The Integration Platform as a Service connects, integrates and streamlines services within an organization and even with its partners. Is it time to invest in this in your business?
Business scalability is an important part of any organizational plan. But as your business grows, you need solutions that help you accommodate new services, platforms and personnel.
That's where Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) comes in. As you need to accommodate additional software and applications, you will also be in the market for a solution to streamline these tools and ensure they can integrate seamlessly with your organization's technology. environment. iPaaS makes this easier, preventing your company from losing data and encountering problems.
Currently, several vendors offer iPaaS solutions to effectively connect cloud services, including Dell, IBM, Informatica, Oracle, Microsoft, OpenText, TIBCO, and Zapier. Business leaders can also work with software companies to build custom iPaaS platforms.
Should you introduce this technology into your organization? Let's find out.
What is iPaaS?
In short, iPaaS connects cloud-based platforms, bringing together services to create and facilitate integrations within the business. Integrated services can therefore be implemented on-premises and remotely and connect data across the organization and to individuals and departments. The platform also connects the cloud and business without the individuals using it having to install equipment.
Information is available in one place, so you don't have to resort to multiple resources to share or view data. Furthermore, you won't have to carry out multiple integrations, as the process is centralized via iPaaS. This offers a standardized approach to automating and integrating applications and services, allowing companies to avoid manual work.
While iPaaS can be applied to virtually any organization, enterprises particularly benefit from the platform as they utilize many cloud systems. It is also useful for companies that are expanding their operations.
Benefits of iPaaS
Implementing iPaaS can benefit many different types of businesses. Here are just some of the main advantages.
• Integration between platforms and software is simplified.
• All your key cloud-based tools are kept in one place.
• You'll get a stronger return on investment (ROI).
• Departments can access services in a single location, share data and connect with each other.
• Operations can occur faster.
• You will simplify your technology and software.
•Whether you collaborate with a provider or hire an in-house developer, iPaaS platforms are customizable and you will receive support.
• You can reduce your costs associated with technology.
• You can improve security.
• iPaaS platforms tend to be low code.
• The platform facilitates simultaneous, high-performance operations.
• Companies can better adhere to compliance regulations.
• You'll receive real-time data, insights and results, better equipping you to monitor workflows.
• You will modernize your processes.
How it works?
iPaaS typically functions as infrastructure for connecting cloud-based applications within an enterprise. Initially, the company specifies what types of connections it wants to be facilitated through the platform, in the form of APIs or other parameters.
The iPaaS must have a consistent set of parameters. This is because it establishes a centralized system for leveraging and managing data and processes, with a comprehensive set of guidelines. Individuals across the company — or partner organizations, if you prefer — can access the platform to modify and view information and services.
The provider usually acts as the host, delivering the service based on the specifications of the customer – you. This provider will manage the delivery of the iPaaS and can customize it accordingly if desired. As software as a service (SaaS), it can be subscription-based or have a separate payment model.
As your business grows or changes, you can integrate additional software and platforms.
How to make it work
To ensure your iPaaS functions correctly and contributes positively to your organization, pay attention to these elements:
• Work closely with internal or external developers to ensure the platform meets all of your unique needs as a company.
• Make your platform scalable to support future integrations.
• Consider accessibility, ensuring that everyone who needs it can use the software.
• Consider all the tools in your stack, adding coverage for as many integrations as possible.
• Choose an administrator or manager to manage the architecture and explain its intricacies to your employees.
• Ensure security by evaluating and improving it by experts.
• If necessary, use multiple iPaaS platforms to control different sets of services and procedures.
• Think about how your organization and its needs will evolve and build your platform with that in mind.
Examples
Self-service solutions
iPaaS facilitates self-service capabilities by allowing others, such as partner companies, to access an organization's platforms and services. People can easily access the organization's tools without customization while maintaining high security standards.
Payment gateways
Companies use iPaaS to add additional features to their existing platforms, extending them by integrating new services. For example, companies can add payment gateways to apps where they also facilitate bookings.
IoT Support
iPaaS and IoT go hand in hand. Because IoT is essentially a vast network of interconnected devices, iPaaS can facilitate integrations between various pieces within these diverse platforms and devices.
Lead generation
iPaaS can also play a key role for people in sales and marketing efforts by facilitating lead generation. When reps collect leads remotely, they can load them into a CRM or other management system and quickly and seamlessly integrate them with other platforms and data sources.
Clearly, iPaaS has an illustrious future ahead of it. More and more companies are incorporating the technology, especially as cloud services expand and organizations increasingly rely on these resources to protect and transform their businesses.
Soon, we will start to see new technologies incorporated into iPaaS platforms and their capabilities will expand even further, allowing companies to strengthen their services and delivery models.
