What role does layered architecture play in facilitating system integration?
Layered architecture, a system design approach with distinct levels of functionality, is pivotal in the realm of system integration. Imagine a multi-story building, where each floor represents a layer with specific responsibilities. In software terms, these layers might include presentation, business logic, and data storage, each interacting with the one above or below it. This separation of concerns simplifies development, maintenance, and scaling of systems. When integrating multiple systems, each layer can be modified or replaced independently, allowing for smoother integration with external systems or components. The modular nature of layered architecture means that changes in one system can be made without significantly disrupting another, facilitating a more agile and adaptable integration process.