IT companies often handle a large and diverse amount of information. That data is processed in a variety of ways and many teams need access to that information. The best way for all parts to find what they’re looking for is through the implementation of enterprise integration software.
Enterprise integration software allows developers, business analysts, designers and CEOs to find all the data they require whenever they need to find it. By employing an enterprise integration pattern, systems are interconnected and the exchange of data and computing environments becomes easier. For example, this allows two systems to intercommunicate, so as more information becomes available in the enterprise, more connections are needed.
However, the central importance of enterprise integration is that it’s the only way to enhance internal processes, as well as the best way to deploy and distribute applications and software throughout the enterprise. Companies have the opportunity to scale their production in an organized and feasible way by using enterprise application integration.
Advantages of Enterprise Software Integration
Using well-established enterprise integration software provides multiple benefits to a business, enabling the exchange of information between different teams of the same company to make data available. Its main objectives are:
- Digitization of the information
The digitalization of all existing data within a company means that all the information flowing through it will now be easily located by teams and foster the exchange of data.
2. Organization and coordination
Enterprise integration software makes it easier for different teams to manage large amounts of data.
3. Building software made simpler
Units have access to information available from other teams so that they’re always up-to-date. That way, they can adapt the software development to those changes in the product or the business objectives.
4. Standardization of architecture
The integration of enterprise applications creates an automated data exchange system, allowing each team to focus on developing and reaching objectives to achieve a quality product.
By using this type of software, teams feel confident enough to self-organize, devise and streamline various integration solutions by leveraging all available information and collaboration among teams.
For an enterprise integration to work, it requires certain elements, so let’s explore some of them:
- APIs
API stands for Application Programming Interfaces, software that processes the transfer of data between several systems. For example, when an app must return billing information to the user, that application may consult with an API that in turn, will search for that information in a database.APIs enable companies to share data with outsourced developers, other internal departments, etc.
- Data
Data is used to make suggestions for improvements in the architecture of a company and the different products it develops. This is used to survey pain points, to improve areas in recommended integration patterns, and to evaluate the use of APIs. In short, data helps to understand the target integration state.
- App integration
Each app is designed to meet a certain objective. The idea behind exchanging data and providing visibility on processes is that all teams can benefit from using applications developed or used by other teams.
Why are Enterprise Integration Patterns relevant for an organization?
As previously mentioned, companies typically keep large amounts of information in multiple locations, which makes it inaccessible or even lost. That’s when integration solutions come into the picture.
Just to be clear, Enterprise Integration Pattern (EIP) refers to a series of steps that provides a framework for enterprise integration solutions, or a method of communication between different systems. The EIP concept was first introduced by enterprise strategists, Bobby Woolf and Gregor Hohpe in their book “Enterprise Integration Patterns”, where they explain 65 patterns.
Knowing which patterns are available and which one is the best for your business is important because by using them, it’s possible to avoid data loss.
It’s very common to have gaps in information when it isn’t well organized. By using EIP, information is streamlined or aggregated, and as a result, team members are more focused and confident because they are equipped with better information – adding value to the product that is being created.
Data analytics
In the UX and technology era, it’s widely known that decisions are always made based on data. To do so, it’s recommended to use an aggregator pattern that groups data from different places that have similarities in order for a more complete analysis to be made.
Data migration
It’s very frequent that companies need to migrate data, e.g. moving old technology to a new one. There are patterns available to help a company migrate large amounts of information. The pattern to be selected will depend on the type of data and the amount of it that needs to be migrated.
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