Choosing the Right Path
While traveling back to New Zealand I was thinking about work (surprise!) I was trying to think of a way to describe integration assessments in a more straightforward way.
And planes came to mind (actually cars first but it didn’t really fit). So here it is:
Just as in air travel, where you wouldn't book a flight before knowing your starting point and destination, the same principle applies to choosing the right integration solution for your business needs.
Know Your Departure and Destination
Before even looking at the available solutions, it's crucial to understand where you're starting from and where you want to go. This means having a clear grasp of your current technological setup and the goals you aim to achieve with the integration. Are you working with a modern stack that readily supports REST API connections, or are you dealing with legacy systems that might require more traditional means of connection? Identifying these factors upfront can save you from investing in a solution that doesn't align with your technological landscape or business objective.
Assessing Your Travel Class: Business or Economy?
In the world of integrations, there's always the option to go for the 'business class'—a premium solution that offers extensive features and support. While tempting, it's important to evaluate whether these additional features are necessary for achieving your goals or if the 'economy class'—a more straightforward, less costly option—will suffice. It's about finding the right balance between cost and functionality, ensuring you invest in what truly adds value to your project.
The Koru Membership Dilemma: To Subscribe or Not?
Many vendors offer subscription-based services, akin to airport lounge memberships, promising convenience and an array of extra benefits. However, it's worth considering how much you'll actually use these perks. If you only need certain advanced features occasionally, it might be more cost-effective to seek them out as needed, rather than paying for a continuous subscription you'll rarely use.
Combining Solutions for the Perfect Fit
Sometimes, the direct flight to your destination isn't available, or it doesn't meet all your needs. In such cases, flying to a major hub and then taking a rental car for the final leg of your journey can be the best option. This approach mirrors using an Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) for the bulk of your needs while customizing or adding specific solutions for unique requirements. iPaaS solutions offer the flexibility to cover most use cases with the option to integrate additional tools or custom code to fill in the gaps, much like renting a car to reach your final destination.
Navigating Different Terrains
Understanding the compatibility between your current systems and potential integration solutions is akin to knowing the terrain you'll be traveling through. Modern systems often support REST APIs, making them highly adaptable and easier to integrate with other modern applications. However, if your business relies on legacy systems, you might face more challenges due to the lack of direct API support. In these cases, you may need to look for solutions specifically designed to bridge the gap between old and new, ensuring a smooth transition and efficient data flow across your technological landscape.
Conclusion
Choosing the right integration solution for your business is much like planning a trip: it requires a clear understanding of your starting point, destination, and the conditions you'll encounter along the way. By carefully considering your needs, evaluating the benefits of different service levels, and being prepared to think outside the box, you can ensure a successful journey for your data, from departure to destination.
Remember, the key to a successful integration project is not just reaching the endpoint but ensuring a solution which your team can support in the long term.