Enterprise integration using Service-Oriented Architecture

Abstract

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) research on integration is focused primarily on the Internet of Things (IoT). The use of SOA for enterprise integration is a major research gap, which this research addresses by proposing a conceptual SOA model for achieving six levels of enterprise integration. The lowest level is System-Specification Integration and the highest is Global Integration. Enterprise integration can be achieved by SOA mimicking business processes to align the architecture with the business. A Design Science seven-step method is used to develop twelve SOA components, including two new ones that expand SOA integration capabilities. The new components are Business Function Systems, and Business Support Services. The paper makes three contributions: It proposes six levels of enterprise integration achievable using SOA; explains how the SOA achieves each integration level; and introduces two new SOA components for achieving enterprise integration. This research has theoretical and practical implications that expand the discourse on SOA enterprise integration, provide insights on new business functions, business services, SOA standards, SOA implementation, and enterprise integration levels.