In the ever-evolving world of technology, keeping up with the latest advancements is not just a strategy, it's a necessity. This reality rings particularly true for integration solutions like Microsoft BizTalk Server. For organizations still running on BizTalk, it's time to start planning your transition, as the platform is approaching its sunset. This article delves into why you should avoid new implementations of BizTalk and carefully evaluate your current integrations running on it.
You Should Be Off It by 2030
Microsoft has officially announced that BizTalk support will end in 2030 (Microsoft Lifecycle). While this may seem like a distant deadline, the complexity and scale of enterprise-level migrations require substantial lead time for planning and execution. Starting now will ensure a smooth and well-thought-out transition.
Stagnant Development: A Decade of Maintenance Releases
BizTalk has not seen a fundamental upgrade for over a decade. Its last version, BizTalk Server 2020, focuses mainly on supporting the cloud with adapter improvements and compatibility with the latest versions of Windows Server, .NET, and SQL Server (What's New in BizTalk Server 2020). This "maintenance mode" raises the question: how much longer will Microsoft continue these minimal updates?
Shortage of BizTalk Developers
The pool of BizTalk experts is shrinking rapidly. Developers who once specialized in BizTalk have since moved on to newer, more modern technologies. This scarcity complicates recruitment efforts and escalates costs for maintaining your existing BizTalk integrations.
Outdated Architecture: Hub and Spoke EAI
BizTalk's integration model is based on the Hub and Spoke Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) architecture, which is increasingly viewed as outdated. Today's modern businesses can benefit significantly from modern integration architectures like Event-Driven Microservices,
Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), and more (BizTalk Server Future). These newer models offer scalability, flexibility, and real-time processing that the traditional Hub and Spoke architecture simply cannot match.
The Rise of Azure Integration Services
Microsoft is not turning its back on integration entirely. Instead, it's evolving by migrating BizTalk’s best features to Azure Integration Services (AIS). This transition aims to offer a more agile, scalable, and cloud-friendly solution. AIS brings robust features like Logic Apps, API Management, Service Bus, and Event Grid, creating an ecosystem that leverages cloud-native benefits.
Planning Your Transition
There are several approaches to transition from BizTalk, whether you choose to migrate to a new platform entirely, adopt a hybrid model, or transform to a modern architecture. Each path has its own set of challenges and opportunities. Careful planning and expert consultation are crucial to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Conclusion
The impending end of support for BizTalk Server, the stagnation in its development, the shortage of developers, and the outdated architecture all point to one conclusion: BizTalk is dead. Organizations must start planning their migration to more modern, efficient, and scalable integration solutions. Leveraging options like Azure Integration Services can provide a seamless and forward-looking path.
By addressing these key points and planning for the future, your organization can stay ahead in the game of technology and ensure a seamless and successful transition away from BizTalk.
Citations
- Ending Support in 2030 - Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn
- What's New in BizTalk Server 2020 - BizTalk Server | Microsoft Learn
- BizTalk Server Future - Why BizTalk Server is still relevant in the Azure era
