JCA Concepts
Internal
Java EE Connector Architecture (JCA)
Java EE Connector Architecture (JCA) defines a standard architecture for JEE systems to access external heterogenous Enterprise Information Systems (EIS), such as databases, messaging systems and mainframe transaction processing. The external systems are referred to as resource managers. The JEE system interaction to the external system is channeled through a collocated resource adapter.
Resource Manager
Resource Adapter
A resource adapter is a component that implements JCA API and architecture. It is similar to a datasource, however, it provides connectivity to and from an Enterprise Information System (EIS) such as a database, messaging system, transaction processing system, etc. From an Application Server's perspective, a resource adapter is a deployable component, packaged in a Resource Adapter Archive (RAR), whose file can be deployed within the AS.