An enterprise wide information architecture

Abstract

Today's enterprises have architectured their information systems along well defined functions such as logistics, operations, accounting, warehousing. While these strategies have solved immediate business problems they have created structures that make information integration complex and difficult. This paper addresses the functional requirements for integrating information across the enterprise and the technical problems that will arise with these requirements. The paper examines two typical computing models and their technologies that offer solutions to the needs of enterprise computing: an enterprise distributed computing model; and a enterprise database connectivity model. Finally, the paper addresses the need for an architecture, conceptually known as a clearing house, that encompasses both distributed computing and database connectivity solutions.