Integrated computer systems bring together many disparate subsystems and translate them into a single, cohesive working whole. However complex it can get, at its core, IT systems integration is made possible through one main principle: compatibility.
Compatibility creates connections. Although not all parts of the individual subsystems connect with one another, their respective compatibilities allow them to be arranged in chains or tiers in a subsystem, which in turn provides a means to construct complex systems that allow the free exchange of data and seamless use. Choosing compatible data also allows organizations to cut down on maintenance costs by using interchangeable components and relying on a smaller pool of specialist technicians, something that is not readily possible with incongruous systems.
Understanding how the individual components work together determines how compatible they would be in an integrated setting. The better they function, the smoother the process of integration. Frequently, the best way to ensure compatibility is to build all systems from components produced by the same manufacturer. This approach has its ups and downs, not the least among them the inability to bring down prices through competition.
Sometimes, such as when pre-existing subsystems are gradually brought together, purchasing components from one source may not always be possible. In these cases, compatibility testing becomes a fundamental part of the integration process. Testing allows developers to determine whether individual components can perform with variables such as hardware, other software, networks, and operating systems.
A graduate of the George Mason University, Justin Tchabo is today a systems engineer whose skills cover enterprise architecture, system integration, Cisco technologies, VMware, and data centers. Visit this blog for more updates on the ins and outs of IT system infrastructure.