CAMIF Turns to JBoss Enterprise Application Server to Turn Around Their Infrastructure

Read full case study in French
Industry: Retail
Geography: France
Opportunity: The aim was to free CAMIF from overly-complex nested systems and come up with a more efficient information system which was structured by business activity, thus enabling more transparent and targeted intervention.
Solution: CAMIF has built its technical base using Open Source components and can now offer business applications as both development frameworks and cross-functional services.
Software: JBoss Enterprise Application Server, JBoss Hibernate, JBoss Rules, JBoss Messaging, JBoss Eclipse IDE
Benefits: There are currently three application groups that benefit from the new architecture, which now integrates open source solutions, including several modules from the JBoss Enterprise Application Platform.

Project summary: The CAMIF Group, a multi-specialist distributor and the third largest French mail-order company, offers a range that extends from household appliances and personal equipment to supplying local authorities and from home furnishings to fine foods, without forgetting financial products. In 2003, the company took the step of progressively decommissioning their twenty-year-old HP3000 servers and completely revising the software architecture that was in place.

“Now the different blocks of our information system all work together, thanks to the JBoss AS application server.In addition, we can intervene locally on any of the blocks at any time, thus minimising impact on neighbouring blocks.”
- Charles Detemple, Technical Architect, DSI (Information Systems Department), CAMIF Group

The Goal:
The aim was to free CAMIF from overly-complex nested systems and come up with a more efficient information system which was structured by business activity, thus enabling more transparent and targeted intervention. To do this, an internal working group assessed various market solutions and looked at Java J2EE architecture designed using Open Source components.

Solution:
Half of the internal developments intended for CAMIF’s information system overhaul are based on the JBoss Enterprise Application Server. The JBoss Hibernate, JBoss Rules, JBoss Messaging and JBoss Eclipse IDE modules are associated with this server, offering assistance and features that facilitate the development of J2EE applications. CAMIF has built its technical base using these Open Source components and can now offer business applications as both development frameworks and cross-functional services. “In parallel with training and workshops, the company has entered into a JBoss Silver support agreement, which has proved efficient and timely in its response to critical issues” says Charles Detemple, technical architect, DSI, CAMIF Group.

Results:
There are currently three application groups that benefit from the new architecture, which now integrates open source solutions, including several modules from the JBoss JEMS package. The first set of applications handles all the activities of the CAMIF Habitat subsidiary, the second uses specifically designed software to handle logistics: stock management, delivery deadlines and transportation. The third, which is in the start-up phase, deals with customer referencing. This changeover should be gradual, with complete migration within five years.

Read full case study in French

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