Compare Native, iPaaS and Managed Integrations

Is managing the integration of your business applications becoming overwhelming? Do you find yourself frequently troubleshooting and maintaining these connections?

If so, you're not alone. In today's rapidly evolving IT landscape, achieving seamless integration has become an increasingly intricate task. The rise of mobile apps, IoT devices, hybrid cloud infrastructures, and on-premise applications demands that all components work cohesively to maintain operational efficiency. As a result, even the most skilled IT professionals may be challenged by the complexities of modern integration, and many businesses seek assistance in building and managing integrations.

There are several options available, each with its own unique benefits and considerations, depending on your specific systems and goals. In this article, we'll explore the differences between native integrations, Integration-Platform-As-A-Service (iPaaS), and fully managed iPaaS to help you determine which option is the best fit for your organisation.

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Native Integrations: The perfect fit for single-platform organisations

Native integrations refer to applications developed specifically for a single platform or platform version. These applications function natively on their intended platform without the need for additional middleware integration. Since native integrations are built specifically for their respective platforms, they typically have fewer compatibility issues, reducing the risk of data loss or errors due to system incompatibilities.

Organisations that primarily use a single software platform or application can greatly benefit from native integrations, as they offer a more streamlined approach to connecting different features within the platform. 

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Key advantages of Native integrations include:

‍Compatibility: Native Integrations are built specifically for their respective platforms, resulting in fewer compatibility issues and reducing the risk of data loss or errors due to system incompatibilities.

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Seamless Connectivity: By eliminating the need for manual data transfers between different components, Native Integrations save users time and effort, allowing for seamless communication between various platform features.

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Built-In Integration: Native Integrations are integrated directly into the software, making them easy to access and use without additional tools or workarounds.

With that being said, there are potential drawbacks with native integrations compared to iPaaS and fully managed iPaaS solutions. Here are the key cons to consider:

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Limited Scalability: Native Integrations are designed to work with a specific platform or application, which may limit your ability to scale your integration efforts as your business grows or adopts new technologies.

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Reduced Flexibility: Native Integrations are often built with a specific use case in mind and may not offer the same level of customisation and flexibility the other solutions. This could make it challenging to adapt the integration to your specific business requirements or make changes as your needs evolve. Organisations may need to use additional tools or workarounds to achieve the desired level of integration between different systems, which can be more complex and costly than utilising a single iPaaS solution.

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Increased Complexity: Relying on multiple native integrations can result in a more complex IT landscape, as you may need to manage several different integrations across various platforms. With an iPaaS solution, you can centralise your integration management, simplifying the process and making it easier to monitor and maintain your connections.

For example, Shopify's native integration with Facebook enables merchants to sell products directly through their Shopify store via Facebook, without the need for third-party software or programs. This results in an effortless customer experience and increased sales. 

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iPaaS: A versatile solution for diverse integration needs

iPaaS, or Integration-Platform-as-a-Service, is a powerful and adaptable solution designed to simplify the integration of diverse systems and applications. By leveraging iPaaS, businesses can eliminate the need to develop custom in-house integrations, saving valuable time and resources. Instead, they can utilise a centralised, cloud-based platform that allows for streamlined management and monitoring of integrations across various environments, including cloud-based, on-premises, and even legacy software systems. This innovative approach enables organisations to seamlessly connect disparate applications, data sources, and devices, ensuring that information flows efficiently and securely throughout the enterprise. iPaaS platforms often provide a user-friendly interface, enabling both technical and non-technical users to configure, deploy, and maintain integrations with ease.

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Here's why iPaaS is gaining popularity:

‍Scalability: As your business grows, iPaaS can scale up accordingly, accommodating an increasing number of connections and data transfers without compromising performance. 

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Flexibility: iPaaS offers a wide range of pre-built connectors and integration templates, allowing for quicker implementation and customisation to meet specific business requirements.

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Security: iPaaS providers ensure data security and compliance, often adhering to industry standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, so you can trust your data is in safe hands.

Nothing is perfect, and neither is the iPaaS method. Here are a few notes to consider before going down this route:

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In-House Management: With a standard iPaaS solution, your organisation is responsible for managing and maintaining the integrations. This may require dedicated IT resources and expertise to handle potential issues, updates, and optimisation tasks.

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Steep Learning Curve: Depending on the complexity of your integrations and the specific iPaaS platform, there could be a steep learning curve for your team to become proficient in using the system.

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Limited Support: While iPaaS providers typically offer customer support, the level and quality of support may vary depending on the provider. In contrast, a fully managed iPaaS provider is focused on ensuring the success of your integrations and may offer more comprehensive, hands-on support to address any issues or concerns you may have.

‍An example of an iPaaS system is MuleSoft's Anypoint Platform, which enables organisations to easily connect their applications, data, and devices across various environments. By using MuleSoft's pre-built connectors, users can quickly establish connections between popular business applications like Salesforce, SAP, and Oracle.

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Fully Managed iPaaS: Expertise at Your Fingertips

For businesses seeking an even more hands-off approach to integration, fully managed iPaaS offers a comprehensive and tailored solution. With a fully managed iPaaS, not only do you receive the benefits of a powerful integration platform, but you also gain the expertise of a team of integration specialists dedicated to managing the entire integration process for you. This includes everything from initial setup and configuration to ongoing maintenance, updates, and support, ensuring that your integrations are always running smoothly and securely.

Opting for a fully managed iPaaS allows your in-house team to focus on core business activities and strategic initiatives, while the integration provider ensures seamless connectivity between your systems and applications. This collaborative approach enables your organisation to harness the full potential of your technology investments, driving innovation and growth without the burden of managing complex integrations in-house.

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Key benefits of fully managed iPaaS include:

Expertise: Access to a team of integration specialists with extensive experience in handling complex integrations across various industries.

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Ongoing Support: Regular monitoring and maintenance of your integrations, ensuring optimal performance and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise.

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Best Practices: Integration experts utilise industry best practices and the latest integration trends to deliver the most efficient and effective solutions for your business needs.

However, there are some things to consider when choosing a fully managed iPaaS solution:

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‍1. Less Control: When outsourcing your integration management to a fully managed iPaaS provider, you may have less direct control over the integration process. While the provider will work closely with your organisation to ensure your needs are met, some businesses may prefer to maintain more hands-on involvement in their integration efforts.

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2. Provider Reliance: With a fully managed iPaaS, your organisation becomes reliant on the provider for integration management and support. This means that the quality and success of your integrations will depend on the expertise and responsiveness of the provider, making it crucial to choose a reputable and reliable partner.

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A prime example of a fully managed iPaaS system is our very own Exelement SyncCloud. SyncCloud offers a comprehensive integration solution that includes a wide range of tools and services to connect applications, data, and devices, both on-premises and in the cloud. Customers can leverage Exelement's expert services for the entire integration lifecycle – from planning, design, and implementation to ongoing development, management and support.

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Ultimately, choosing the right integration solution for your organisation depends on your unique needs, objectives, and resources. Whether it's a native integration for a single-platform focus, a self-managed iPaaS for versatile and scalable connectivity, or a fully managed iPaaS for a comprehensive, hands-off approach, each option comes with its own set of advantages.

It's essential to carefully evaluate your organisation's current and future requirements, the complexity of your IT landscape, and the level of in-house expertise and resources available to manage and maintain integrations. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the integration solution that best supports your business goals. Remember, the right integration approach can significantly impact your organisation's ability to innovate, grow, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

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Ready to transform your integration process and elevate the customer experience?

Exelement SyncCloud is designed to meet the unique needs of businesses like yours. Our team of experts not only understand the technical aspects of integrations but also the underlying business requirements and objectives. As specialists in revenue generation and customer experience, we ensure that your integrations are tailored to drive growth and efficiency. Connect with us today to get started on your integration journey.

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