ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) ExamDomain 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and ImplementationMedium
An IS auditor is reviewing the system acquisition process for a new cloud-based human resources (HR) system. The organization plans to integrate this new system with its existing on-premise payroll system. Which of the following is the MOST critical consideration during the vendor selection phase regarding this integration?
- AThe interoperability of the cloud HR system with the on-premise payroll system.
- BThe vendor's financial stability and long-term viability.
- CThe vendor's ability to provide 24/7 technical support for the HR system.
- DThe total cost of ownership (TCO) including subscription fees and migration costs.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The interoperability of the cloud HR system with the on-premise payroll system.
When integrating a new system with an existing critical system, ensuring seamless data exchange and functional compatibility (interoperability) is paramount. A lack of interoperability can lead to significant operational disruptions, data inconsistencies, and costly bespoke integration development.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Vendor viability is a general concern for any acquisition but doesn't directly address the technical challenge of integration.
- C. While important for operational support, it's secondary to the fundamental ability of the systems to communicate and exchange data.
- D. TCO is a vital financial consideration, but if the systems cannot integrate, the financial costs may become irrelevant due to system failure.
System Interoperability
System interoperability refers to the ability of different information systems, applications, or software to communicate, exchange, and use data in a coordinated manner.
- Crucial for integrated business processes.
- Often relies on APIs, standard protocols, or middleware.
- Lack of interoperability leads to data silos and manual effort.
Memory trick: Cloud talks to On-Premise, or it's chaos.