Enterprise Application Integration Techniques

The introduction of new technology is always met by resistance from the exponents of current technology. However, “technology at this point is simply a means to an end. What is really strategic is the use of the information and how we exploit and maximize it.” This means that before we can introduce Enterprise Application Integration, we must justify its use. To do this, we will initially look at why it is needed, starting with a brief history of the development of computer systems. Once we have provided the justification for its use, we can then look at the specific requirements for successful implementation. Then we examine the two different integration architectures, point-to-point and middleware, and look at their respective advantages and disadvantages. The next step is to look at the four common integration methods, and what criteria are useful in choosing the appropriate one. Then we look at examples of who actually uses this, and in what context. Finally, we can examine the likely future for Enterprise Application Integration techniques.