Abstract: A system and method for exchanging data between two or more applications includes a data exchange engine and a number of adapters associated with a corresponding number of applications. Each of the adapters is customized to interface with a corresponding application and transforms data being transferred between the application and the data exchange engine. Data produced by a particular application is converted from a technology dependent form to a technology independent form by the corresponding adapter. In one embodiment, the format associated with a data stream is disassociated from the informational content of the data stream by the adapter. The informational content of the data stream is then transformed by the adapter into a common or generic format.

Abstract: A visual data integration system architecture and methodology is disclosed. The system architecture includes a transport framework that represents a technology-independent integration mechanism that facilitates the exchange of technology-dependent data between disparate applications. A visual interface facilitates the design, deployment, and runtime monitoring of an integrated information system implementation. An integrated information system is developed visually through use of the visual interface by dragging and dropping components within a canvas area of the interface. The components are graphical representations of various telecommunications hardware and software elements, such as information stores, processors, input/output devices and the like. Various components may be packaged together as business extension modules that provide specific business integration capabilities.