Integration platform as a service or iPaaS is a collection of cloud services that are designed to help build, test, execute, and manage integrations to allow for data exchange and bidirectional processes between two or more interconnected systems. With the fast-multiplying ecosystems, new devices, and increasingly complex applications, iPaaS lets you link these technologies with sheer ease.
You can refer to iPaaS as they secret ingredient of a successful modern connected enterprise, that allows users to gain from the whole rather than the sum of its parts. This is the reason behind the growing demand for iPaaS. Having said that, let’s examine the essential features of iPaaS software.
API-Powered Integrations
Enterprise iPaaS software should be able to support integration development through APIs and software development kits (SDKs). The good news is some solutions come fully-equipped with pre-built APIs for popular public clouds, business applications, and communication services, to mention a few. These help reduce the time and effort needed to get your integrated landscape to go live.
API-led cycle management, testing, and provisioning are also vital features. Moreover, the iPaaS software can include codeless capabilities to help configure integrations and workflows through a GUI interface.
Integration Marketplace
Amn integration marketplace is designed to consolidate all the prebuilt connectors, templates, and automation recipes available within an iPaaS environment. This allows you to quickly assess if your current system components are covered by the iPaaS software you would like to install. In some instances, the marketplace also aids monetization, where you could publish your custom-built APIs, templates, etc., and allow other iPaaS customers to leverage them for a fee.
Big Data and IoT Compatibility
In this day and age, unstructured data and the IoT devices seem to be fast becoming an enterprise staple. It is vital that your iPaaS software is able to ingest unstructured data in addition to traditional data. You must be able to set up dedicated warehouses for big data and IoT and monitor these integrations from the centralized landscape. Luckily, some solutions support workflow configuration for IoT, where data-led business processes are automated through iPaaS.
