Integration Models in Information Systems

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Questions and Answers

Match the reasons for integration with their descriptions:

Technology change affects all layers = Legacy systems are difficult to replace Different IT infrastructures in departments = Departments maintain independent systems Formation of Zero Latency organization = Eliminates latency between applications Updating and integrating applications = Allows creation of new applications

Match the integration models with their explanations:

Presentation integration = Integrates new software via existing legacy presentations Data integration = Combines data from multiple sources into one Function integration = Merges functionalities of different applications Process integration = Streamlines business processes across applications

Match the benefits of integration with their effects:

Improved data consistency = Provides up-to-date information across departments Reduced operational latency = Enhances responsiveness and efficiency Enhanced collaboration = Fosters teamwork with shared resources Cost savings = Reduces redundancy in IT infrastructure

Match the components of an enterprise integration system with their roles:

Middleware = Facilitates communication between applications Data warehouse = Stores integrated data from various sources APIs = Allows interaction between different software components ETL tools = Extracts, transforms, and loads data for integration Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms related to integration with their definitions:

Real-time data integration = Updates data continuously as it changes Legacy system = Older technology that remains in use Enterprise architecture = Blueprint for IT infrastructure and processes Application integration = Connecting different applications to work together Signup and view all the answers

Match the integration method with its description:

File Transfer = One application writes a file that another reads later Shared Database = Multiple applications share the same database schema Remote Procedure Invocation = One application exposes functionality for remote access Loose Coupling = Minimizes dependencies between integrated systems Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristic of integration solutions with its definition:

Autonomous = Applications update their state independently Heterogeneous = Each application employs its own data model Change Resilience = Ability to adapt to changes without significant impact Data Transformation = Mapping between differing data representations Signup and view all the answers

Match the integration challenge with its requirement:

Representation Mismatches = Mappings and transformations are necessary Application Changes = Integration solutions must keep pace with changes Integration Avalanche Effect = Changes in one system may affect others Independent Upgrades = Systems are maintained and upgraded at different times Signup and view all the answers

Match the integration solution with its advantage:

File Transfer = Predefined filename and location for readability Shared Database = No duplicate data storage required Remote Procedure Invocation = Real-time and synchronous communication Loose Coupling = Reduces tight integration between applications Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its correct context in integration:

Middleware = Framework for enabling system integration Synchronous Communication = Real-time interaction between applications Data Model = Structured representation of data elements Integration Framework = Collection of technologies serving as middleware Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Reasons for Integration

Technology change impacts all organizational layers, with legacy systems persisting.
Organizational information system architecture is shaped by both technology and organizational constraints.
Independent IT infrastructures, systems, and databases in departments can be integrated for added company value.
Integration supports the creation of Zero Latency organizations, where all functions operate with current information, minimizing application latency.
Applications can be updated and integrated on demand, facilitating the development of new applications from real-time data sources.

Integration Models

Integration models determine how applications connect, focusing on the nature and mechanisms involved.
Presentation integration allows new software to connect through existing user interfaces of legacy systems, requiring data mappings and transformations due to heterogeneous data models.
Changes in applications necessitate integration solutions to adapt quickly, using loose coupling to reduce interdependencies.
Autonomous systems allow applications to operate and update their data independently.

Integrative Technologies/Methods

Application integration frameworks use middleware technologies to connect systems across organizations.
File Transfer involves one application creating a file for another to read, necessitating agreements on file name, location, and formats.
Shared Database allows applications to share a single database schema, eliminating data duplication and transfer needs.
Remote Procedure Invocation enables one application to expose functionalities for real-time access by others, maintaining data integrity without affecting other systems.
Messaging frameworks support reliable data transfer through message passing, accommodating asynchronous communication, which improves interaction in distributed systems.

Middleware

Middleware operates above operating systems and below applications, facilitating interoperability among software components.
Three middleware types include:
- Transaction-oriented: Supports distributed computing in database applications.
- Message-oriented: Ensures reliable asynchronous communication between components.
- Object-oriented: Facilitates synchronous communications based on object-oriented paradigms (e.g., CORBA, DCOM, RMI).

Integrative Architectures

Integrative architectures provide methodologies for application integration, acting as middleware.
Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) allows distributed objects to work together across various environments and programming languages.
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) extends component interoperability with a binary standard, enabling applications to communicate.

Review Questions

Define integrative programming and its significance.
Explain the various architectures utilized in application integration.
Describe interoperability and its importance in system integration.
Identify challenges encountered in application integration and potential solutions to address them.