Common Interface for Software Application Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software systems, such as operational support systems, often require expensive development efforts to combine related but independently developed applications, like assurance and ticket systems, to share data and functionality effectively.
Innovation Solution
A centralized computer architecture with a common interface that hosts multiple software products, allowing for the combination of computer applications without the need for new software development, by providing a toolbar for configuration and execution, and enabling associations between widgets and filters across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently developed applications are combined through traditional software development methods, then data sharing and functionality integration are achieved, but development costs and time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the integration process into independent configuration units. Each application maintains its independence while being connected through a common interface that allows selective association of specific widgets and filters. This segmentation enables integration without requiring comprehensive re-development of entire application systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A common interface acts as an intermediary layer between independently developed applications. This mediator enables data sharing and functionality integration by providing standardized connection points (widgets and filters) that can be associated across applications without direct modification of the applications themselves, thereby reducing development costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently developed applications are combined through traditional software development methods, then data sharing and functionality integration are achieved, but development time and effort are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by establishing a common interface framework in advance. Applications can be connected and associated through pre-defined widgets and filters, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom integration development for each application pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The common interface provides universal connection capabilities that work across multiple independently developed applications. The same interface mechanisms (widgets and filters) can be used to integrate any combination of applications, reducing the time required to develop application-specific integration solutions.
3Ease of operation
If a common interface is introduced to combine applications, then integration ease is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common interface serves as an intermediary that manages complexity internally while presenting simplicity externally. It handles the complex tasks of application communication, data exchange, and coordination behind a unified interface, allowing users to combine applications easily without directly managing the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the common interface automatically manages associations between widgets and filters across applications. This feedback loop handles the complexity of maintaining consistency and coordination between integrated applications, reducing the operational burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to combining computer applications by adding a new computer application to a common access point. The new computer application accesses a new data source via the common access point. The new computer application is associated with an existing computer application. The existing computer application accesses an existing data source via the common access point. The existing computer application is executed to access the existing data source. Additionally, the new computer application is executed to access the new data source in response to a selection of the association.