Using a CASE based repository for systems integration

Both frameworks and repositories include databases that store information about resources (for systems development, particularly); however, a framework also implies some reference schema. Frameworks and repositories can be the foundation for data integration in a CASE environment. The authors discuss the objectives and functionalities of a generic systems development environment. A meta-architecture that incorporates these factors is proposed. The structures, contents, and architectures of repository system are then discussed, focusing on enterprise-wide systems for managing information resources. The authors examine four types of repository system in terms of their scope and content; namely data dictionaries, project dictionaries, information resources dictionary systems, and future composite repository systems. They propose the use of repository systems for the development of an integrated model of an organization and its information systems (IS). This model can be used for organization design/redesign, managing the alignment of IS with stratagies structures, and applications delivery. The managerial issues of setting up a corporate-wide repository system for information resource management are also addressed. Several standardization efforts and recent development are discussed