Course
Digicomp Code SYI
System Integration («SYI»)
Course facts
- Understanding basic integration concepts and layers
- Knowing different technological approaches (messaging, REST, BPMN) and their use
- Understanding how AI can support system integration
- Recognizing typical hurdles and pitfalls in integration projects and deriving solution strategies
- Applying integration strategies to specific issues and evaluating suitable tools
- Distinguishing between marketing claims and real technical possibilities
- Assessing which technologies and tools (e.g., Apache Kafka, iPaaS, ESB, Camel) are suitable for which requirements
More and more companies are facing the challenge of connecting a growing variety of systems – from proven legacy systems to modern cloud applications, specialized third-party platforms, and AI-based services.
This course provides practical guidance on how to integrate heterogeneous landscapes without jeopardizing the stability of business processes, and how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing system integration.
Participants will learn about key integration concepts, technologies, and architecture patterns used in enterprise IT today. The course will show how AI-powered systems—such as chatbots, recommendation engines, predictive analytics platforms, and copilot services—can be integrated into existing integration architectures.
Another focus is on the automation and optimization of processes through AI: from service and support automation to internal IT workflows to intelligent data orchestration in cloud and hybrid environments.
One key area is understanding modern integration architectures – from messaging and REST approaches to enterprise service bus (ESB) and scalable platforms such as Apache Kafka. BPMN, messaging patterns, service mesh, and typical migration strategies are also covered in order to model, control, and automate integration processes.
Special attention is also paid to cybersecurity: secure APIs, encryption, identity management, and monitoring are no longer optional extras, but an integral part of any future-proof integration strategy.
The topics cover the entire spectrum – from strategic aspects (e.g., standardization, governance, open source vs. product) to technical issues (e.g., AI integration, security, latency, reliability) to organizational challenges such as project management, architecture decisions, and operating models for AI-supported integration solutions.
1 Motivation
- Process optimization
- M&A
- Modernization
- Synchronization
- B2B
- Cloud (SaaS)
2 Concepts
- Integration layers
- Classification by latency
- The N2 assertion
- The canonical data model
- SOA and integration
- Loose coupling
3 Data formats
- Basics
- JSON
- YAML
- XML
- EDI
- SWIFT
- Misc: ISO 8583 etc.
4 Patterns
- File Transfer/ETL
- Databases
- RPC
- Messaging Patterns
- Messaging Implementation
- Process Manager (Business Process Engines, BPMN)
- REST – Architecture Concept and Use Cases
- Security (Transport/Message Layer Security, OAuth2, ...)
- Reliability
- Migration Patterns
5 Infrastructure
- Today's requirements
- Platforms (Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), Java EE, Camel, etc.)
- Repositories/registries
- Monitoring
- Products and open source solutions
6 AI in system integration
- Role of artificial intelligence in integration architecture
- Automation and optimization through AI
- Integration of AI services into existing architectures
- Examples: Predictive analytics, intelligent data orchestration
7 Service Mesh and System Integration
- Basics of Microservices
- Microservice Chassis
- API Gateway
- Service Mesh in Detail
8 Enterprise Messaging System (Apache Kafka)
- Challenges of Distributed Systems
- Kafka Architecture
- Kafka Topic
- Kafka messages
- Kafka APIs
- Strengths/weaknesses
- Use cases
9 Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)
- Challenges
- Motivation and starting point
- System integration using iPaaS
- Building blocks/components of an iPaaS system
- Integration of an iPaaS system
- AI-supported APIs and models in iPaaS solutions
- Cost perspective and provider differentiation
10 Project Management
- Requirements
- Project Manager
- Financing
- Special Risks
- Governance
11 Strategy
- Integration Department
- Standardization (Technologies, Protocols)
- Unification of Suppliers
- Open Source vs. Product
- In-house Development vs. Product
Component of the following courses
The course combines theory and practice through a variety of learning methods. Participants work with a case study that accompanies the course and receive information on real-world applications from integration projects.
Methods:
- Expert input and practical examples
- Analysis of architecture patterns with BPMN diagrams
- Group exercises on integration scenarios
- Exchange of experiences and discussion of error patterns
- Transfer exercises for application in your own work environment
The course is aimed at IT architects, technical project managers, IT managers, and developers with integration responsibilities who work in heterogeneous system landscapes and want to deepen their integration knowledge.
It is particularly suitable for people who
- design or operate integration solutions,
- are involved in migration or cloud projects,
- design interfaces or process chains, or want to gain an overview of suitable technologies for selected IT architecture and system integration concepts.
Basic knowledge of IT and software architecture analogous to the CPSAFL course (Fundamentals of Software Architecture) is recommended.
Experience in application integration, B2B connections, or migration is helpful.
There is no official exam or certification for this course.
Participants will receive a course certificate from Digicomp Academy AG.
Can be taken individually or as part of the CAS IT Architecture («4AN») course.