Evaluation of WebSocket Communication in in Enterprise Architecture

Abstract: The adoption of new technologies in enterprise environments are always challenging. These challenges are regarding the compatibility of a new technology with the existing architecture.WebSocket is one of the new technologies in terms of distributed enterprise applications. WebSocket is a recently standardized protocol for exchanging real-time data in distributed applications including web applications. WebSocket significantly contributes in faster data transmission by introducing a bidirectional communication. However, enterprises including Volvo IT, which was the industrial collaborator of this study, are interested on more research regarding the concerns involved with the adoption of WebSocket technology in enterprise environments. This study aimed at two objectives. The first objective was to discuss WebSocket technology with regard to Volvo IT enterprise architectural principles; the second objective targeted on investigating enterprise web middleware infrustructure challenges while adopting WebSocket technology. Targeting these two important objectives, qualitative and design research approaches were employed. By means of qualitative strategy, WebSocket technology was discussed based on the most relevant Volvo IT enterprise architectural principles. The design research focus was to develop a WebSocket application prototype targeting design recommendations to overcome the challenges of EWMI. The WebSocket application prototype was confronted against a simulated laboratory which is similar to Volvo IT EWMI architecture. The findings from the two employed research approaches revealed the gained benefits and incompatibility concerns when adapting WebSocket technology.