System Integration and Horizontal Integration

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of system integration?

To simplify the design of subsystems.

To ensure that subsystems operate as a singular system. (correct)

To increase the number of subsystems in a system.

To create new components for subsystems.

What does Horizontal Integration primarily establish?

A complex network of interconnected subsystems.

Multiple interfaces between subsystems.

A unique interface known as an Enterprise Service Bus. (correct)

Vertical silos of functional entities.

Which of the following best describes Vertical Integration?

Integration based on creating independent communication lines.

Integration through functional groups or silos. (correct)

Integration that focuses on connecting multiple interfaces.

Integration that minimizes the number of subsystems.

What is the potential drawback of Star Integration?

It leads to complex interconnections resembling 'spaghetti'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of Horizontal Integration?

Extreme flexibility and reduced integration costs. Signup and view all the answers

How does Vertical Integration benefit its implementation process?

It can be completed quickly with fewer vendors involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about Horizontal Integration?

It eliminates the need for data transformation. Signup and view all the answers

Which integration method typically results in higher long-term costs?

Vertical Integration due to the need for new silos. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'spaghetti' refer to in the context of system integration?

The complex network of connections in an overall system diagram. Signup and view all the answers

How can the cost of integration be affected by the interfaces exported by subsystems?

Heterogeneous or proprietary interfaces can significantly increase integration costs. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a common data format play in enterprise application integration (EAI)?

It allows for easier integration by avoiding multiple data format conversions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential challenge organizations face when integrating new software solutions?

Disagreement on where functionality should reside. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an enterprise to choose the right set of products?

To facilitate integration with other systems or products effectively. Signup and view all the answers

How do different business units perceive data within an enterprise?

Their perspectives on data are influenced by their unique operational responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome can arise from an enterprise using a complex stack of products from a single vendor?

Identifying that the stack does not meet their business needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common service provided by EAI systems besides data format standardization?

Data transformation service to handle application-specific formats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

System Integration

Defined as the engineering process of bringing together component sub-systems into one operational system.
Ensures subsystems cooperate to deliver overarching functionality.
In information technology, it involves linking different computing systems and software applications to function as a coordinated whole.

Horizontal Integration

Creates a unique subsystem acting as a single interface between all other subsystems.
Functions as an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), allowing for one interface per subsystem.
Enables replacement of subsystems without affecting the others due to diverse data and interfaces.
ESB translates interfaces, reducing integration costs and increasing flexibility.
Misunderstandings may arise regarding costs of data transformation and business logic responsibilities.

Vertical Integration

Integrates subsystems based on functionality, creating "silos" of functional entities.
Quick to implement with limited vendors but potentially becomes more costly over time.
New functionalities may require the creation of additional silos, increasing long-term expenses.
Short-term cheaper due to faster integration with necessary vendors only.

Star Integration

Known as "Spaghetti Integration" due to the extensive interconnections resembling spaghetti strands.
Each subsystem connects to multiple others, creating a star-like connection pattern.
More subsystems lead to increased connection complexity and costs related to exporting interfaces.
Varied interface types, especially proprietary ones, can raise integration costs significantly.

Common Data Format

Utilizes a standardized data format to avoid extensive transformations between application formats.
Application-independent format or transformation services streamline data interchange across applications.
Enterprise application integration (EAI) systems establish a common data format to simplify integration.

Challenges in System Integration

Integration complexity can diminish ROI on new software solutions.
Challenges include:
- Lack of trust in data sharing with external partners.
- Reluctance to outsource operations to third parties.
- Poor communication and unclear responsibilities.
- Disagreements on functionality ownership among partners.
- High integration costs and difficulty in sourcing skilled talent.
- Absence of common API standards.

Organizational Data Perception

Different business units interpret data variably due to differing operational responsibilities and system usage.
Critical for business success to leverage existing enterprise data effectively.
Companies may choose complex product stacks that fail to meet needs or become hard to maintain.
Selecting the right product suite is vital for ensuring future integration flexibility and avoiding monolithic solutions.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of system integration in engineering and information technology. It covers the processes of combining component subsystems into a coherent whole and the significance of horizontal integration in various applications. Test your understanding of how these integrations enhance functionality and cooperation among systems.