organizations to innovate more rapidly and effectively. Our unique collaborative models help clients succeed by building speed, agility, and value into their IT and business systems and processes. Connect with www.metagroup.com for more details.