When businesses need to connect multiple software systems, they often turn to integration solutions. But not all integration platforms are created equal. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between a traditional integration platform and an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service). We’ll answer some common questions to help you understand which solution might be the best fit for your organization.
1. How Are They Deployed?
One of the biggest differences between traditional integration platforms and iPaaS is how they are deployed.
| Feature | Integration Platform | iPaaS |
| Deployment | On-premise or private data center | Cloud-based |
| Infrastructure | Requires businesses to manage setup | Managed by the service provider |
| Scalability | Manual scaling | Automatic and flexible scaling |
Traditional integration platforms are often installed on-premise or within a company’s private data center. This means the business is responsible for setting up and managing the infrastructure. On the other hand, iPaaS solutions are hosted in the cloud. The provider takes care of everything from hosting to scaling, which can simplify deployment and reduce the need for in-house IT resources.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s not that you don’t need any expertise on your team to configure and manage an iPaaS solution. That’s not true. While you can rely on your cloud provider, like MuleSoft, to manage the servers and infrastructure, you still need qualified experts to configure and adapt the iPaaS solution to your business’s specific needs. Every industry has its unique characteristics, and having skilled professionals ensures the platform is tailored to those nuances.
At Inclusion Cloud, we’re ready to assist you with all your needs as enterprise integration specialists. We can support you with everything from strategic consulting to providing certified professionals.
2. How Do They Handle Scalability?
Scalability is crucial, especially as businesses grow and need to handle more data and connections. But how do these platforms compare?
| Feature | Integration Platform | iPaaS |
| Scaling | Requires manual adjustments | Automatic scaling based on demand |
| Adaptability | Less flexible, more resource-intensive | Flexible, adjusts easily to new needs |
With a traditional integration platform, scaling up often involves adding more servers or resources manually, which can be time-consuming and expensive. iPaaS solutions, however, are designed to scale automatically. If your business suddenly needs to handle more data or add new apps, an iPaaS can quickly adapt without the need for extra hardware or complex setups.
Even more, some iPaaS vendors offer tools that empower citizen developers—non-technical users—to build their own integrations without involving the IT department. Tools like MuleSoft Composer follow a clicks, no-code philosophy, enabling users to set up automated integrations between different tools and systems quickly. For instance, a marketing team member could integrate Salesforce Marketing Cloud with Slack to streamline campaign notifications, or an HR professional might connect Workday with Microsoft Teams to automate onboarding tasks.
3. What About Costs?
Every business needs to consider costs when choosing between integration solutions. Let’s see how these two stack up.
| Feature | Integration Platform | iPaaS |
| Cost Structure | High upfront costs for licenses and hardware | Pay-as-you-go subscription model |
| Maintenance | Ongoing maintenance costs | Maintenance included in subscription fee |
Traditional integration platforms usually require significant upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and ongoing maintenance. This can be a substantial cost, especially for smaller companies. In contrast, iPaaS platforms typically operate on a subscription model, where you pay based on what you use, which helps to minimize upfront expenses and make costs more predictable.
If you want to better understand the cost structures and see which solution would work best for your business, remember that we’re here to help. Contact us!
4. How Easy Are They to Set Up and Use?
Simplicity and ease of use is another area where these solutions differ significantly.
| Feature | Integration Platform | iPaaS |
| Setup | Complex, requires IT expertise | Simplified, low-code/no-code options |
| User Experience | Technical, often needs developers | User-friendly, accessible to non-tech users |
Traditional integration platforms can be complex to set up, often requiring dedicated IT teams with highly specialized knowledge. This makes the setup process longer and more resource-intensive. On the other hand, iPaaS platforms offer low-code or no-code solutions that simplify the integration process.
As we saw earlier with MuleSoft Composer, even non-technical users can create integrations without needing to write extensive code, speeding up deployment and reducing the burden on IT teams. Other tools that offer similar capabilities for non-technical users include:
- SAP Build Apps (integrated with SAP Integration Suite)
- Jitterbit Citizen Integrator
- Workato Automations
- Zapier
- Tray.io Builder
- Dell Boomi Flow
However, it’s important to note that while these tools simplify the integration process, you can maximize productivity and save hours by having certified professionals on board. Experts who know exactly where to click and configure can ensure you’re getting the most out of your iPaaS investment, allowing your team to focus on what they do best.
5. Who Handles Maintenance and Updates?
Maintaining integration systems can be a challenge, but who takes care of that?
| Feature | Integration Platform | iPaaS |
| Maintenance | Handled by the business’s IT team | Handled by the service provider |
| Updates | Manual, requires IT intervention | Automatic, always up-to-date |
With a traditional integration platform, the business is responsible for maintaining the system, applying patches, and handling updates, which can be time-consuming and risky. Each update could potentially disrupt existing connections, leading to unexpected issues that take time to resolve. On the other hand, iPaaS providers manage maintenance and updates automatically, ensuring your integration setup is always up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements. This means updates are more stable and secure, as they’re tested to ensure they won’t break existing workflows.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Traditional Integration Platform if:
- You have specific security or compliance requirements that demand on-premise control.
- You need to integrate with legacy systems that might not work well with cloud solutions.
Choose iPaaS if:
- You need a cost-effective, scalable, and flexible integration solution.
- You want to minimize maintenance and let experts handle the technical setup.
- You’re looking for quick, user-friendly deployment that doesn’t rely heavily on IT resources.
In summary, iPaaS solutions offer greater scalability, lower costs, and easier management than traditional platforms, making them ideal for companies looking to simplify their integration processes. However, traditional platforms still have their place for organizations that need complete control over their infrastructure.
At Inclusion Cloud, we can help you decide which integration solution is right for you, and provide the expertise to ensure a seamless deployment. Contact us to learn more!