We present the concept of a virtual node as means to achieve predictable integration of software components with real-time requirements. The virtual node is based on the technology using the hierarchical scheduling framework to achieve temporal isolation between components (or sets of components). The temporal isolation means that all components deployed to a virtual node will retain their temporal properties when integrated with other components on a physical node. We present how the concept of virtual nodes is applicable to three different component technologies: ProCom, Autosar and AADL. Keywords-real-time systems; component integration