Actional is a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) governance and Web services management software vendor. Prior to 1998, Actional was known as Visual Edge Software, a company originally founded in 1985 and best known for its Enterprise integration software as well as the popular UIM/X GUI builder software for OSF/Motif.

On January 19, 2006, Actional was acquired by Progress Software, based in Bedford, Massachusetts, for $32m and subsequently merged with its Sonic Software operating unit. Actional currently offers Looking Glass™, SOAPstation™ and other solutions for meeting SOA Runtime Governance and SOA security challenges.

SOA & Web Service Product Offerings

Looking Glass is an enterprise-class management and runtime governance solution that enables users to secure, govern and manage Web services and SOA processes from end to end. Utilizing Actional's weightless and non-intrusive Ghost Agents, Looking Glass gathers message data and enforces policy as messages flow through the Services Network, dynamically mapping each and every transaction for unprecedented visibility and control.

SOAPstation is a Web services intermediary that simplifies deploying and managing Web services projects. As an active participant in the message flow, SOAPstation controls Web service monitoring, security and access control, interoperability, traffic flow, change management and policy implementation. By deploying SOAPstation, organizations can cost effectively manage and scale their Web services and SOA deployments.

Web Services Standards Support

Actional is an active participant in the SOA and Web services management industry through their participation with several key Web Services standards committees including the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS ) and the Web Services Interoperability Organization (WS-I).

Professional Services

Actional offers professional services specializing in the migration from silo-based application development to a service-based approach. Services encompass on-site training at customer facilities, certification programs and custom consulting engagements. Packaged solutions also include a Quick Start option for early stage SOA pilots for rapid deployment and support.

External links

Actional Web Services Management