Information Systems Integration in the Cloud: Scenarios, Challenges and Technology Trends

Abstract

Modern enterprise-IT-landscapes increasingly include best-of-breed business applications, platforms and infrastructure sourced on demand from cloud service providers. Such IT-cloud-sourcing fosters both scalability and flexibility of enterprise information systems, which enables fast responses to ever-changing market needs and competition. However, cloud computing also extends the need for and range of information systems integration: mixed cloud-/on-premise-IT-landscapes extend integration of data, components and processes beyond the boundaries of a single enterprise combining them with B2B integration and cross-enterprise collaboration. Furthermore, integration technology providers increasingly offer their solutions as-a-service in the cloud, which also allows them to extend their portfolios in response to technology trends like big data or mobile outreach. In this paper we analyze current practices and upcoming trends of information systems integration in the context of cloud computing technology. This includes a discussion of cloud integration scenarios and related challenges from multiple perspectives. Subsequently, we draw a vision of a cloud-based integration technology stack that enables a wide range of federated cloud integration solutions.