Towards a novel framework for the assessment of enterprise application integration packages

In addressing enterprise integration problems, a diversityof technologies such as CORBA and XML werepromoted, yet no single integration technology solves allintegration problems. As a result, a new generation ofsoftware called Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)is emerging to addresses many integration problems bycombining a diversity of integration technologies (e.g.message brokers, adapters, XML). Since EAI is a newresearch area, there is an absence of literature discussingissues like its adoption, evaluation and implementation.This paper, examines the application of two frameworksfor the evaluation of EAI packages in the practical arena.In doing so, the authors use case study strategy toinvestigate integration issues. Empirical data derivedfrom the case study suggest additions to the twoevaluation frameworks. Therefore, the authors revisedand extend previous works by proposing a novelevaluation framework for the assessment of EAIpackages. The proposed framework makes novelcontribution at two levels. First, at the conceptual level,as it incorporates criteria identified separately in previousstudies as evaluation criteria. The proposed frameworkcan be used as a decision-making tool and, supportsmanagement when taking decisions regarding theadoption of EAI. Additionally, it can be used byresearchers to analyse and understand the capabilities of