Using Ado.net Entity Framework Component model (EF component) in aiding legacy system integration in Service Oriented Architecture environment.

Abstract

The push towards interoperability among different legacy systems in the industry has generated the need for having an integrated platform for legacy systems. However, semantic discrepancy between legacy systems and other applications has made integration a challenge. Current integration approaches addressing legacy system integration have shown gaps that are hindering broader integration. In this study, we aim to mitigate the gap by incorporating and evaluating Ado.net Entity Framework Component model (EF), a component of Microsoft.Net to achieve broader integration. Normalized System theory concepts are applied to provide more systematical way of performing architectural evaluation. This dissertation employed design science research methodology. It explored existing knowledge on EF Component, investigate and analyze possibilities for improving integration. This research involves research activities such as (1) design the artifact (prototype), (2) examine and evaluate the artifact using Normalized System theory (NS Theory) and (3) come up with guide guidelines on how to use EF component model within SOA to aid in integration. The results from the findings show that EF component can be used to aid in integration but has some combinatorial effects especially in its performance and scalability. However, after iterating and analyzing the prototype, this study proposes our five key findings to be followed when using EF in legacy integration.