Self-Improving System Integration - On a Definition and Characteristics of the Challenge

The self-improving system integration (SISSY) initiative—sometimes also called self-integration—started over six years ago. Recently, we have seen contributions approaching parts of the scope from different directions. In order to provide a better understanding how these attempts support the development of novel SISSY technology, this paper presents a definition of the term. In addition, it discusses the fundamental challenges stemming from the increasingly interconnected character of large-scale distributed and adaptive systems typically referred to as "Interwoven Systems", with these systems describing the basic motivation for SISSY research.