Define/Discuss briefly/Enumerate the following:

1. System - An array of components designed to accomplish a particular objective

according to plan. Many sub-systems many be designed which later on are combined together
to form a system which is intended to achieve a specific objective which may be set by the
project manager. A system a set of components that work together to achieve a common
goal. Computer-based Information Systems take data as raw material, process it, and produce
information as output. A system is a functional unit, which involves set of procedures/
functions to produce certain outputs by processing data/information given as input.
2. System Thinking – is a way of understanding an entity in terms of its purpose, as three
steps. The three major steps followed in systems thinking.
1. Identify a containing whole (system), of which the thing to be explained is a part.
2. Explain the Behavior or properties of the containing whole.
3. Explain the behavior or properties of the thing to be explained in terms of its roles or
functions within its containing whole.
Systems thinking is an approach to analysis that zeros in on how the different parts of
a system interrelate and how systems work within the context of other, larger systems. It is
a holistic approach that can be used in many areas of research. It can be useful in analyzing a
variety of operational systems, such as medical, political, economic, environmental, and
educational systems.

3. System Integration – is the combination of inter-related elements to achieve a

common objective. The process of creating a complex information system that may include
designing or building a customized architecture or application, integrating it with new or
existing hardware, packaged and custom software, and communications. Most enterprises
rely on an external contractor for program management of most or all phases of system
development. This external vendor generally also assumes a high degree of the project’s
risks. System integration (SI) is an IT or engineering process or phase concerned with joining
different subsystems or components as one large system. It ensures that each integrated
subsystem functions as required. SI is also used to add value to a system through new
functionalities provided by connecting functions of different systems.
4. System Architecture – the architecture of a system defines its high-level structure,
exposing its gross organization as a collection of interacting components. Elements needed to
model a software architecture include: Components, Connectors, System, Properties and
Styles. The purpose of system architecture activities is to define a comprehensive solution
based on principles, concepts, and properties logically related to and consistent with each
other. System Architecture is abstract, conceptualization-oriented, global, and focused to
achieve the mission and life cycle concepts of the system. It also focuses on high-level
structure in systems and system elements. It addresses the architectural principles, concepts,
properties, and characteristics of the system-of-interest. It may also be applied to more than
one system, in some cases forming the common structure, pattern, and set of requirements for
classes or families of similar or related systems.
5. Integration Architecture - is a software architecture that facilitates the integration of
multiple IT components. This architecture changes with the advances in cross-platform utility
and other development paradigms for new kinds of digital operations. Integration
Architecture (IA) is a major part of every company's IT landscape, that simplifies the
integration of numerous IT components and enables you to trace data flows between
applications. IA changes with the advances in cross-platform utility and other development
paradigms for new kinds of digital operations. Integration software breaks down silos and
enables various software applications to communicate with each other. 
6. System Integration Architecture - project is a research project to identify and
resolve issues in the rapid integration of dynamic heterogeneous hardware, software and
typical in this agile world. SIA is an integration framework based on a new basis model and
definition of integration which are briefly described. The background to SIA, some of the
issues involved and the approach taken to address them within SIA are presented. The
Systems Integration Architecture provides a bridge between the heterogeneous operational
applications and platforms. This architecture ties together the mix of platforms, operating
systems, transports, and applications. Integration of business applications between agencies
and vendors or other agencies supports electronic commerce. This Architecture encompasses
the multiple layers of new and existing systems and the middle ware in between. Systems
Integration Architecture enables new applications to use existing resources with minimal
disruption.
7. Methods of Integration - Determining an appropriate systems integration solution is
not a simple task by any means. You must select the correct subsystems, the correct locations
and the correct nature of the relationship. For this it is very important that you as a company
understand exactly what processes are involved, how they interact with all the stakeholders as
well as the business objectives. If you are clear about why and where the business requires
harmony in operations, the systems integration will go smoothly. SI methods are as follows:
System Integration Method #1 Horizontal Integration: Involves the creation of a unique
subsystem that is meant to be the single interface between all other subsystems, ensuring that
there is only one interface between any subsystem and any may be replaced with another
without affecting the others by using totally different data and interfaces. This is also known
as an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).
System Integration Method #2 Vertical Integration: Subsystems are integrated according
to functionality by creating "silos" of functional entities, beginning with the bottom basic
function upward (vertical). This very quick method only involves a few vendors and
developers but becomes more expensive over time because to implement new functionalities,
new silos must be created.
System Integration Method #3 Star Integration: Also known as "Spaghetti Integration"
because each subsystem is connected to multiple subsystems, so that the diagrams of the
interconnections look like a star. However, the more subsystems there are, the more
connections are made, and it ends up looking like spaghetti.
System Integration Method #4 Common Data Format: Helps the system avoid having the
adapter convert to and from every application format. Systems using this method set a
common or application-independent format, or they provide a service that does the
transformation to or from one application into the common application.

REFERENCES:
https://slideplayer.com/slide/12852130/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-0-387-35063-9_14
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/9614/system-integration-si
https://www.sebokwiki.org/wiki/System_Architecture
https://dts.utah.gov/standard/systems-integration-architecture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjEak2MR4vU