Many companies are considering moving their PLM and ERP systems or parts of them to the cloud. To pave the way for them into the clouds, PROSTEP is enabling the use of its world’s leading integration platform OpenPDM in hybrid cloud scenarios through a modular architecture and the use of microservices.
OpenPDM consists of the actual integration framework, which controls the automated mapping of data and data structures via workflows, and a large number of standard connectors. They are used to connect common PDM/PLM and ERP systems, but also ALM (Application Lifecycle Management), simulation data management systems or IoT platforms with little effort and uniformly. Until now, these connectors were usually installed together with the applications and the framework “on premise”, i.e. at the customer’s site.
The move to microservices required a refactoring of the connectors. The proven core functionality was improved with the business logic and provided with a modern technological foundation. New microservices-based integrations to PTC Windchill, the 3D experience platform from Dassault Systèmes, Siemens Teamcenter and SAP are currently being implemented for the OpenPDM 9.0 and 9.1 versions; others will follow if required. The new connector architecture offers customers more functionality and flexibility by allowing them to use it stand-alone or in conjunction with mapping and workflow engines already in use.
With OpenPDM 9.0, PROSTEP primarily addresses the requirements of new customers who use PLM and/or ERP systems from the cloud and want to integrate them with their existing IT infrastructure. Existing customers who have built complex integration, migration or collaboration scenarios based on OpenPDM 8.x do not necessarily have to migrate their existing installation to the new architecture. PROSTEP will also continue to develop the OpenPDM software currently in use at our customers and next year launch a new Version 8.7 with functional enhancements and connectors to the current versions of all connected PDM/PLM and ERP systems.
Posted with permission from PROSTEP AG. Original article by Mirko Theiß.