EAIF

Abstract: Some Enterprise Architectures and Information Systems frameworks can be used to model different aspects of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI). Considering several of these frameworks and in particular the approaches proposed by the Brown’s Conceptual Model of Integration and the Integration Views of Sandoe, we have defined an EAI Framework (EAIF), expressed as a standard UML model. Its main contributions are on one hand, to unify concepts and terminology related to integration aspects and on the other hand to model the main features related with processes, services, mechanisms and people involved in business integration. Moreover, EAIF can be used within the enterprise to help integration project managers. The main goals of this work are: - present the EAIF specification, which complements the standard UML model, and - experiment the modeling of the processes, services, mechanisms and people of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system using the specification to illustrate the EAIF instantiation process. The application to the case study allowed the detection of inconsistencies in the definition of some of the CRM integration processes and the corresponding services suggesting changes in business strategies.

Abstract: The Enterprise Architecture Integration Framework (EAIF) specifies a Service Oriented matching levels (People, Processes, Applications and Mechanisms) with the models proposed by the MDA (CIM, PIM and PSM). You can also establish a correspondence between these models and artifacts of RUP. From these correspondences, there is a set of transformation rules to generate specifications EAIF classes. In this study we used the Action Research methodology and case study as a Help Desk application. A first result corresponds to the identification of RUP artifacts generated during the development of applications with different levels of EAIF using MDA. Subsequently, the information in these artifacts is generated specifying EAIF classes, using the transformation rules raised, obtaining a first version of Enterprise Architecture in the organization under study. Among the contributions of this research is that the enrichment of the guidelines and specifications that make up the EAIF. Also, it provides a valuable tool for organizations interested in bridging the gap between the ICT and its goals, promoting the effective strategic decisions to maintain its competitive positioning.