3. Integration modes

Let's try to distinguish several modes of integration, bearing in mind that an organization can use several of these modes.

• User-level integration: this mode makes information from a variety of sources available to the user. It is found in portals and mobile technologies (telephones, PDAs, etc.). Functions include transcoding, translation and personalization. This makes it possible to integrate disparate data. This mode also brings a wide variety of information under a single umbrella, and often offers single-sign-on (secure single logging facility to numerous applications).

• Application-level connectivity: this mode provides access to all company information, making it available quickly and securely. This is the core of the main EAI solutions. It is based on message technology, with...