IRS - Middleware Operational and Maintainence Support

Case Study: Intellisoft Technologies' Middleware Support for IRS Enterprise Operations (EOPS)

Duration of the Project: 2009 - 2020

Contract# 2032H520F00247

Background

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relies on a robust and reliable IT infrastructure to manage its vast array of business applications and systems. The Enterprise Operations (EOPS) is a critical component of the IRS, providing 24x7x365 support for business applications and other systems. The environment is highly complex, encompassing all tiers of Information Technology (IT), including mainframes, servers of various sizes, and multiple software solutions. Intellisoft Technologies was contracted to support the IRS Middleware throughout the lifecycle of its modernized infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration, configuration, and customization of both Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software and custom-developed infrastructure applications.

Challenges

1. Complex IT Environment: Managing a highly distributed IT environment with a variety of platforms and systems, including Unisys/IBM mainframes, Solaris/Windows/Linux servers, and various database management systems.

2. Integration and Customization: Integrating and customizing COTS software to meet specific IRS requirements while ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

3. System Availability and Reliability: Ensuring continuous availability and reliability of critical systems and applications to support IRS operations.

4. Security and Compliance: Maintaining robust security measures and compliance with governmental regulations and standards.

5. Scalability and Future Requirements: Developing infrastructure solutions that can adapt to future business requirements and scale as needed.

Intellisoft’s Role

Intellisoft Technologies provided comprehensive support for the IRS Middleware infrastructure, focusing on several key areas to address the challenges and enhance the IRS’s operational efficiency.

Integration and Customization of COTS Software

• WebSphere: Configured and customized WebSphere Application Server to support various IRS applications, ensuring high availability and performance.

• SiteMinder: Implemented SiteMinder for Single Sign-On (SSO) support, streamlining user authentication and enhancing security.

• Business Objects: Deployed Business Objects for ad-hoc reporting and business intelligence, enabling detailed analysis and decision-making.

• Informatica: Utilized Informatica for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes, ensuring accurate and timely data management.

• MQ Series: Managed MQ Series for reliable messaging and communication between different systems and applications.

Development of Custom Infrastructure Applications

• Application Messaging and Data Access Service (AMDAS): Developed AMDAS to facilitate efficient messaging and data access across the IRS infrastructure.

• Enterprise Directory and Authentication Services (EDAS): Implemented EDAS to provide centralized authentication and directory services, enhancing security and user management.

• Content Delivery Services (CDS): Created CDS to manage content distribution and delivery, ensuring timely access to necessary information.

• Enterprise Application Integration Broker (EAIB): Developed EAIB for seamless integration of various IRS applications, enabling efficient data exchange and workflow automation.

Middleware Infrastructure Support

• Registered User Portal (RUP) and Employee User Portal (EUP): Supported both RUP and EUP, ensuring secure access and reliable performance for IRS users.

• Security and Subsystems: Provided support for associated security measures and subsystems, including the Security Audit and Analysis System (SAAS) and Error Store.

Data Extraction and Transformation

• ETL Processes: Supported data extraction, transformation, and loading processes to ensure accurate and timely data availability for IRS applications and decision-making.

Performance and Reliability

• System Monitoring and Maintenance: Conducted continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure system availability and reliability.

• Performance Analysis: Utilized performance analysis tools to identify and address potential issues, ensuring optimal system performance.

Results

• Enhanced Integration and Customization: Successfully integrated and customized various COTS software solutions to meet IRS requirements, enhancing overall system functionality and performance.

• Improved System Availability: Ensured continuous availability and reliability of critical IRS systems, supporting 24x7x365 operations.

• Robust Security Measures: Implemented and maintained robust security measures, ensuring compliance with governmental regulations and protecting sensitive data.

• Scalable Infrastructure: Developed scalable infrastructure solutions that can adapt to future business requirements, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.

• Efficient Data Management: Supported efficient data extraction, transformation, and loading processes, ensuring accurate and timely data availability for IRS applications.

Conclusion

Intellisoft Technologies played a crucial role in supporting the IRS Middleware infrastructure throughout its lifecycle. Through meticulous integration, configuration, and customization of both COTS software and custom-developed applications, Intellisoft ensured the IRS's complex IT environment operated smoothly and efficiently. This case study exemplifies how strategic technological support and development can enhance governmental operations, leading to increased efficiency, reliability, and security.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Integration and Customization: Effective integration and customization of COTS software are essential for meeting specific organizational requirements and enhancing system functionality.

• Continuous Availability and Reliability: Ensuring continuous system availability and reliability is critical for supporting round-the-clock operations.

• Robust Security and Compliance: Implementing robust security measures and ensuring compliance with regulations are vital for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust.

• Scalability and Future-Proofing: Developing scalable infrastructure solutions that can adapt to future requirements is essential for long-term operational success.

Through its comprehensive approach, Intellisoft Technologies not only addressed the immediate challenges faced by the IRS but also provided a scalable and secure solution for the long-term management of its Middleware infrastructure.