5 IPaaS Integration Myths: Busted

IPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is just the latest up-and-coming technology trend that the mainstream enterprise hasn’t caught on to yet. The idea is simple; taking the integration platforms that have existed for a long time within the enterprise world i.e. CRM and ERP connectors, and moving them onto the web. Instead of on premise servers and data syncs between enterprise applications, IPaaS integrations allows users to host their connections in the cloud, implemented and maintained by an outside IPaaS provider and accessible through an internet application. IPaaS vendors thus allow their clients the ability to collect valuable data and business process information from integrated ERP and CRM while securing it and storing it offsite.

Furthermore, modern IPaaS models are more elaborate than ever; syncing not just your data between enterprise systems but also capable of integrating process models from every single aspect of your business, manufacturing rules, scheduling functions and more. Because of their flexibility and ease of use, cloud-based integration solutions are growing fast within every level of the enterprise world. A Gartner report indicates that by 2016, at least 35% of mid-to-large sized businesses will be using a form of IPaaS offering. So why are some companies still hesitant to adopt IPaaS integration? Read on for some of the biggest hesitations we find about cloud integration—and why you might not need to be worried about them so much after all.

For a demo of our own web-based integrator, Datix Connect, and to see why you should reconsider IPaaS for your business, fill out the form to the right!

You Can Only Connect Cloud Software With IPaaS Integration

Because the solution is based through the web, you may think that you can’t use IPaaS integration for anything besides cloud based enterprise applications, limiting enterprises who already have pre-existing on-site solutions or those who want to implement them in the future. However, the flexibility of modern IPaaS integration effectively busts this myth; any range of enterprise applications and vendors can be integrated through the same platform, and you can choose how they are integrated. Most enterprise connectors even have the capability to connect your legacy software (why are you still running legacy software anyway?). Furthermore, if you ever do upgrade, then it is relatively simple to modify your integration platform to accommodate the new software, rather than simply piling on more add-ons and point solutions.

It Isn’t Secure

Probably the most resounding criticism of cloud software on the whole is the concern with security of any data stored in the cloud. Because the cloud takes information that was once totally private and provides it over ostensibly public servers, many assume that the cloud is inherently more dangerous. However, because providers of cloud solutions like IPaaS integration are very aware of this worry, they work doubly hard to assuage their client’s fears, pouring huge amounts of their investment dollars into sophisticated encryption methods and mobile management solutions that can help you feel more secure about your valuable data and process information. After all, keeping you happy is a service provider’s biggest concern; they are going to do everything they can to keep you feeling safe and ensuring you renew your subscription when your contract comes up.

Additionally, as we detailed earlier in the post, if you host some (or all) of your enterprise software on premise for security reasons, you will still be to integrate it with a web-based connector. Cloud technology has by now become a huge portion of modern enterprise software, meaning that providers must dedicate a significant portion of their services towards security; probably totaling up to more than the investment you could provide yourself towards on-site data security.

IPaaS Requires Sophisticated Programming Knowledge

Many believe that due to its complex name, IPaaS is difficult to implement and hard to understand; requiring a sophisticated knowledge of development within the software systems you are integrating. This is a total myth. In fact, most platforms are pre-built; meaning you don’t need to complete any complex coding or development work just to connect data from disparate systems. The IPaaS providers do all that hard work themselves; building an application that is ready to be implemented within your existing software structure and get your data synced up and providing the intelligence you need to drive revenue within days.

Not Worth the Cost

You might not see the cost savings directly, but they will undoubtedly emerge once you have started really gathering the granular you need, running analytics in real time and using that information to reduce losses, increase efficiency and drive down costs.

Moreover, if you are currently relying on point solutions and are a growing small to midsize business, know that with growth these kind of specific, one-off integrations will only get costlier to maintain and reconfigure. An IPaaS is much more flexible, and maintained by your service provider—your subscription includes the cost of upgrades and support so you can factor that into your budget from the get-go, not get surprised when you get billed for a maintenance issue after the fact.

Wrap Up

While there are legitimate concerns about the viability of IPaaS integration for your business (espescially if you are a larger business with a lot of existing solutions and systems already in place) some of the most common worries clients have with IPaaS can be overblown. Here we have tried to dismantle some of the most common myths when it comes to web-based integration and assuage some fears you may have as a small to midsize business about adapting to this extremely new technology. In fact, IPaaS is poised to grow exponentially in the coming years thanks to the the solution’s flexibility, scalability and adaptability to a whole host of business types and enterprise applications.

For more information on IPaaS integration or a demo of our own specially built connectors, Datix Connect and Unity, that can quickly and easily integrate your CRM with ERP software, drop one of our experts a line today.

For More on Enterprise Integration, Read These!

• How CRM and ERP Integration Can Boost Your Business’ Growth
• Enterprise Integration: 8 Crucial Considerations
• Integration in the Cloud: The Future of Enterprise Software