Architecture selection

Below are some key benefits and risks related to each of the architectures reviewed in the section above.

BizTalk Server
Benefits Out of the box support for integrating with outside parties though various adapters Ability to aggregate messages together and return a single response Extensive tracking and monitoring	Risks MessageBox database that ensures messages do not get lost also slows down the solution Additional quality-of-service features around guaranteed delivery are unnecessary in a request-reply consumer transaction
Windows Server AppFabric
Benefits Robust hosting for .NET 4.0 workflow and WCF services Provided at zero cost with a Windows license Simple IIS hosting and user interface Basic support for tracking and monitoring	Risks Unproved scalability and track record Additional hardware may be needed to support the load New offering so skills will need to be learned
Windows Azure
Benefits Scalable, cloud-based approach with no additional...