The different types of integration platforms
Discover the 4 different types of integration platforms
A system integration platform serves as a central hub for modern businesses to connect all their disparate applications and data sources, helping build holistic data ecosystems. While the integration platform initially started off as on-premises middleware solutions, the advent of cloud applications and SaaS (Software as Service) solutions have caused it to evolve into the cloud integration platform or SaaS integration platform. From helping orchestrate e-commerce integrations to connecting manufacturing, banking, hospitality businesses and more, nearly all industries today are benefiting from implementing an integration platform.
What is an integration platform?
An integration platform is an on-premises or cloud-based middleware solution that helps connect two or multiple applications, services, or data sources. They are designed to facilitate flexible data exchange, streamline processes, and ensure data security. There are several kinds of integration platforms that are tailored to meet specific business requirements and technological landscapes.
Between traditional on-premises middleware solutions like the ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) system integration platform to the current demand for API-driven cloud integration platforms, there are many kinds of integration platforms that specifically cater to a variety of use cases such as the workflow automation platform, data integration platform, hybrid integration platform, and the iPaaS (integration Platform as a Service). Let’s explore all these integration solutions!
1. The ESB integration platform: Connecting legacy systems
The Enterprise Service Bus or ESB integration platform acts as a middleware layer, facilitating communication between different services and applications. It simplifies and standardizes the integration of legacy systems with various applications, services, and databases. Traditionally, an on-premises integration platform, ESB systems require the installation of hardware and rely heavily on-premises footprints and older messaging & document standards, making them ideal for older enterprise solutions.
Read more about the ESB vs iPaaS: On-Premises vs. Cloud-Based Middleware.
2. The workflow automation platform: Driving cloud-based process automation
Workflow automation platforms like Zapier or Make, based around the SaaS integration platform model, specialize in connecting cloud-based tools, applications, and other SaaS solutions to enable process automation. Designed to optimize business processes, reduce manual intervention, and enhance overall productivity, workflow automation platforms help orchestrate workflows to automate entire business processes between connected applications. This can include data validation, approvals, data transfers, or any other task within the defined workflow. As such, this type of integration platform helps accelerate routine tasks, reduce manual efforts, and minimize errors. Most importantly, it helps trigger automation based on events that could be a specific date, a new data entry, or an external event, such as receiving an email.
Read a comparison of Zapier’s workflow automation platform vs the Alumio iPaaS →