An integration platform as a service (iPaaS) brings all of your business’s systems together to accelerate your workflow, boost your data capabilities, and much more.
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What are the benefits of iPaaS?
An iPaaS is so easy to use that you won’t need a specialist to run it, but you might need help deciding on the best solution and getting it off the ground. We can help; schedule a free consultation today!
What Is an iPaaS?
An iPaaS is a cloud-based software suite that helps businesses integrate different systems and data. After integration, iPaaS services connect diverse applications, data sources, and services. Companies can run automations, business intelligence, and other initiatives from a single platform.
iPaaS connects different systems and data using a variety of methods, including:
- Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). iPaaS platforms can connect to systems that offer APIs. APIs allow different systems to communicate with each other and share data.
- Connectors. iPaaS platforms also offer a variety of pre-built connectors for popular systems and disparate applications.
- Data mapping. iPaaS platforms map data between different systems. This ensures that the data is in the correct format and can be understood by the receiving system.
iPaaS has become very important as more companies use cloud computing. When businesses adopt multiple cloud services and software-as-a-service apps, they need to connect all that dispersed data. iPaaS enables a unified view of data and smooths workflows regardless of where data resides. This creates a seamless customer experience.
iPaaS also brings together internet-connected devices and modernizes supply chain operations. It helps businesses move their old on-site apps into a hybrid cloud environment.
With so many complex, cloud-based systems, iPaaS gives companies the flexibility and system integration they need.
What does an iPaaS platform do?
An iPaaS platform acts as a centralized integration hub that connects different applications, data sources, APIs, and processes across environments. This eliminates the need for complex, time-consuming manual coding and integration that was traditionally required.
The key value of an iPaaS solution is it automates and simplifies integration through a unified cloud platform versus fragmented legacy methods. With pre-built connectors, visual interfaces with drag-and-drop processes, and built-in logic, iPaaS solutions replace messy, manual processes with a streamlined centralized platform.
What Are the Key Capabilities of an iPaaS?
iPaaS enables companies to implement and operate complex integrations that connect cloud services, on-premises applications, and distributed data endpoints.
It also enables companies to build, deploy, run, control, and track integrations that connect various endpoints, services, and systems. This allows different technologies to work together seamlessly.
The core capabilities of an iPaaS platform include:
- Reliable messaging, which supports different exchange patterns like request–reply, publish–subscribe, etc.
- Connectors for various technical protocols like FTP, HTTP, REST, SOAP, JMS, JDBC, etc.
- Adapters for integrating SaaS and on-premises packaged software applications
- Mediation between different protocols
- Support for various data formats like XML, JSON, and standards like EDIFACT, HL7, etc.
- Data validation capabilities
- Mapping, transforming, and formatting data
- Data enrichment and processing by aggregating or splitting messages
- Routing, filtering, and forwarding messages
- Endpoint handling through full life cycle API management
- Orchestration of integration flows and choreography of services
- Tools for integration flow development, management, and monitoring
- Logging, tracing, and auditing capabilities for monitoring integrations
What Are the Benefits of an iPaaS?
Here are the top benefits of investing in an iPaaS suite:
- Cloud-based services. iPaaS platforms are typically hosted in the cloud, which means that businesses can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates investing in and maintaining their own hardware and software infrastructure.
- Security and compliance. Leading iPaaS vendors meet stringent data-security standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.
- Customer-centric model. iPaaS operates on a subscription model with flexible terms, allowing better cost forecasting and accountability from vendors.
- Easier integration process. Providers offer prebuilt templates and connectors for popular apps, as well as tools for custom integrations, which makes the whole process much easier.
- Leveraging legacy systems. iPaaS integrates legacy on-premises systems with new cloud platforms to avoid data corruption or loss.
- Enhanced collaboration. By linking siloed data and apps, iPaaS breaks down information silos and provides a single source of truth for better team alignment.
- Improved employee experience. With automated integration, workers can focus on higher-value tasks instead of manual busywork.
- Integration development tools. iPaaS platforms offer a variety of integration development tools, such as graphical user interfaces and code editors that make it easy to create and manage integration flows.
- Data transformation tools. They also offer data transformation tools that can be used to convert data from one format to another.
- API management capabilities. Some iPaaS solutions include API lifecycle management, business analytics, and developer portals for managing integration endpoints.
- Better product quality. For software companies, embedding iPaaS can accelerate building integrations to enhance product value.
- Superior customer experiences. iPaaS breaks down data silos between on-premises systems and disparate cloud apps, providing a complete customer profile to facilitate personalized service that drives customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
How Does an iPaaS Work?
iPaaS platforms offer a variety of tools and components that make it easy to integrate and automate the flow of data between different applications and systems.
Here are the six steps of integrating an iPaaS with your business:
- Business users first connect their various systems and applications to the iPaaS platform.
- The company then uses the platform to create integration flows that define how data should be exchanged between the connected endpoints.
- The iPaaS solution deploys these integration flows and executes the data transfers.
- As the flows run, the platform monitors them and logs activity.
- The company can then use the iPaaS tools to track integration performance, view metrics, and troubleshoot any issues.
- The integrations continue running on a scheduled or real-time basis to keep the systems in sync.
iPaaS Applications
iPaaS has use cases within the following applications.
- B2B
- Data sources
- Microservices
- Big data
- Multiple cloud
- App-to-app
Integrations in B2B Business
iPaaS enables B2B integrations with trading partners, suppliers, and third-party services using prebuilt connectors and APIs without custom development.
It facilitates electronic data interchange (EDI), supply chain integration, and other external integrations while enforcing security, compliance, and auditing of B2B data flows.
Integrations between Data Sources
For organizations managing diverse data sources, iPaaS provides an easier alternative to batch scripts for transforming formats and validating real-time data flows between databases, apps, and analytics systems.
Integrations of Microservices
iPaaS helps teams adopt a microservices architecture by automatically generating and publishing APIs to interconnect the services. This reduces the need for manually designing and building APIs.
Big Data Integrations
Typical big data ecosystems have many components like data lakes, warehouses, business intelligence tools, etc. iPaaS handles the complex integrations between these systems managing large data volumes and variants.
Multiple Cloud Integrations
To connect resources and apps across public clouds, private clouds, and on-premises environments, iPaaS can implement and manage interfaces and data-flows to enable a hybrid infrastructure.
Application-to-Application Integrations
With iPaaS, apps can be integrated with each other and into data sources easily by leveraging prebuilt connectors. This automates interfacing on-premises and cloud applications.
Implementation and Deployment Considerations
When you decide to implement an iPaaS solution in your business, you also face some important decisions. Here are some of them:
- Cloud or on-premise
- Provider solutions
- Integration
- Training
- Customization
Cloud vs. On-Premises
iPaaS solutions can be deployed in the cloud or on-premises. Cloud-based integration solutions are typically easier to implement and manage, as the provider takes care of all the infrastructure and maintenance. On-premises iPaaS solutions offer more control and flexibility but can be more complex to implement and manage.
Your final choice should be based on the following factors:
- Budget. Cloud-based iPaaS solutions are typically more affordable than on-premises solutions, as businesses don’t need to invest in hardware and software.
- Control. On-premises iPaaS solutions offer more control over the underlying infrastructure and security.
- Compliance. Some businesses may be required to comply with data privacy and security regulations that mandate that data be stored on-premises.
Evaluating Provider Solutions
When evaluating iPaaS provider solutions, businesses should consider the following factors:
- Features and functionality. Businesses should make sure that the iPaaS solution they choose has the features and functionality they need, such as support for the specific systems and applications they want to integrate.
- Ease of use. The iPaaS solution should be easy to use and manage, even for nontechnical users.
- Scalability. The complete iPaaS solution should be scalable to meet the growing needs of your business.
- Pricing. Businesses should compare the pricing of different iPaaS provider solutions to find the best value for their money.
If you need help evaluating the best iPaaS provider for your needs, we’re happy to help. We take a vendor-neutral approach and have a deep knowledge of the iPaaS landscape. Contact us for a free consultation.
Integration and Testing
Once an iPaaS solution has been chosen, businesses need to integrate it with their existing systems and applications. This can be a complex process, so it is important to have a plan in place and to test the integration thoroughly before going live.
Training and Support
Businesses should provide their employees with training on how to use iPaaS technologies. The iPaaS provider should also offer support to help businesses troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Customization Options
Some iPaaS solutions offer customization options to meet the specific needs of businesses. This can be useful for businesses with complex integration requirements.
Leading iPaaS Providers
Several technology vendors have emerged as major players in the iPaaS market, including:
- MuleSoft. As the largest iPaaS vendor, it is trusted by many enterprises. It offers API management and a visual designer.
- Jitterbit. Commands a strong presence in electronic data interchange, supply chain integration, and healthcare. Focuses on ease of use.
- IBM. Long-time integration vendor with their Cloud Integration Platform.
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Integration. Part of Oracle’s growing cloud platform. Leverages Oracle’s integration expertise.
- Celigo. Rising provider known for prebuilt integrations between popular business applications.
- SnapLogic. Known for performance and advanced data integration capabilities powered by AI.
- Boomi. Dell’s iPaaS solution focused on managed file transfers and workflow automation.
The Future of iPaaS
iPaaS offers more flexible and effective solutions than traditional integration approaches. Here are some key aspects shaping the future of iPaaS:
Growing Adoption and Trends
According to Gartner, the iPaaS market is growing at around 20% per year as companies accelerate their migration to the cloud. Key drivers include the need for digital transformation, hybrid integration, and greater demand for connected ecosystems.
As iPaaS usage spreads across industries, we can expect more self-service offerings, prebuilt connectors for common business apps, and solutions tailored for specific verticals.
Impact on Enterprise Architectures
iPaaS enables more agile, fast, and flexible enterprise architectures. Integration tasks that once took months can now be set up in days or hours with iPaaS. This allows organizations to respond faster to changing business needs.
iPaaS also facilitates hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architectures by connecting data across on-premises and cloud environments. As iPaaS matures, it will become an integral component of tomorrow’s agile, API-driven architectures.
Emerging Innovations in Integration
Looking ahead, we will see iPaaS solutions leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA) to make integration smarter and self-tuning.
The future looks bright for iPaaS as it empowers organizations with a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective approach to integration.
If these complex integrations sound overwhelming, contact us today, and let us help you implement iPaaS into your business.
Need Help With Technology?
Whether you’re struggling to evaluate the best iPaaS solution or trying to implement a business intelligence platform, Symplicity can help. Here are some of the ways:
- Technology expense management: make sure you’re getting the right solutions at the best value.
- Map the journey and pain points of your customers.
- Implement disaster recovery and business continuity solutions.
- Cybersecurity and managed IT: identify vulnerabilities and opportunities, and find the best providers for you.
- Telephony and communications management: SIP trunking, mobile device management, upgrading legacy systems.
At Symplicity, we take a vendor-neutral approach, carefully analyzing your business requirements, budget, and industry to identify the ideal solution for your needs.
We understand that every organization has unique priorities and challenges, which is why we offer a customized approach to match you with the perfect solution. We connect you with the best providers based on their expertise, track record, and ability to meet your specific requirements.
See our solutions page for the full range of services we offer.
iPaaS FAQ
How can iPaaS detect fraud or security threats?
iPaaS can integrate different fraud detection tools and systems to give a unified, real-time view to spot fraud patterns. The platform also enables easy implementation of intruder alerts and automated notifications when threats arise.
With dashboards and analytics, iPaaS gives fraud teams increased visibility to identify risks proactively.
What is the difference between IaaS and iPaaS?
IaaS (infrastructure as a service) offers the basic building blocks for cloud IT like servers, storage, and networking.
iPaaS (integration platform as a service) is a solution to integrate data, applications, APIs, and business processes across cloud and on-premises environments.
While IaaS provides the infrastructure, iPaaS provides the integration capabilities.
What are some examples of system integration?
Some examples of system integration are:
- Integration of customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Salesforce with ERPs like SAP
- Linking on-premises data with cloud apps
- Connecting legacy systems with new digital environments
- Tying together disparate business processes across departments
iPaaS provides the platform to facilitate these types of system integrations.
What is the difference between iPaaS and aPaaS?
iPaaS (integration PaaS) focuses on integrating data, applications, etc. across environments. aPaaS (application PaaS) provides a cloud platform to develop, deploy, and manage applications over the internet. aPaaS is for building apps while iPaaS is for integrating apps and data.
What are the defining characteristics of an integration platform as a service?
Defining characteristics of iPaaS include:
- Prebuilt connectors to common apps and data sources
- Drag-and-drop integration flows
- Enterprise integration capabilities such as EDI and B2B, API management, and microservices support
- Cloud-based delivery model
- Self-service administration and configuration
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model
What is iPaaS vs. SaaS?
iPaaS (integration Platform as a Service) offers integration capabilities as a cloud service. SaaS (Software as a Service) provides software applications as a cloud service. iPaaS helps connect SaaS apps to other apps and data sources. While SaaS provides the software tools, iPaaS provides the integration between them.
References
Forecast: Public Cloud Services, Worldwide, 2021-2027, 2Q23 Update. (2023, July 10). Gartner. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4509999
