The Promise of Distributed Computing and the Challenges of Legacy Information Systems

Abstract

The imminent combination of computing and telecommunications is leading to a compelling vision of world-wide computing. The vision is described in terms of next generation computing architectures, called Enterprise Information Architectures, and next generation information systems, called Intelligent and Cooperative Information Systems. Basic research directions and challenges are described as generalizations of database concepts, including semantic aspects of interoperable information systems. No matter how compelling and potentially valuable the vision may be, it is of little use until the legacy problem is solved. The problem of legacy information systems migration is described, in the context of distributed computing, and is illustrated with lessons learned from actual case studies. The basic research directions and challenges are recast in the light of actual legacy information systems. Recommendations for both realizing the vision and meeting the challenges are given, including the search for the elusive Killer Application and one fundamental challenge for future information systems technology.