ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION LESSONS FROM FOUR DIGITAL FRONTLINES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MODERN IT ECOSYSTEMS
Abstract
Enterprise integration is a vital enabler of digital transformation in complex environments with legacy systems, diverse stakeholders, and evolving technologies. This study examines integration strategies across four major digital transformation efforts—NHS Digital (UK), DBS Bank (Singapore), Estonia’s e-Governance, and Maersk’s TradeLens platform. Using a comparative case study approach, we assess integration architectures, middleware, protocols, and governance using a capability framework based on system decoupling, API management, real-time synchronization, identity federation, and orchestration. Key enablers include microservices, API gateways, and event-driven messaging (e.g., Kafka). Success factors extend beyond technology to include governance mechanisms like role-based access control (RBAC), integration SLAs, and CI/CD-aligned DevOps pipelines. Findings highlight the effectiveness of lightweight, domain-specific integration layers, the importance of standardized semantics (e.g., HL7 FHIR, ISO 20022), and trade-offs between centralized ESBs and decentralized service mesh models. The paper concludes with an integration maturity model and practical guidance for CIOs and architects modernizing integration infrastructure.