SOA part of PeopleSoft tools upgrade from Oracle

Oracle on Monday launched PeopleTools 8.48, an upgrade designed to offer web services functionality and serve as an entry point into Oracle's Fusion Middleware.

PeopleTools 8.48 is designed to enhance users' ability to support the use of web services and tie in both custom and legacy applications with PeopleSoft enterprise software.

Oracle's latest PeopleSoft tools upgrade also is designed to allow users to certify their tools with Oracle's Fusion Middleware - part of the company's major Fusion initiative, which aims to meld the technology of its various acquisitions into a new architecture.

When used in conjunction with Oracle Fusion Middleware Enterprise Portal, PeopleTools is designed to serve as a point of access for all enterprise applications. In addition, web services created from PeopleTools' Service Designer and Integration Broker can be automated and orchestrated via Oracle's Fusion Middleware BPEL Process Manager.

Among other new tools included in the launch is PeopleSoft Change Impact Analyzer, designed to allow customers to study the effect of prospective changes to their applications. Also, Oracle XML Publisher is now integrated into PeopleTools, increasing the number of options for customised reports.

The updated PeopleTools will expand its support to SQL Server 2005, Linux on IBM zSeries for PeopleTools Application Engine and PeopleTools Process Scheduler, and Suse Linux Enterprise Server 9.

Dawn Kawamoto writes for CNET News.com.