The "Art" of Integration

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Main Web Site Sections

The "Art" of Integration :

Back to the home page.

Theory & Concepts :

Years of dealing with integration matters have fueld many thoughts, some of which are original ones. These techniques do help me greatly in the execution of Architecture and Integration missions for my customers. These are excerpts from a forthcoming book, see copyright restrictions.

Methodology :

Understanding the "what" of Integration is far from being enough to ensure efficient developments. I try to point out some of the common problems that can easily turn an integration project into a bleeding experience. I explain my own methods, some had allowed to speed up integration development and lighten subsequent operations by a factor of three and more

Checklists & Templates :

I have been learning a lot since many years in Integration and still do learn a lot. More than can hold in one's mind. These forms, checklists and templates help me on two fronts: some are refreshing lists of all aspects to a problem, others carry the rigour necessary to conduct integration works. They are never final nor complete because you always discover new bits, technology evolves, and they must be adapted to each context: of course about the integration platform but too about the work organisation. I could have named the topic "helpers" or "accelerators".

Think Tank :

This section groups articles that do not fit into the other structured sections. Some articles are original essays, others are commenting thoughts from various sources, there are links too. I collect at this place the bits that I find mind twisting, or useful, or both indeed. I welcome contributions as well. They will remain duly attributed to their respective authors.

Contact :

A regular question when you look at web content: who's behind the site? can I trust this source? I tell some bits of my history and where I gained my expertise. You'll find how to contact me or even hire me into your projects.

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All Pages under All Topics

Integration Definitions :

Integration Levels :

I distinguish four integration levels, ranging from Software Components integration to Trading Partners interconnection.

SOA Methodologies :

Introducing PRAXEME :

A comprehensive introduction to PRAXEME, the only one method capable of designing Services in SOA by derivation from business modeling activities, in place of the usual best practices and heuristics.

External Inspiration :

E.W.Dijkstra didn't know he spoke so well about integration :

E.W. Dijkstra (1932-2002) was a pioneer of the computing sciences. In the seventies he was not talking about Integration itself, but about the developments of Programming as a discipline. Twenty-five years later, the parallelism is compelling.

About the author :

A brief history of my career :

My professional history starts with the first 8 bit microprocessors and continues in the virtual computing environments of today. I have been the father of an original software product line that has been successfully delivered to many Value Added Network operators in the world. My major activities today are about integration projects, consulting on architectures, and auditing.

My first computers in pictures :

In 1981 if you wanted a personal computer, you could purchase a Commodore or an Amiga, else microchips in electronic component stores and a soldering iron. I did the later.

Old white papers of an original software product line :

Sample white papers describing the original EDI software product line of which I was the father. It had been used by prestigious companies worldwide. A few sites are still in operation.

Art of e.Biz name and logo explained :

My curious company name and logo may be worth an explanation, as it is not by accident.

Why I called this site the "Art" of... :

I have no conceit in calling this site the "Art" of Integration. Just the reverse: it lacks the strength of a science. Moreover, it's only about "art"ifacts, isn't it?