Inter-database synchronization: a low-cost approach to information system integration

Abstract

In this preliminary report paper we discuss a lowcost approach to information system integration (“ISI”) in an enterprise setup. The approach relies upon the notion of unique identifier (UID) and continual synchronization. The approach is low-cost since it does not require high-skill from the IT staff (as compared to, for example, enterprise-service-bus approach), relatively easy to develop, and can be built entirely on well-known open-source software packages. The approach can, and should, be regarded as an intermediary technology before a company is able to deploy and operate a full-fledged integration scheme for its information systems. The research is based on an ongoing design and study of ISI in a university setup.