The notion of message processing and communication based on queues is not new to computer science. Until now, this asynchronous function has been an attribute of subsystems such as transactional monitors or communication access methods. The heterogeneity and inter-application communication that have resulted from the expansion of distributed systems have led to the need for a function that is completely independent of these subsystems, and that erases the effects of this heterogeneity.
In this article, after recalling the basic concepts of asynchronous processing, we'll describe a few application models for information exchange that can be implemented using message handlers.
Next, we'll describe the features and main functions of IBM's MQSeries family of message managers.
We'll give a few examples of how the message manager is used in applications in various sectors of the economy: distribution, banking, tourism, etc.
Finally, we'll say a few words about other message exchange systems available on the IT market.