IT configuration is the type of hardware environment an organization possesses. Centralized mainframe environments have a centralized processor with little or no distributed or localized data processing. Partially distributed environments are not completely centralized or distributed. Mainframes still process bulk data production jobs, but users can process smaller jobs locally. Users have access to powerful workstations to handle most, if not all, of their data processing needs.
Data integration is the degree that data is shared by all organizational constituents.
We divide data integration into integrated data, partially integrated data, and fragmented data. Integrated data means that users have access to the same data on an enterprise-wide level. Applications and data are shared because the company's legacy systems talk freely with one another with little data conversion problems. In addition, data is independently stored in a centralized repository to increase access, security, and accuracy. Partially integrated means that the goal of the organization is to integrate data, but data and application sharing is not ideal.