Customer Reviews

BizTalk Server 2002 Design and Implementation

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used 3 different BizTalk Server 2002 books (one of which covered 2000 mostly, but there are not major differences between the 2 versions). This book is by far the best, it was good for learning and also good for day-to-day reference.

The things I like the most about this book were:
* Good coverage of orchestration (XLANG Schedules) including advanced scenarios such as correlation between 2 or the same schedule.
* How to setup and configure BizTalk for better scalability and availability, i.e. using SQL Server clusters and BizTalk groups.
* How to access BizTalk API from .NET code, although not using the BizTalk toolkit for .NET (probably not available when published), it explains how to create your AIC component in C#, for instance.
* How to setup MOM to monitor BizTalk Server.

The topics I wished were better covered are:
* More advanced maps examples and better explanation of how the BizTalk mapper compiler works.
* More extensive coverage of the BizTalk API.

Xin's writing style is excellent - very easy to follow storyline for a terribly technical topic. However, I found it stressful to try to follow along and repeat the steps he was explaining in the book. For example, he goes through each step in great detail until chapter 5, then the details drop off completely and you just need to start figuring out what he's talking about. Also, in steps that he does take you through, a couple of the pages of the wizards on not in his explanations or the descriptions of the pages are different that what is displayed in the book. Nothing that would keep you from completing the examples, but it sure leaves you wondering about whether or not you're in the right place or skipping something important. Overall, the content is great and again, it's very easy to read. I'd still recommend it despite it's few minor flaws.

This is the first review I write and I am proud to be the first to review this great book.
I do not like writing reviews but I cannot withhold myself from letting you know more about this book. It is both an excellent introduction to BizTalk server 2002 for beginners and a very detailed treatment of the product for experienced users. The author's method of presentation, which of course reflects his clarity of mind, makes learning BizTalk 2002 interesting, despite the complexity of the product. Once you start reading the book, you will not like to stop. Every one of more than 600 pages has something new to say in a manner that recaptures and sustains you interest. The prints are perfect. The paper quality is excellent and the binding is good. The only regret; it is not hardcover.

If you are looking for a book that can teach you and deepen your understanding of BizTalk 2002, this is the one. I intend using it as a teaching textbook for BizTalk trainings. Congratulations to Xin Chen for this excellent work.

Though biztalk 2004 is alreay there but this book is really helpful for the Developers and Administrators who want to start the Biz Talk as a EAI learning product.
Wish you all the best
Regards
Manish Gaur
Deloitte Australia