EAI (enterprise application integration)

EAI is a form of middleware aimed at easing the integration on large enterprise applications.

Instead of individually connecting each application to every other application, EAI middleware lets customers write a single interface between each application and the middleware, which then acts as a message broker among applications.

Traditionally, EAI vendors have offered proprietary integration software, though increasingly they are adding standard XML and Web services-based functions to stay competitive with start-up service providers, such as Grand Central Communications and Flamenco Networks, that offer application integration through their Web services networks.

As a project, EAI is often underestimated, but it's key to the success of today's enterprise CRM rollouts, experts say. Hooks to customer, product and fulfillment information contained in back-end systems are what fill out an enterprisewide CRM strategy. Integration often comes after the fact for companies that first collect best-of-breed applications and then set out to link them together.

From The ties that bind enterprise applications, Network World, 03/11/02 - has a look at how some specific companies are implementing EAI.

Additional resources

Application integration aspirations
A look at the new generation of tools. Network World Buzz Issue, 09/23/02.