Integration Research Center
Talk to an AnalystRobust integration capabilities are foundational for enterprise transformation
A continuum of reliable services are required, whether expressed in a mature API approach, in message-oriented middleware, or across storage capabilities. Over time, we will explore the topic from several viewpoints: temporal integration styles, integration types, and the evolution of integration over the past 50 years.
Temporal integration styles:
- Synchronous
- Asynchronous
- Publish-subscribe
- Batch
Integration types:
- API
- Event-based
- Integration service component
- Orchestration
Enterprise Integration
Journey
The continuum of connectivity extends to files, database, memory, sockets, point-to-point, electronic data interchange, messaging, remote procedure call, service-oriented architecture, and now APIs. Regardless of transport method or temporal requirements, each has its own strengths and drawbacks. As newer methods arrive, legacy methods are still needed to cost-effectively support business needs.
Strategy
Decide on the strategy, using any of the following building blocks:
- API strategy (research coming soon)
- Multichannel integration strategy
- Front-end/back-end integration
- Others, as needed
Governance
Ideate, define use cases, and choose the first point of contact.
Identify the specific problem and how the solution will meet business needs and enable business and technology transformation.
Create business cases, prioritize, prove, and plan.
Patterns
Build your target-state architecture from predefined best-practice building blocks.
Use architecture building blocks to speed up the decision phase.
Leverage integration architecture.
Use integration patterns.
Architecture
Select the technology platform for middleware, as well as other (cloud) functions, DevSecOps, etc.
Define the current-state and future-state architecture.
Implementation
Deploy the standardized integration process and procedures, including development, test, and disaster recovery environments.
Modify the software development lifecycle (SDLC) when necessary for oversight.
Operations
Make decisions about integration standards enforcement/governance (standards lifecycle management).
Create a change management plan to ensure adoption across the organization.
1
Strategy
Develop your integration strategy, API strategy, multichannel integration strategy, front-end/back-end integration, IoT integration, etc.
Build a Robust and Comprehensive Data Strategy
Build a Data Integration Strategy
Build an Application Integration Strategy
Develop a Comprehensive Business-to-Business Integration Strategy
Define Your Cloud Vision
Build Effective Enterprise Integration on the Back of Business Process
Make IT a Successful Partner in M&A Integration
2
Governance
Prioritize and sequence investments in fundamental capabilities given the maturity of the organization and business needs. Mandate usage and govern compliance to standards.
Implement and Optimize Application Integration Governance
Idea Reservoir Tool
Special Letter: At the Edge ‒ The IoT Security Imperative
3
Patterns
Identify integration standards, communicate, and provide guidance on pattern usage.
Build a Platform-Based Organization
Develop APIs That Work Properly for the Organization
Build Effective Enterprise Integration on the Back of Business Process
Enterprise Service Bus Service Interface Contract Template
Application Integration Policy and Principles Template
4
Architecture
Adopt enterprise architecture (EA) standards for integration. Enable data integration as well as application integration architecture (middleware, etc.). Define DevSecOps, integration security, etc.
Enterprise Service Bus Implementation Workbook
Application Integration Method Selection Tool
Cloud Integration Checklist
5
Implementation
Deploy the solution for initial enterprise integration. This includes all environmental support for monitoring and management as well as business continuity and disaster recovery.
Implement DevOps Practices That Work
Enterprise Integration Process Mapping Tool
Enterprise Service Bus Implementation Workbook
Enterprise Service Bus Disaster Recovery Checklist
Integration Service Catalog Template
6
Operations
Provide day-to-day operational support for all environments, project support, release/lifecycle management, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD).