Modular Architecture Framework for Crossorganizational Electronic Interaction

Abstract

In this work, we analysed organisational and technical weaknesses inherent in existing approaches to support the electronic interaction across corporate boundaries. To cope with these challenges, we presented a modular architecture framework and employed it to the scenario of collaborative tax declaration in Switzerland to illustrate its real-word applicability. In this way, we proved that both the physical medium\u27s design as well as the organization of agent interaction could be truly modularised. As one of the next steps, the economic potential of the HERA platform has to be investigated thoroughly in order to exactly quantify the advantages of the architecture framework compared to existing, more monolithic designs. In (Schmid, Schroth, Miche, & Janner, 2009), we proposed an initial architecture valuation method which tries to capture the value of modular designs. With the help of expert workshops conducted in the course of the HERA project, we identified interoperability, agility, and data security as the major business drivers underlying the analysis of architectural benefits. Based on fine-granular quality attributes and associated scenarios, we were able to estimate the economic value of organizing and implementing electronic interaction based on our architecture framework. One of the key insights gained was: The systematic splitting apart of cross-organizational interaction scenarios as well as their underlying information technology into modules with clearly defined interfaces allows for an unprecedented degree of agility. Modularity accommodates uncertainty and multiplies design options, thus creating a "portfolio of options" rather than an "option on a portfolio" (Baldwin & Clark, 1999). In modular designs, options can be leveraged through applying one or more of the modular operators discussed above. In the case of systems supporting cross-organizational electronic interaction between agents, for example, agent or media modules can be added, excluded, split, substituted, inverted and ported. These operators are applied entailing costs and benefits different from those in case of monolithic systems. Future publications will deal with leveraging the fundamental insights gained in the financial sector regarding option pricing for the development of quantitative theoretical valuation framework for modular IT service infrastructures. As opposed to the simple, Net Present Value (NPV)-based valuation techniques often used today, a model considering the availability of design options is now needed to exactly capture the benefit of modular architectures (Banerjee & deWeck, 2009; Feurstein, & Natter, 1998; Yeo, Qiu, 2002)