What is Integration Architecture?

Integration Architecture is a software architecture developed to facilitate the integration of IT components. Modern application architecture means that companies use a wide variety of applications with different tasks. Thanks to the Integration Architecture, communication between these applications is ensured.

Application Integration Software is generally counted as middleware. Its job is to act as a translator for two or more applications to communicate with each other. Communication between IT components of an enterprise without Integration Architecture will be broken and weak. For this reason, some information may remain outside the system. Thanks to the Integration Architecture, the company's data is optimized faster and business processes proceed faster.

Benefits Of Integration Architecture

• Efficiency increases: Integrated systems contribute to the efficiency of the entire workflow. It creates a control mechanism over daily processes. Employees can use all the applications they need from a single entry point. Thus, they can do more work in a short time.
• Reliable and accurate data is obtained: There is no disconnection as the data will be kept up-to-date in all components of the system. The security of the data is not compromised.
• Faster decision making: Data is no longer dispersed into repositories. So you can see all the information as a whole. The visibility of information is very important to make faster decisions.
• Reduces your costs: Thanks to system integration, the difficulties of implementing new computer infrastructures are over. Replacing all broken parts with a single system protects your business from financial expenses.

A successful Integration Architecture enables the creation of interfaces that unify various applications and data. Integration Architecture creates the necessary conditions for all the data collected by the business to be transformed into action. In this sense, it functions as a power station. It does not create data but transforms data so that it can be used most beneficially.

SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture)

Service-Oriented Architecture is one of the most important stages of application development and integration processes. It defines ways to make SOA software components available and interoperable through service units. SOA provides ways to quickly integrate new applications and enhance collaboration between IT and your business processes.

Here are a few advantages of using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA):

• Creates a code that will enable reuse: It reduces the time spent in the project development process. When you need to create a new project, the process goes fast because your coding is ready.
• SOA is essential for scalability: It helps you scale your business to meet customer needs.
• Increases interaction: Businesses often have difficulty communicating between departments. SOA produces solutions to prevent communication breakdowns.

What Does An Integration Architect Do?

An integration architect is the type of architect who knows how to integrate multiple computer components and software. They receive a specialized education that requires years of engineering experience. Understands the nuances of graphical software tools, reporting, and database software. They offer the necessary integration techniques to businesses for organizing corporate projects. Integration requires extensive computer-related knowledge and skills. The Integration Architect is responsible for producing a business strategy that can be used throughout the company.

Integration Architecture Methods

There are multiple methods for Integration Architecture implementations. The first method follows a top-down path and aims to create a centralized application architecture. But you may not know all the requirements for your applications in advance. In this model, data is prepared according to requirements and can be costly to modify while running.

Another approach is to work from the bottom up. If you proceed with this method, you will generate new ideas by noticing the applications required for each business unit. So, you can see each step and manage the process more easily. Then you can integrate the departments. This approach is more suitable for Integration Architecture. But there are also disadvantages such as infrastructure and renewed applications. You should consider legacy apps, web apps, and those that will change in the future. Your approach needs to be integrated into enterprise architecture principles to be successful in both methods.