Integration domains
The entry point: an overall picture of which areas are connected, for example on-premise systems with cloud applications.
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SAP ISA-M: an integration strategy with method
ISA-M stands for Integration Solution Advisory Methodology. SAP provides the methodology so that architects can define an integration strategy and derive guidelines for their organisation from it.
By Michele Mangieri · Updated
In short
SAP ISA-M (Integration Solution Advisory Methodology) is SAP's methodology for defining an integration strategy. It classifies integration cases by domains, styles and patterns, maps each pattern to the technology your organisation has designated for it, for SAP and non-SAP tools alike, and turns this into integration guidelines that projects can follow.
Structure
Four building blocks, one framework.
Integration styles and patterns
Four styles structure the use cases: process-, data-, user- and thing-centric integration. A catalogue of typical patterns comes with them.
Technology mapping
Each pattern is mapped to the technologies your organisation has designated for it. This applies to SAP and non-SAP tools alike.
Guidelines
The result is a set of integration guidelines that projects can follow.
Use
What ISA-M is good for.
- As a common language: project teams classify their integration cases along the same scheme.
- As a benchmark: an existing integration architecture can be assessed and evolved.
- As the foundation for an integration competence centre.
- ISA-M complements frameworks such as TOGAF and does not replace them.
- The methodology is a framework. Which technology applies to which case is for each organisation to define.
From our project work.
At ALDI SÜD, ISA-M was the foundation of the technical integration strategy. At Carl Zeiss, in an integration architecture coaching, we mirrored the client's own integration strategy and mapped it to ISA-M.
Want to know where your integration stands? Integration Readiness Review →
ISA-M is a methodology of SAP SE. maxClaint is an independent advisory firm and not an SAP partner.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about SAP ISA-M
What is SAP ISA-M?
ISA-M stands for Integration Solution Advisory Methodology. SAP provides it so that architects can define an integration strategy and derive guidelines for their organisation. It consists of four building blocks: integration domains, integration styles and patterns, technology mapping and guidelines.
Does ISA-M only apply to SAP systems?
No. In the technology mapping, each pattern is assigned the tools your organisation has designated for it, explicitly including non-SAP tools. Which technology applies to which case is for each organisation to define.
What is ISA-M used for?
As a common language, so project teams classify their integration cases along the same scheme. As a benchmark to assess and evolve an existing integration architecture. And as the foundation for an integration competence centre.
Does ISA-M replace frameworks such as TOGAF?
No. ISA-M complements frameworks such as TOGAF and does not replace them. The methodology is a framework: it provides the structure, the organisation makes the decisions.
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