Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) is mostly used by enterprises that want to integrate data and on-premise applications with data and cloud applications. It’s a set of tools automated to connect software applications deployed in different environments.
In simple terms, an iPaaS is a service cloud integration platform that enables connectivity to SaaS and cloud services. It also allows businesses to assess on-premise applications in a secure method behind a firewall. iPaaS solves the cloud silos problem in businesses and allows them to integrate their cloud-based services with on-premise enterprise applications and with each other.
Companies that adopt iPaaS often use it to exchange common data between company applications.
For example, both CRM and ERP systems can use the same source data. Sometimes it’s also used to externally exchange data with business partners instead of using EDI (Electronic Data Interchange).
Many organizations have adopted cloud applications to manage customers, operations, financials, human resources, and more. These systems, however, need to work together so that businesses develop a holistic approach that gives them a competitive advantage.
Companies that have made the leap from inflexible and time-consuming integration systems to the agile and faster iPaaS are seeing a change in their operations
Their companies are thriving and growing as globalization takes over and in an age with increased competition. These developments have triggered a shift in business and how IT leaders use integration. Traditionally, integration was considered costly, time-consuming, and lengthy. In fact, whether done manually through coding or on-premise middleware, integration was viewed as a laborious exercise by most companies.
iPaaS, on the other hand, is a type of integration that saves cost, improves agility and innovation, leverages opportunities in the API marketplace, and reduces API cost. It also speeds up integration development, developer self-service, and provisioning. It reduces downtime, minimizes maintenance cost, improves service quality, and only needs a few staffers with the right skills to support the integration platform.
Companies that have adopted cloud integration have realized that it changes the rules of engagement within the organization.
Cloud integration has completely revamped how IT and business are now working together. iPaaS has revolutionized businesses and allowed employees to find new and innovative ways to deal with business and technology challenges.
Thus, iPaaS has changed engagement rules for everyone.
Each of the above stakeholders is provided with a flexible and fast integration platform that helps them connect their business. To effectively achieve this, iPaaS must be open enough to allow the integration solutions to be customized and built to address any nuances brought on by SaaS integration scenarios.
Low-code integrations, like iPaaS, simplify the integration process and democratize it so that users can configure some of its functions on their own.
Low-code iPaaS has predesigned templates and a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to integrate easily and configure apps quickly. This makes work easier for the IT department while still enabling data to flow easily. It also allows for strategic oversight, permissions, and access management. The end-user becomes part of the delivery process in technical solutions when the organization adopts low code integration platforms.
Low-code software solutions and platforms for low-code application development make every integration easy. For example, it allows for an easy NetSuite to MailChimp integration or an easy Salesforce to MailChimp integration.
With this kind of integration, the IT department can tackle other issues like working on complex and innovative projects or providing strategic guidance and oversight. According to Trackvia, there is an expected 68 percent revenue growth from low-code software in the market by 2019.
iPaaS Reduces Restrictions as Seen In ESB and Legacy Middleware
iPaaS eliminates restrictions required for an enterprise service bus (ESB) and other legacy middleware.
iPaaS integration tools require an on-premise software or hardware and are delivered from the cloud. ESB, on the other hand, requires on-premise footprint and older document and messaging standards.
iPaaS offers organizations a lightweight solution that is flexible and real-time. It allows for an integration even with third-party stakeholders and ad-hoc applications like SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions. Its flexibility enables organizations to connect quickly and integrate easily on cloud applications and systems.
iPaaS supports multi-tenant architecture. Users can easily share and reduce redundancies in integration. It also reduces administrative and infrastructure costs required for integration.
iPaaS eliminates manual work, allowing developers to customize their integrations as needed. It gives integration developers agility and speed in adapting to changes in business requirements. Integrations can now be done in days or hours, in low-code environments.
For organizations to achieve their digital transformational goals, they need integrated systems and people. They also need connections that are fast.
iPaaS is easy to use, easily automates processes, and easily sets up connections between applications and processes.
iPaaS enables businesses to connect data, processes, and applications faster than any traditional platform available. It also connects applications and databases whether when on a premise environment, in the cloud, or in a combination of both.
Organizations need to adapt iPaaS since it rewrites engagement rules and allows all stakeholders to benefit from the cloud.
Cloud integration services help organizations develop holistic approaches that are geared towards achieving the business objectives. This is done with a speed like never seen before. It also improves operations, reduces cost, engages employees, empowers them, and drives business through channels that are self-service based.
