A semantic model for enterprise application integration in the era of data explosion and globalisation

This paper presents a model for Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) in the modern era of data explosion and globalisation. Application here refers to software, which is in essence data system, and data refers to both information and knowledge (data serves as a vehicle for information as well as knowledge). The salient features of the model are: (1) separation of business functions from applications and enterprises, (2) three-layer architecture of the model (conceptual or semantic level, external or application level, internal or realisation level), and (3) integration of structured, semi-structured and non-structured data. To our best knowledge, the existing model or solution to EAI does not hold all the three features. A case study is presented to illustrate how the model works. The model can be used by an individual enterprise or a group of enterprises that form a network, e.g., a holistic supply chain network.

Automated summary

This paper presents a model for Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) in the modern era of data explosion and globalization, which emphasizes the separation of business functions from applications and enterprises, a three-layer architecture, and the integration of different types of data. A case study is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the model, which can be utilized by individual enterprises or a network of enterprises.