More and more applications, systems and processes move everyday to the cloud and for good reasons. The cloud has eliminated the requirement of additional infrastructure while providing quick scalability and highest flexibility.
But modern IT systems are extremely complex beasts, making use of countless apps, databases, channels and platforms making integration a challenge that can take not only a company’s time and money, but also the competitive edge that it needs to succeed.
The solution is a highly evolved, cloud integration platform that efficiently bundles together on-premise systems, proprietary legacy systems too, and the latest cloud services. While traditional integration tools and service-oriented architecture (SOA) may have been sufficient for on-premise systems as well as third party offsite integration, some distinct challenges can be presented by the cloud, particularly for IT systems built to operate in an on-premise hardwired environment. This is where a cloud integration platform steps in.
An integration platform developed particularly for the cloud has three valuable advantages.
1. Absolute Flexibility without the Need of Infrastructure
A cloud integration platform needs no extra on-premise infrastructure. Therefore you have nothing to install, you don’t need any new proprietary hardware or training and it’s an easy browser-based management. Also a strong support is offered by the cloud for web APIs (application programming interfaces), former-generation APIs too and interfaces, hence programs are up and running, and can talk to each other within minutes, rather than weeks.
2. No Need of Developing New Software
Newer cloud services and interfacing legacy systems with newer apps needed layers of added software, APIs and patches to bind them together and ensure compatibility. All this is eliminated by a cloud integration platform. Drag-and-drop design canvasses based on browsers allow users to easily and quickly connect workflow elements. You can create processes visually, making workflows simple to develop and understand, even for users who are not tech-savvy. Absence of complex software and descriptive tagging make it simple for managers to analyze and approve for quicker implementation.
3. Seamless Integration
An excellent cloud integration platform provides a seamless integration and allows secure linkages between all on-premise approved systems and the platform. Lightweight, comprehensive interfaces of the platform manage all sides of system communication including data compression for highly efficient transmission, security and even data recovery in case of disrupted connectivity due to any reason. The outcome is really seamless, as the ubiquitous on-premise cloud integration that remarkably decreases implementation time, effort and cost.
Entirely cloud-based integration platform forms “many-as-one” network functionality between complicated on-premise operations and more scalable cloud services while offering important end-to-end system visibility. Because of this, you get a secure, robust and flexible system helpful in lessening IT implementation, supervision and maintenance cost.
