Model an information system which communicates with other information systems in an uml-diagram?

Question

Hello,

i have written a software that is generating a data output based on the communication protocol HL7, but this isn't really important for my question. I have to develop an integration concept to integrate my software as a subsystem into an enterprise information system which communicates with other information systems in other institutions. I want to show a diagram which explains how the several subsystems are connected and which data is communicated between the subsystems. My problem is that i'm not sure if there is in the uml language a diagram-type that supports modeling of complete information systems.

I thought about the deployment diagram, but I am not sure if it is the right. I don't want to start an then recognize that it is the wrong way.

Are there any advices which diagram should be used or if there is an alternative modeling language for complex information systems?

Thanks in advance, Martin

Answer 1

I want to show a diagram which explains how the several subsystems work together and which data is communicated between the subsystems.

I'd probably start with a conceptual sequence diagram.

So, for example, you could have your lifelines represent the various components that you're integrating with, and your interactions could be any of the messages that need to transfer to and from those components.

Answer 2

A component diagram is what you want - see chapter 25 of "The Unified Modeling Language User Guide".