When your data reporting needs are changing, consider your network technology, your remote users and security solutions before choosing data integration software. Server based data solutions allow your IT team to watch security and maintenance. Businesses sharing a local network can use desktop-based data integration technology.

Data integration software serves mid-tier technology processes, from upgrading to implementing new applications. Integration solutions need to offer multiply formats and provide some specialization within industries. Data integration solutions are concentrating on data integration management, but the customization in this area can be expensive.

Depending on where you are in the data integration process, considering the following solutions:

1. Use data integration tools to manage your own data integration plans.

2. Consider your technology platforms for customer data integration systems.

3. Get application integration software with service-oriented architecture (SOA) services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your data integration management with integration software

Use a data integration software tool to initiate your plan and report results quickly. Implement your data integration projects with solutions that offer electronic data integration standards.

I recommend: The Altova MapForce® 2008 tool maps and converts data, as well as auto-generating applications for frequent conversions. Use the Installer for MapForce® 2008 on a file server to install without an Internet connection. Look at the GoAnywhere solution to automate data integration. The easy-to-use interface promises functionality for your customers and trading partners.

Choose customer data integration (CDI) systems for your technology platforms

Look for customer data integration solutions that include all the departments using the reconciled data. Since CDI functions within the processes of online transactions, CDI software should gather data to inform your business plans, including cross-selling, merger and acquisitions and compliance issues. Connect data from several networks with a management option.

I recommend: Initiate Systems offers data management services with CDI solutions promising data integrity, security controls and customer visibility. Oracle's Siebel CDI solution is an industry leader and improves processes by focusing on CDI management, including cross-selling and risk exposure.

Get application integration software with SOA services

Hire a data integration services team to analyze your system and expand technology architecture. Legacy systems and integration solutions require service-oriented architecture packages to ease connection with trading partners. Look for a combination of software and computer systems architecture that will integrate standard applications between you and your affiliates.

I recommend: Composite’s data integration service builds faster, offers real-time information and is SOA-compliant and cost effective. Use your traditional applications to start with IBM’s Smart SOA solutions or get end-to-end business processes support with secure and scalable integration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Understand your software integration requirements before shopping. Poll your teams and the employees to find out the features they need.
• •  Look for industry specializations within software applications. For CDI implementation, get your business processes focused on data quality.
• •  Offer a CDI and MDM workshop or webinar to bring organizational sponsorship and customer data stakeholders up-to-date on data solutions.