COLIAO, JANDER V.
BC5MB
SIA 101
SUMMARY OF MODULE 3
Characteristics of System Integration
It seems like you're referring to information systems in a broader context. supporting
information exchange within and between information systems is a critical component of modern
organizational infrastructure. The ability to conduct business in real-time is no longer a luxury
but a necessity in today’s fast-paced environment. By implementing these integration solutions,
you can enhance operational efficiency, improve visibility, and foster stronger customer
relationships.
Portal-Oriented
Portal-Oriented Application Integration (POAI) allows us to view a multitude of systems
—both internal enterprise systems and external trading community systems—through a single-
user interface or application. POAI benefits us by avoiding the back-end integration problem
altogether; it adapts the user interface of each system to a common user interface (aggregated
user interface)—most often a Web browser. As a result, it integrates all participating systems
through the browser, although the applications are not directly integrated within or between the
enterprises.
Business Process Integration-Oriented
Simply put, business process integration-oriented products layer a set of easily defined
and centrally managed processes on top of existing sets of processes contained within a set of
enterprise applications.
Service-Oriented
Service-Oriented Application Integration (SOAI) allows applications to share common
business logic or methods. This is accomplished either by defining methods that can be shared,
and therefore integrated, or by providing the infrastructure for such method sharing such as Web
services.
Information-Oriented
Information-oriented integration focuses on the straightforward exchange of data between
systems, primarily to enhance interoperability and streamline operations. By focusing on simple
exchanges of data, information-oriented integration provides a pragmatic solution for
organizations looking to enhance connectivity between their systems while maintaining data
integrity and quality. Technologists who promote the information-oriented approach to
application integration argue that integration should occur between the databases that is,
databases or information-producing APIs should be viewed as the primary points of integration.
Within Information-Oriented Application Integration, there are many approaches. Information-
oriented solutions can be grouped into three categories: data replication, data federation, and
interface processing.
Integration Concepts
while coupling can enhance reusability and efficiency, it poses challenges in maintenance
and flexibility. Balancing coupling and decoupling is crucial for a resilient integration strategy,
can enhance reusability, it also presents challenges in maintenance and adaptability, making a
balance essential for effective integration. Fostering cohesion in system integration enhances
independence and flexibility, enabling organizations to adapt to changes and integrate new
technologies efficiently.
Approaching Information Integration
Information integration is the process of combining data and information from various
sources to create a unified view, facilitating better decision-making and operational efficiency.
Approaching information integration involves a structured process that emphasizes clear
objectives, careful assessment of data sources, and the implementation of appropriate
methodologies. By ensuring data quality and fostering flexibility, organizations can create a
robust integrated environment that supports informed decision-making and operational agility.
Data Replication
Data replication is simply moving data between two or more databases. These databases
can come from the same vendor, or from many vendors. They can even be databases that employ
different models. The fundamental requirement of database replication is that it accounts for the
differences between database models and database schemas by providing the infrastructure to
exchange data. Solutions that provide for such infrastructures are plentiful and inexpensive.
Data Federation
Database federation is the integration of multiple databases and database models into a
single, unified view of the databases. Put another way, database federations are virtual enterprise
databases that are comprised of many real, physical databases. While database federation has
been around for some time, the solution set has been perfected only recently.
Interface Processing
Interface processing solutions use well-defined application interfaces to focus on the
integration of both packaged and custom applications. Currently, interest in integrating popular
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications has made this the most exciting application
integration sector.
