Systems Integration Services

Using numerous software solutions across different platforms? No problem with systems integration technology
By Marianne Cotter, Freelance writer

Integrating systems is a major priority for companies that have invested in multiple software solutions operating on different platforms. Without systems integration, that data remains isolated in silos that can’t talk to each other. The result is lost business intelligence opportunities due to scattered data that can’t be analyzed and used to drive business decisions.
 

Systems integration services offer a variety of integration technology solutions to connect platforms, applications and trading partners.

When shopping for systems integration services, consider the following:

1. Take advantage of systems integration consultants.
2. Integrating systems and technology platforms: integration or independence?
3. Using service-oriented architecture (SOA) as a solution for systems integration.
4. Integrating systems with enterprise application integration (EAI) solutions.
5. Integration technology to link trade partners.

Take advantage of systems integration consultants

Systems integration consultants analyze your systems integration needs in the broadest possible context, advising not just on software and data integration, but also on processes, business units and relationships both within and outside of the organization.
Try: 

Pervasive Software has long been a leader in systems integration technology. Its Business Integrator is one of several integration technology solutions that address systems integration needs.  Systems Integration Solutions is a systems integration services company that addresses mid-tier technology issues, such as technology upgrades, new application rollouts and other situations that require integration solutions. If efforts to integrate your systems have faltered, WSR Consulting Group specializes in saving failed systems integration projects. For a list of systems integration consultants, visit the Business.com directory.

Integrating systems and technology platforms: integration or independence?

System development consultants approach platform integration solutions in one of two ways: platform integration or platform independence. Platform integration technology involves a common underlying infrastucture through which different platforms share data. Platform independence sets up a client/server relationship through which requests are made.
Try: 

Jitterbit is an open-source client and server integration platform that connects data from ERP systems, CRM applications, data warehouses, online marketplaces and more. See Jitterbit’s data sheet for a list of supported protocols and documents. Microsoft’s BizTalk Server platform provides the infrastructure to connect existing applications regardless of platform between business partners including EDI and RFID support.

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) as a solution for systems integration

SOA packages the business processes of all applications into a global pool of modular services, replacing the need for traditional systems integration tools.
Try: 

The systems integrations services at Sterling Commerce include the Gentran Integration Suite for Multi-Enterprise SOA. It creates interoperability between business processes, trading partners, communication protocols, legacy systems and more. IBM’s Smart SOA has a four-tied approach to SOA implementation depending on your business model and needs. 

Integrating systems with enterprise application integration (EAI)

EAI is a combination of software and computer systems architecture that integrates stand-alone enterprise applications, such as CRM, supply chain and business intelligence. Many systems integration consultants offer their own version of EAI as a solution.
Try: 

Enterprise Application Integration from eTransX is a systems integration solution for small and mid-sized enterprises. Gentran Suite, Sterling Commerce’s EAI solution, is designed for large organizations with systems that span business units, divisions and countries.

Using integration technology to link trade partners

Systems integration services and products can help you and your trade partners avoid conflicting platforms and protocols with your supply chain solutions, EDI applications and other processes and software.
Try: 

The systems integration services at B2 Integration include data and application integration and EDI process integration between an enterprise and its trading partners. E2open provides multi-enterprise platforms for inventory management over global supply networks.

• Make sure systems integration consultants address systems security.
• Look for system development consultants who take your trading partners into consideration when building an integration solution.
• Look for an integration technology solution that is customized for your industry.
• Integrating systems should be treated as an ongoing IT initiative rather than a one-time project.