The key to success is to find the approach that maximizes the value delivered by each integration
Cloud integration is a system of tools and technologies that connects various applications, systems, repositories, and IT environments for the real-time exchange of data and processes. Once combined, the data and integrated cloud services can then be accessed by multiple devices over a network or via the internet.
Why we require Cloud Integration? Cloud integration was created to break down data silos, improve connectivity and visibility, and ultimately optimize business processes. It is a response to the need to share data among cloud-based applications and to unify information components. Additionally, more businesses are operating with a hybrid mix of SaaS and on-premises applications, creating a greater need for progressive integration methods.
The Benefits : using cloud integration have synchronized data and applications,
- improving their ability to operate effectively,easily and actively
- Improved operational efficientcy.
- Increased flexibility and scalability
- Faster time-to-market
- Better internal communication
- Improved customer service, support, and retention
- Increased competitive edge
- Reduced operational costs and increased revenue
CLOUD INTEGRATION TYPES AND METHODS
Integration in the cloud can involve creating cloud-to-cloud integration, cloud-to-on-premises integration, or a combination of both. Integrations can address different business components, including data and applications.
- Data integration – The synchronization of data between repositories. Data can be processed, transported and/or transformed during data integration. This is a strictly data-related connection.
- Application integration – Connects various applications and arranges continued functionality and interoperability. This is more than data sharing. It involves issuing requests and commands to trigger business events or processes.
Businesses have the option of building their own integration solutions or using a third-party provider to create cloud integrations. However, as the number of applications increases and cloud integrations grow more complex, it becomes far less scalable to build specialized in-house integrations that must be recreated for each project. Using a cloud integration platform empowers organizations to perform both application and data integration using an agile, scalable, reusable solution.
Solution architects must choose the right approach for their cloud integration projects: Solution architects must decide on the best way to create integration between cloud-hosted, SaaS and on-premises applications. The key to success is to find the approach that maximizes the value delivered by each integration rather than trying to maximize the value of your investments in integration tools.
Approach No. 1: Integration platform software: Integration platform software works best when a large portfolio of integrations needs to be managed and the data must be transformed or modified when it passes between the applications. Its core competency is the ability to handle complex integrations.
Approach No. 2: iPaaS : Integration platform as a service (iPaaS) delivers functionality similar to integration platform software, but as a hosted cloud service. It is a better option for organizations looking to outsource the operational aspects of their integration middleware, but has more limited functionality to integrate deeply with on-premises applications.
Approach No. 3: SaaS vendor tooling : Many SaaS vendors offer out-of-the-box integrations, and third parties provide extensions or plug-ins that enable easy integration between applications. This approach works well for nontechnical users, as it is easy to implement and update. However, those conveniences come at the cost of flexibility and control.
Approach No. 4: Custom code : In-house development teams can always create a direct integration between systems, either as a stand-alone application or within one of the applications being integrated. Although custom code can be tailored specifically to integration needs, the skill set to execute such a project might not be available at your organization.
Approach No. 5: fPaaS: Some cutting-edge organizations are leveraging function platform as a service (fPaaS) to deliver a customized set of integration capabilities. This approach creates a suite of integrations rather than a single one. Using this approach requires substantial skill with function-oriented software development and cloud-native architectures.