Integration Platform Requirements
To be successful, your integration platform must meet the following requirements.
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Short deployment cycle—The integration project must be ready to go to production within a realistic timeframe and deploying from development to a running project must go smoothly.
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Scalability and extensibility—The project must be scalable (respond to increasing demand) and extensible (allow integration of new applications or addition of new business processes). Extensibility also means that the project must be flexible and adaptable so you can potentially adapt it to multiple departments in the same company.
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Ease of use—Integration projects are often developed by outside companies or consultants. When the project is complete, the company itself becomes responsible for maintenance and updates, and employees usually face a steep learning curve. If the integration platform is easy to use, the project can be developed in house. Cost of ownership is greatly reduced because the expertise is already there.