Massive systems are alluring for architectural purists, but disparate systems are easier on the pocket book. Say, like at SP, you need OLTP abilities for some new account/tracking app. Well, too bad, you've got to upgrade the Dog Walking app as well, even though there is no business benefit to upgrading that ancillary app which does not need OLTP.
With the massive system, it is harder to accumulate technical debt, but some apps from 1999 might still be doing their simple job just fine backed by Access.
With the massive system, it is harder to accumulate technical debt, but some apps from 1999 might still be doing their simple job just fine backed by Access.