Cañon, Rian James
BSIT – 3A
QUIZ #1
1. What is the primary goal of system integration?
• The primary goal of system integration is to ensure that different subsystems or
components work together seamlessly as a cohesive whole. This involves unifying
disparate systems, processes, and data to improve efficiency, enhance
functionality, and provide a unified user experience. Effective system integration
helps streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and facilitate better
communication and data exchange across an organization.
2. List two key benefits of integrating different systems.
• Improved Efficiency: Integration reduces manual data entry and the need for
duplicate processes, streamlining workflows and saving time for employees.
• Enhanced Data Accuracy and Insights: By consolidating data from various
systems, integration improves data accuracy and provides comprehensive
insights, enabling better decision-making and strategic planning.
3. How does system integration improve data consistency?
• System integration improves data consistency by centralizing data management
and automating data synchronization. Centralization ensures all systems access
the same source of truth, reducing discrepancies, while automation keeps data
updated across platforms in real time. This leads to more reliable and accurate
data, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
4. Define middleware and describe its role in system integration.
• Middleware is software that acts as a bridge between different applications,
services, or systems, enabling them to communicate and exchange data
effectively.
i. Communication Facilitation: Middleware provides a set of services that
enable disparate systems to communicate with each other, regardless of
their underlying technologies or platforms. This is essential for integrating
applications that were not originally designed to work together.
ii. Data Transformation and Routing: Middleware can transform data
formats and route messages between systems, ensuring that the
information sent and received is compatible with each system’s
requirements.
iii. Simplified Development: By providing common services such as
authentication, logging, and transaction management, middleware allows
developers to focus on building business logic rather than dealing with the
complexities of system connectivity.
iv. Scalability and Flexibility: Middleware supports the scalability of
integrated systems by allowing easy addition or modification of
components without disrupting existing services, making it easier to adapt
to changing business needs.
5. What are APIs, and how do they facilitate system integration?
• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are sets of rules that enable different
software applications to communicate and exchange information. They facilitate
system integration by:
i. Standardizing Communication: Allowing disparate systems to interact
regardless of technology.
ii. Enabling Modularity: Supporting independent development and
maintenance of components.
iii. Facilitating Data Exchange: Enabling real-time sharing of information for
better data consistency.
iv. Providing Access to Functionality: Allowing applications to leverage
features from other systems without rebuilding them.
v. Enhancing Scalability and Flexibility: Making it easier to adapt and
integrate new services as needed.
6. What is Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)?
• Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is an architectural design pattern that
organizes software applications as a collection of loosely coupled services, each
performing a specific business function.
7. What are two major challenges commonly faced in system integration?
• Two major challenges commonly faced in system integration are:
i. Data Compatibility and Standardization: Different systems often use
varying data formats, structures, and protocols, making it difficult to
achieve seamless data exchange. Ensuring compatibility and standardizing
data can require significant effort and resources.
ii. Complexity and Resource Management: Integrating multiple systems can
lead to increased complexity in managing workflows, dependencies, and
communication. This complexity often requires skilled personnel and can
strain resources, leading to potential delays and higher costs in the
integration process.
8. How can data consistency be ensured across multiple integrated systems?
• Centralize Data: Use a centralized database or data warehouse as a single source
of truth.
• Automate Synchronization: Implement automated processes for real-time or
scheduled data updates.
• Establish Validation Rules: Create clear data validation rules to maintain data
accuracy.
• Utilize APIs: Use APIs for standardized data exchange, ensuring compatible
formats.
• Conduct Regular Audits: Perform audits to identify and correct inconsistencies.
• Implement Change Management: Use structured processes to track and apply
changes consistently.
9. What are some security concerns in system integration, and how can they be mitigated?
• Security concerns in system integration can pose significant risks. Here are some
common issues and ways to mitigate them:
i. Data Breaches
ii. Insecure APIs
iii. Weak Authentication and Authorization
iv. Inconsistent Security Policies
v. Third-Party Risks
• Mitigation Strategies:
i. Data Encryption
ii. Secure APIs
iii. Robust Authentication and Authorization
iv. Unified Security Policies
v. Regular Security Audits:
vi. Vendor Risk Management
vii. Monitoring and Logging
