Mary, clearly I am a novice on this issue, but it seems unlikely to me
that the enterprise systems/repositories you mention (SAP, PeopleSoft)
were architected with a SOA environment in mind.  

Taking from what David said, it appears that the repositories (SAP,
PeopleSoft) must be able to speak a certain language in order to
properly communicate with the RM system, thus allowing the application
of the service to the repository (David offered SOAP as an example of
such a language requirement).  So I guess the rub really lies in whether
or not the repositories already speak the necessary language, or if they
don't, is it cumbersome (or even possible) to create a translation
interface between the two that will allow for "direct" interaction?  

Perhaps we could ask that question of the RM system instead ... has the
RMS been architected in such a way as to work with SAP (and/or other
popular enterprise systems), using the inherent language of those
systems?  I'm not sure where the responsibility lies ... does SAP, etc.
need to make changes or do the RM products need to be proactive about
providing functionality to address existing systems that are already in
use at a gazillion companies?

If I were purchasing a RMS that is supposed to function in a SOA way, I
would want to ask the prospective vendors if their systems can talk to
the repositories I already have in place (seems practical enough!).
However, if you already have the repositories in place, and you already
purchased a RM system and didn't ask those questions first, you may find
yourself with a RM product that speaks English, French and Spanish, but
enterprise systems that only speak Chinese and Italian.

Long story short, I don't have an answer for you (obviously!).  If you
find yourself in that last scenario, I'd suggest that you get the
programmers for the repository products and the programmers for the RM
product together, lock them in a conference room with a lot of coffee
and doughnuts and tell them to remain there until they can work out the
translation problems.  It will likely cost you a fortune though!

Best of luck to you - keep fighting the good fight! 

Julie 


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