Data Exchange - Import and Export Interfaces

Import and Synchronization interfaces for other modeling tools and data sources

Organizations often use a variety of tools to describe their enterprise architecture. A key EA tool requirement is the ability to seamlessly transfer information between these different data sources. iServer Data Exchange provides a variety of import and synchronization mechanisms, from a simple artifact Excel import to a daily synchronization of artifacts stored in another tool.

Synchronization for Master Data Management

If one tool is used as the master storage point for all application artifacts, but the rest of the architecture is managed in iServer, it is necessary and useful to reflect the application artifacts within iServer - they need to be related to other aspects of the architecture - but a simple one-off import is insufficient. Firstly, because the other tool is the chosen storage point for applications, and secondly because the imported copy would quickly become out of date. Therefore iServer Data Exchange provides a synchronization mechanism, where artifacts can be imported as read-only, and periodically updated to reflect changes made in the other tool.

Key facts about iServer Data Exchange

• Excel
  Artifact lists are frequently stored in spreadsheets. These artifacts can be imported directly into the Repository, along with any associated metadata and relationships.
• XML and XMI
  XML import from and synchronization with most other EA tools. XMI (XML Metadata Interchange, an OMG standard), is also supported.
• Artifacts can be imported in bulk, then added to iServer diagrams and related to other aspects of the architecture.
• Imported artifacts can also be synchronized; new artifacts added, modified artifacts & their metadata updated, and obsolete artifacts removed or tagged.