IBM defines Agile Integration not as a single technology or pattern, but as a comprehensive rethinking of the integration discipline. It is an architectural approach based on three core pillars: decentralized integration (affecting people and ownership), fine-grained architecture (using APIs, microservices, and event-driven patterns), and cloud-native infrastructure (the underlying technology). This holistic view, which combines changes in people, architecture, and technology to achieve speed and flexibility, is most accurately captured by option D. The other options describe specific components or patterns within this broader approach.

A. Unlocking enterprise data securely using integration powered APIs is a key capability within Agile Integration's fine-grained architecture pillar, but it does not define the entire approach.

B. Implementing event-driven architectures is one of several important patterns for building fine-grained, real-time integrations, but it is not the overarching definition of Agile Integration.

C. Adopting microservices is a foundational architectural style for creating the fine-grained integration components central to Agile Integration, but it only represents the "architecture" aspect, not the people and technology pillars.

1. IBM Redbooks. (2020). Agile Integration with IBM Cloud Pak for Integration. (Publication No. SG24-8453-00). IBM. In Chapter 1

"Introduction to agile integration

" Section 1.1

the text introduces Agile Integration as a comprehensive "architectural approach" with three core tenets: decentralized integration

fine-grained integration

and cloud-native infrastructure

which directly map to people

architecture

and technology.

2. IBM Cloud Learn Hub. (n.d.). What is agile integration? IBM. Retrieved from the official IBM website. This resource defines Agile Integration as "an approach to connecting applications

data

and systems that emphasizes speed

flexibility

and collaboration

" highlighting its nature as a methodology rather than a single technology.

3. IBM Developer. (2018). An architect's guide to agile integration. IBM. This guide explicitly frames Agile Integration as a "rethinking of the integration discipline" and details the three pillars: Decentralized integration (People)

Fine-grained architecture (Architecture)

and Cloud-native infrastructure (Technology)

directly supporting the chosen answer.