This post is about system integration.
System Integration Models
System integration model
- Point-to-point
- Star
- Horizontal
- Vertical
The point-to-point integration consists of simple connections between two subsystems rather than a complex network.
The simplicity of this method makes it ideal for organizations that focus on improving a function rather than implementing an entire database. If this method is used to connect multiple software applications, the connections become unmanageable and technical problems may arise.
The star or spaguetti integration is a collection of point-to-point connections in a sequence of star polyhedra. This structure is not only capable of connecting software, but also makes interconnections between other subsystems.
However, due to its complex mechanism, if a developer were to make a physical model of a star integration, it would look like a bowl of spaghetti, hence its nickname. This method’s ability to make numerous interconnections provides users with more functionality, but requires more maintenance.
The horizontal integration establishes one subsystem that acts as the centralized database to which all software connects. This reduces the number of connections required to integrate all processes by eliminating interconnections.
Therefore, if there are seven subsystems, there would only be seven total connections, one from each system to the central integrator. Minimizing the links saves the time, capital, and effort required to create and maintain the solution.
The vertical or silos integration method forms individual silo structures based on the functions of the subsystems. In other words, this strategy groups similar software together without making interconnections to systems that handle other operations.