'Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)'
Doi
Abstract
In addressing enterprise integration problems, a diversity
of technologies such as CORBA and XML were
promoted, yet no single integration technology solves all
integration problems. As a result, a new generation of
software called Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
is emerging to addresses many integration problems by
combining a diversity of integration technologies (e.g.
message brokers, adapters, XML). Since EAI is a new
research area, there is an absence of literature discussing
issues like its adoption, evaluation and implementation.
This paper, examines the application of two frameworks
for the evaluation of EAI packages in the practical arena.
In doing so, the authors use case study strategy to
investigate integration issues. Empirical data derived
from the case study suggest additions to the two
evaluation frameworks. Therefore, the authors revised
and extend previous works by proposing a novel
evaluation framework for the assessment of EAI
packages. The proposed framework makes novel
contribution at two levels. First, at the conceptual level,
as it incorporates criteria identified separately in previous
studies as evaluation criteria. The proposed framework
can be used as a decision-making tool and, supports
management when taking decisions regarding the
adoption of EAI. Additionally, it can be used by
researchers to analyse and understand the capabilities o