Next Generation Application Integration: From Simple Information to Web Services

Chapter One. Approaching Application Integration

This chapter sets the stage for application integration concepts and introduces ways to view application integration solution patterns. The reader should focus on the concepts rather than the details. More technical details will come later in the book.

Application integration is a strategic approach to binding many information systems together, at both the service and information levels, supporting their ability to exchange information and leverage processes in real time. While this sounds like a pure technology play, the resulting information and process flow between internal and external systems provides enterprises with a clear strategic business advantage: the ability to do business in real ...