Increasing Functional Specificity over Increasingly Commoditized Hardware - Guide to Cloud Computing for Business and Technology Managers - page 25

component is the application framework (AF), which can also be distributed.
The integrated database and the application framework provide an open and
distributed platform for EES.
1.5.2.1.2 Process Layer
The process layer of the concept is the central component of EES, which
is Web based, open, and componentized (this is different from being Web
enabled) and may be implemented as a set of distributed Web Services. This
layer corresponds to the traditional transaction-based systems. ERP still
makes up the backbone of EES along with the additional integrated modules
aimed at new business sectors outside the manufacturing industries. The
backbone of ERP is the traditional ERP modules like financials, sales and
distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or HR.
The EES concept is based on Business Process Management (BPM). ERP has
been based on best practice process reference models, but EES systems primar-
ily build on the notion of the process as the central entity. EES includes tools
to manage processes: design (or orchestrate) processes, to execute and to eval-
uate processes (Business Activity Monitoring), and redesigning processes get
effect in real time. The BPM component allows for EES to be accommodated
to suit different business practices for specific business segments that other-
wise would require effort-intensive customization. EES further includes ver-
tical solutions for specific segments like apparel and footwear or the public
sector. Vertical solutions are sets of standardized preconfigured systems and
processes with add-on to match the specific requirements of a specific sector.
1.5.2.1.3 Analytical Layer
The analytical layer consists of the corporate components that extend and
enhance the central ERP functions by providing decision support to man-
age relations and corporate issues. Corporate components are not necessarily
synchronized with the integrated database, and the components may eas-
ily be add-ons instituted by acquiring third-party products/vendors. In the
future, the list of components for this layer can get augmented by newer
additions like Product Lifecycle Management (ERP for R&D function) and
Employee Lifecycle Management (ERP for human resources).
1.5.2.1.4 E-Business Layer
The e-business layer is the portal of EESs, and this layer consists of a set of col-
laborative components. The collaborative components deal with the commu-
nication and the integration between the corporate ERP II system and actors
like customers, business partners, employees, and even external systems.
1.5.2.2 Extended Functionality
E-Commerce is arguably one of the most important developments in
business in the last 50 years, and M-Commerce is poised to take its place