Integration architectures: a framework for system integration decisions

To support system engineering and the related decision processes on a level above the development of single applications, a framework for system integration is presented. An integration architecture, used as a meta-model of the integrated system, is the major focal point during the engineering process and serves as a basis for decisions on a system-level. Two different decision processes and their parameters and outputs are identified. A domain model, the integration architecture, and a classification of enabling technologies are the most important elements in this framework