Successful achievement of integration objectives is clearly possible by a number of different paths, such as a “full frontal assault” on comprehensive integration objectives and in other cases, limited strategic objectives as part of a larger strategic plan.

Several other factors played a role in success.

• A crisis or high visibility event that focused attention on the need to improve integration.
• Informal relationships that facilitate communication and provide ongoing opportunity for the interaction necessary for moving integration forward.
• A building block implementation philosophy that allows systems to be constructed from a number of inter-related “blocks” or components, guided by an overall vision or strategic plan.