madhavrao…

While developing system, we often come across integration issues, when two systems interact. What are the possible ways two system can integrate? Lets try to understand same in this post.

Two system can integrate with each other

• to exchange data
• to consume service of one system, by other

To exchange data

Systems can integrate to exchange data in online or offline mode.

If its online mode, then its mainly by calling services of other system. What is most important in such scenario is how much loose coupling can be provided. Ideally, systems involved in such integration should have pre-defined endpoints/interfaces defined for integration. Any system, which satisfies this interface can be integrated with it. If system to be integrate do not satisfy this interface, then adapters can be developed to make it satisfy the required interface.

If system needs to integrate to exchange data, and if its to be done in offline mode, then its achieved by an application which is aware of both of this system. Purpose of this application is to extract data from source system in Batch Mode, do necessary conversion and supply it to destination system. Such applications are normally scheduled to run at specified time or event. Systems like BizTalk, SQL Server 2000 DTS, SQL Server 2005 System Integration Services can be used to accomplish this. 

To consume service of one system, by other

Intention in such integration is to pass data, get it processed by another application to get finished output. Its often done, when accessing specialized feature like PDF creation, Document Type conversion. Very rare type of integration in Business application, often encountered in Product development.