Establishing an Information Architecture Integration with an Open Systems Environment

Abstract

This paper describes the conceptual basis for a structured data architecture, and its integration with the deployment of open systems technology. The key strategic initiatives which brought these efforts together are discussed: commitment to improved data access, migration to relational database technology, deployment of a high-speed, multi-protocol network, and orientation to workstation-centered computing. Details of Indiana University's data architecture are presented, focusing on the relationship of operational to information-detail databases, the creation of synthetic data structures and higher order "data collections," and the integration of the university-wide architecture with local and departmental data sources. Discussion of the underlying technology paradigm addresses the integration of proprietary components with "open" systems solutions in a strategy of technology coexistence that addresses: mainframe/server, workstation/client, networks, gateways, and database management systems. Finally, some next critical events are outlined for both the architected data environment and the open systems technology environment.