Interface Architect

Interface Architect has recently caught our eye as a powerful Cloud-based Microsoft Windows editing application. It is designed specifically to document the integration of systems within an organisation, by guiding users in the entry or automated-import of system interface details. For instance, program API signatures for RPC, XML and JSON definitions for middleware and SOA, flat-file definitions for ETL, and relational DB object signatures for data transfer. It aims to define the mapping rules that exist for communications between these systems and their associated non-functional requirements.

One of the many features that we find useful is the secure web-based UI. It is available for sharing the interface information with invited users via the Internet. Furthermore, all information collected using Interface Architect is securely-stored in the Microsoft Azure cloud services.

Before getting started, initial registration is necessary to obtain a login. To get a feel for the application, the first 30 days of use, with storage restrictions, are free. After the trial period, a monthly subscription is required.

The creation of interface specifications is often vital for large distributed systems, both for their strategic design and future maintenance. However, traditional methods have proven to be challenging, as they involve using Word documents, and spreadsheets to standardise, version, and share accurate and complete information among team members.

Interface Architect addresses these issues by providing an easy-to-use interface with tooling, a database back-end for shared storage and versioning, and also the ability to publish complete documents in MS-Word and Excel formats. Overall, we find Interface Architect to be an incredibly useful application that is worth considering when designing and maintaining large distributed systems.