Ever feel like your enterprise tech stack is a tangled web of apps and data? You're not alone. According to recent research by Netskope, the average enterprise business already uses 1295(!) different cloud apps or services just to keep core business operations running.
Instead of fighting complexity, you should embrace it. Today, there are literally hundreds of different integration platforms to make your life easier. You just need to find the right one.
Over the past 15 years, I've tested different integration methods, from self-service tools to hybrid integration platforms. Let’s dive into 10 of the most popular iPaaS vendors and what each has to offer to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Top iPaaS Solutions at a glance
iPaaS solutions in a nutshell
Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) is a category of cloud-based solutions used to connect software applications, data sources, and business services. The term was originally introduced by Gartner in 2011 to describe cloud-based integration solutions.
iPaaS solutions standardize, simplify, and streamline how data flows within a business and with their service partners. Typically, this happens through APIs or low-code system integrations where a direct connection is formed between different end-points and the integration platform.
With integration in place, enterprise leaders control how data flows between different enterprise IT systems or apps either in real-time, in batches, or through automated data synchronizations.
The typical enterprise client doesn’t need to worry about the exact data integration method. The point of an iPaaS is to give a platform where IT leaders (and to some extent citizen developers) can visualize and manage integrations without the need for coding skills or resources.
Examples of business challenges solved by iPaaS solutions
There are many different types of integration needs in business, and there will also be major differences between the integration needs of small businesses and enterprise organizations.
Some of the most common integration use-cases in business include:
- Application integrations - connecting two or more applications to seamlessly run processes between the applications.
- Data integrations - organizing your different data streams for the applications and processes of your company.
- Service integrations - connecting interdependent services from various internal and external IT roles, tools, and providers.
- System integrations - connecting different IT systems or tools into a single, extensive system that functions as one.
- Vendor integrations - combining and synchronizing products, services, systems, or software from external suppliers.
Key features of iPaaS solutions
With over 120 different solution providers in the market, there is no blueprint for what makes an iPaaS solution. Some solutions are limited to a configurable self-service platform, while others like ONEiO provide an automated turnkey solution.
An iPaaS typically includes some or all of these components:
- Connectors:
These are pre-built integrations that connect different applications and services — think Salesforce, ServiceNow, ZenDesk, and Slack.
- Visual integration flows:
A visual user interface that allows you to build and manage integration workflows and processes across different applications and services.
- Data mapping:
A feature that maps data between different applications and services, ensuring that data is transformed and properly formatted for use in each system.
- Workflow automation:
The ability to automate workflows and processes, such as triggering a workflow when a new lead is created in Salesforce or when a new file is uploaded to Google Drive.
- Monitoring and management:
A dashboard that provides visibility into the health and status of integrations and workflows, as well as the ability to manage and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an iPaaS
When selecting an iPaaS solution or vendor, several key factors should guide your decision-making process to ensure alignment with your organization's needs and objectives.
Ease of Use
The user interface and overall user experience are critical. An intuitive platform reduces the learning curve for your team and accelerates integration deployment. Look for features like drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built connectors, and comprehensive documentation.
Integration Capabilities
Evaluate the range of connectors available for various applications and services. A robust iPaaS should support both cloud and on-premises systems, enabling seamless integration across your entire technology stack.
Scalability
As your business grows, so will your integration needs. Choose a solution that can scale efficiently, accommodating increased data volume, user load, and additional integrations without a significant drop in performance.
Security and Compliance
Since all of your data is going through your iPaaS provider’s systems, data security should be a top priority. Ensure that the iPaaS provider adheres to industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, and offers features like encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
Cost Structure
Consider the pricing model and whether it aligns with your budget. Some iPaaS solutions charge based on usage, while others have fixed pricing tiers. Analyze the total cost of ownership, including hidden fees for additional connectors or features.
Support and Community
A strong support system is vital for troubleshooting and guidance. Investigate the availability of customer support, online resources, and community forums to ensure you have access to help when needed.
By carefully assessing these factors, organizations can choose an iPaaS solution that not only meets their current integration needs but also supports future growth and expansion of your data ecosystem.
Top iPaaS solutions and vendors to consider
Today iPaaS is one of the largest and fastest growing categories of enterprise software. Gartner tracks over 120 different vendors and estimates the market to be worth more than $6.5 billion in revenue in 2022.
Here are some notable enterprise integration software providers:
ONEiO
ONEiO is a next-generation iPaaS solution that automates integration processes, offering a central hub for connecting disparate IT tools, teams and vendors, enabling end-to-end process flows and data exchange across an organization's entire IT ecosystem.
HQ:
Helsinki, Finland
ONEiO provides a cloud-based integration solution for businesses focused on managing and delivering digital services. Understanding the specific needs of these companies, ONEiO offers predictable subscription-based integrations, allowing businesses to budget and plan with greater accuracy without investing in integration technologies, resources, and development. This flexibility ensures that regardless of a company’s resources or expertise, ONEiO delivers a fitting solution and allows businesses to concentrate on their core offerings without the complexities of integration development and management.
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Pros:
- Support for integrations with multiple parties and tools, with Out-of-the-box runtime intelligence.
- Flexible and predictable subscription based pricing. Supports volume-based and fixed price integrations.
- Domain experts in B2B and Ebonding, including pre-integrated vendors.
Cons:
- Small partner network
- API management capabilities
- On-premise systems can be integrated using ONEiO. However, ONEiO cannot be deployed on premise.
Mulesoft
Owned by Salesforce, Mulesoft leads in iPaaS with comprehensive integration, automation, and API management capabilities.
HQ:
San Francisco, California
Mulesoft offers the Anypoint Platform, integrating applications, automations, and APIs. It focuses on democratizing integration for teams and evolving into an automation fabric supported by AI. With strong partnerships, it's ideal for organizations seeking an API-led strategy.
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Pros:
- API creation and integration capabilities.
- Supports automation with a large template library and RPA access.
- Wide capabilities in composite service integration.
Cons:
- Pricing models can be complex.
- Focused on Salesforce data ecosystem.
- Has a ton of functionality but is not easy to use
Workato
Workato's iPaaS solution focuses on process automation and collaboration between IT and business through an intuitive, AI-assisted user experience.
HQ:
Mountain View, California
Workato offers a serverless integration platform emphasizing ease of use and democratized development. It accelerates business-IT collaboration with a user-friendly, AI-enhanced interface, encouraging adoption with in-product assistance and proactive customer engagement. The platform boasts a vast array of connectors, facilitating diverse integrations and automations. Despite a global presence, Workato's strategic emphasis on AI assistance and customer-centric innovations positions it as a formidable choice for organizations aiming to empower citizen developers and streamline business processes. Its approach to integration challenges not only simplifies the user experience but also promises to enhance operational efficiency and innovation across industries, making Workato an excellent choice for cloud-based business process automation and teams blending IT expertise with business insight.
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Pros:
- Intuitive user experience with AI-driven process guidance.
- Extensive library of connectors and templates.
- Fine-grained access permissions.
Cons:
- Pricing model can lead to cost escalations as new processes are added.
- Absence of out-of-the-box support for EDI and B2B-specific features.
- Reliance on Amazon AWS data centers.
Celigo
Celigo is an iPaaS vendor focusing on automating back-office processes with a strong emphasis on AI and ease of use.
HQ:
Redwood City, California
Celigo offers integrator.io, targeting upper-midmarket and small enterprises for back-office automation. It blends ease of use with AI innovations for efficient process automation and integration. Celigo emphasizes customer success through dedicated support and a roadmap prioritizing B2B integration, improved developer experience, and AI efficiency. Ideal for empowering non-technical users while addressing complex integration scenarios.
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Pros:
- AI for categorizing and resolving runtime errors.
- Large library of business-oriented templates.
- Strategic focus on empowering citizen integrators.
Cons:
- Limited enterprise features for large-scale operations.
- Operational data cannot export to external tools.
- Complex user interface.
Informatica
Informatica excels in data integration within its comprehensive Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) platform.
HQ:
Redwood City, California
Informatica focuses on amplifying data integration capabilities as part of its IDMC, offering a wide range of services for robust data management and integration strategies. It prioritizes data-centric integration with extensive features for governance, quality, and transformation, making it suitable for organizations emphasizing a unified data management approach. Informatica's global footprint and strong partner network support its comprehensive services, despite perceptions of complexity.
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Pros:
- Broad industry solutions and cloud infrastructure options.
- Strong platform security and operational reliability.
- Depth in data integration and management capabilities.
Cons:
- Pricing based on compute power can be complex and costly.
- UX focuses primarily on data, less on guided integration.
- Complex user interface
Jitterbit
Jitterbit offers a versatile iPaaS focusing on APIs, EDI, and citizen development, with a model conducive to predictable costs.
HQ:
Alameda, California
Jitterbit Harmony iPaaS focuses on in API, EDI, and easing citizen development, backed by a predictive pricing model. It innovates based on customer feedback, though its service integrator ecosystem is not as extensive. Its roadmap aims to improve business automation and developer support, making it an attractive option for general iPaaS needs or EDI modernization.
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Pros:
- Strong focus on EDI with significant templates.
- Simple user interface
- Customizable template marketplace for OEMs.
Cons:
- Limited prebuilt connectors and templates.
- Endpoint-based pricing model can be complex.
- Lacks cloud support for connectors.
SnapLogic
SnapLogic's iPaaS emphasizes data integration with a focus on AI-driven automation, offering a blend of application and API management.
HQ:
San Mateo, California
SnapLogic, the Intelligent Integration Platform (IIP), focuses on data integration, leveraging AI to boost automation and productivity. It supports diverse integration needs through a user-friendly interface and a modular approach. While innovative, its B2B capabilities are modest, making it suited for organizations prioritizing low-code process automation and data integration.
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Pros:
- Easy to use integration wizard
- Transparent pricing and multi-cloud marketplace presence.
- One of the first generative AI solutions in SnapGPT
Cons:
- Limited B2B integration features.
- Limited access permissions
TIBCO
TIBCO offers broad integration styles with a focus on data integration, though it has a less unified user experience.
HQ:
Santa Clara, California
TIBCO Cloud Integration includes a range of products for application, data, APIs, and automation. With a global presence and a focus on data integration, TIBCO is a fit for data-centric integration strategies and enterprises emphasizing developer self-service.
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Pros:
- Flexible, volume-based pricing.
- Diverse integration capabilities.
- Supports a wide range of integration styles.
Cons:
- Inconsistent user experience across products.
- Some functionality is only self-hosted.
- Less frequent feature updates.
Boomi
Boomi, a comprehensive iPaaS solution, focuses on ease of use and has recently introduced new AI-based services.
HQ:
Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania
Boomi Platform combines iPaaS integration with data and API management, emphasizing business outcomes through democratized integration and AI. With flexible pricing and a focus on API and event-driven integration, it's suited for diverse integration needs.
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Pros:
- Hybrid integration patterns, especially ESB-type integrations.
- Relatively quick and easy to get started.
- Large library of pre-built / out-of-the-box connectors.
Cons:
- Pricing models can be complex.
- Lacks extensive monitoring capability.
- Users report it to be difficult to configure for advanced uses.
Bottom line on
Integrating your enterprise IT systems doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With so many powerful iPaaS options available, you simply need to find the solution that fits your needs the best.
Whether you need robust enterprise features or a simple workflow automation tool, there’s an iPaaS solution ready to help you take the effort out of integrations. Take the time to assess your requirements and choose a tool, or tools, that will make integration a seamless part of your own enterprise IT strategy.
If you have any more questions you can reach out to me directly on LinkedIn, or book a meeting with one of our ONEiO integration experts. Good luck!
