Most businesses rely on multiple software tools to manage their daily processes, but getting these applications to work together effectively can be a challenge. Without the right integrations, isolated systems are created in which data is trapped, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. But as you consider how to approach these integrations, you quickly run into an important choice: do you opt for separate connections between systems, or do you go with an iPaaS solution?
In this blog, we discuss the advantages of iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) over ‘traditional’ loose connections. We explain what both methods entail, the pros and cons, and help you determine which option is best for your organization. Whether you run a small business with a few software tools or are a growing company in need of a scalable and future-proof solution, this blog will give you the insights you need to make an informed choice.
What is iPaaS?
Let’s start at the beginning: what is iPaaS? iPaaS stands for Integration Platform as a Service. This is a cloud-based platform that acts as glue between different software solutions. Instead of having to connect each individual software tool together, you use iPaaS as a central point from which you manage all your connections. Think of it as a traffic controller at a busy intersection: iPaaS ensures that the right data gets to the right place at the right time, without collisions.
iPaaS provides pre-built connectors for commonly used software, allowing you to securely integrate your systems, applications and data without too much hassle. In addition, it often has drag-and-drop interfaces, so you don’t have to be a hardcore programmer to set up a working integration. Because the integrations are controlled from the platform, you have a central location where you can find all the important information related to the connections. This also makes monitoring, troubleshooting and updating easier. In short, iPaaS makes it easy to make all your software talk to each other without having to be an IT guru.
IPaaS solutions have improved tremendously over the years, and where traditional integrations were often custom made to fit perfectly, iPaaS fits are just as good.
What are ‘traditional’ connections?
On the other end of the spectrum, you have traditional integrations, or loose connections. These are one-to-one connections that you set up manually between two systems. Imagine you want two software packages or applications to work together, such as your ERP and your Web shop. With a loose connection, you have to link them together manually. This can be done with custom code, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), or by using specific connectors provided by the software vendors themselves. Manual linking is quite a process that requires you to set aside time. If you have a dedicated IT team that can manage everything, this is often doable, but this is not always the case.
Advantages of iPaaS over loose connections
Now that we have laid the groundwork and discussed the differences between iPaaS and loose connections, it is time to go into more detail about the advantages of iPaaS. Why should you choose iPaaS over separate connections? Here we’ll list the benefits for you.
- Scalability: With iPaaS, you can easily add more systems and scale up integrations without having to rebuild the entire infrastructure. You can plug in new applications like you plug a new device into your WiFi: quickly and with little effort. Whereas with separate connections each new integration adds a lot of extra time, with iPaaS you just have a new additional connection that you can manage from your dashboard.
- Easy management: Instead of having to manage dozens of separate connections, iPaaS allows you to centralize everything. You have one dashboard to keep an eye on everything, which makes management a lot easier. You don’t need an IT team to constantly put out fires.
- Cost efficiency: Although iPaaS requires an initial investment, you save costs in the long run. You don’t have to have custom code written every time or hire expensive consultants to set up new integrations.
- Better reliability: Because iPaaS is specifically designed to keep integrations running smoothly, there is less chance of something going wrong. The SLA of many iPaaS solutions already guarantee 99.99% availability. Over the years, there has been an incredible amount of innovation in this area, and if anything does go wrong, it is easier to track down and resolve the error because everything is centrally controlled.
- Future-proof: Technology changes quickly, and iPaaS platforms are often built with the future in mind. They are regularly updated with new features and pre-built connectors, so you always stay up-to-date without having to code or sit at the controls yourself.
Why choose loose connections?
Although iPaaS offers many advantages, there are situations in which a loose connection is actually the better choice. For example, if you only have a few systems that need to communicate with each other, a loose connection may be sufficient. Setting up a simple API connection between two applications can be faster and cheaper than investing in a full iPaaS platform. Keep in mind that a loose connection can also cost a lot of money if you have it custom built, and that a standard solution via iPaaS can also be cheaper! So pay close attention to this.
Moreover, if you need very specific or complex integrations that are not supported by standard iPaaS solutions, building a custom solution via a loose connection can offer more flexibility. Also, if you have an IT team that specializes in maintaining these connections and you expect little change in your software stack, a loose connection can be practical and cost-effective. Mind you, if you want this as a small business, the cost of such a custom built loose connection, with maintenance is still very high. In short, if your situation is stable and nothing is going to change, a well-managed loose connection may be just the solution you need.
Conclusion
So, why choose iPaaS over separate connections? Simply put, because it allows you to work efficiently and conveniently. It’s scalable, easy to manage, cost-effective, reliable and future-proof. If your organization is growing, or if you simply don’t feel like constantly dealing with integration issues or coding, iPaaS is the hero you need.
Integrations are often an underestimated part of a successful software strategy. But with iPaaS, you don’t have to fear a mess of systems and loose ends. It simply makes life a lot easier.
Want to learn more about the benefits of iPaaS, or simply see what the possibilities are for your business? Contact Thomas for a no-strings-attached consultation!
