Continuous data sync solutions are technologies designed to automatically keep data updated and consistent across different systems or locations in real-time.
Over the past 15 years I've seen IT professionals reduced to tears by manual or error-prone data syncronization methods. Let's go through top options for automatically syncronizing data. Before we do, let's go through why you need automated data synchronization in the first place.
When do you know you need automated data synchronization
If your team is spending too much time syncronizing data between different IT systems it's probably high time to automate data integrations. Here are some common reasons why it's time to find a new data sync solution.
Stakeholders ask for more up-to-date data
There was a time when you could synchronize key systems once a day. The modern business environment demands real-time data synchronization. This is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date information across systems, which is a standard expectation in today’s digital landscape.
You're spending too much time maintaining integrations
Using an integration platform without the right solutions is like building a house from scratch every time. It's about having the right tools and expertise to ensure that your integrations can withstand any storm without constant oversight.
You lack full visibility on how and where data is synchronized
Data integration should be transparent and understandable. The right stakeholders should have an understanding of what data is synched and where. The complexity of technology should be managed in the background, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations without getting bogged down by technical details.
Benefits of real-time data sync automation
Automated data integrations significantly boost operational efficiency by saving time and reducing manual effort. They also enhance data accuracy and consistency, ensuring that all your systems are working with the most current and correct information. This real-time synchronization helps in making informed decisions faster. Plus, automation minimizes the risk of human error, which can lead to data discrepancies and potential business disruptions. Finally, by automating routine data tasks, your team can redirect their focus towards more strategic initiatives that add value to your business, driving innovation and growth.
Benefits of automated data sync tools
If you're still not sure automated data sync tools are for you, consider the following benefits:
Save time:
Drastically reduce the hours spent on manual data entry and updates.
Keep integrations up-to-date:
Keep all your systems synchronized with the latest information instantly.
Reduce human error:
Eliminate human errors to ensure your data is always precise and reliable.
Scale up painlessly:
Easily adjust to handle increasing data volumes as your business grows.
Free up IT resources:
Streamline workflows and processes, freeing up resources for critical tasks.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
SAP
SAP offers iPaaS functionality as part of its SAP Business Technology Platform, emphasizing integration within the SAP ecosystem.
HQ:
Walldorf, Germany
The SAP Integration Suite, part of the SAP Business Technology Platform, offers comprehensive integration capabilities. It focuses on SAP-centric ecosystems, aiming to unify business data and processes with a strong emphasis on AI. The suite's flexibility and extensive template library make it a robust option for businesses heavily invested in SAP products, offering a path towards digital transformation with a focus on modern application architecture.
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Pros:
- Thousands of templates, primarily for SAP applications.
- Global operational and support presence through SAP
- Transparent pricing.
Cons:
- Perceived primarily as an SAP-centric tool.
- Business model leans heavily towards SAP applications.
- Pricing not tailored to all market segments.
Webmethods
Software AG's Webmethods.io delivers iPaaS with a focus on democratized integration and a wide range of integration styles.
HQ:
Darmstadt, Germany
Webmethods.io by Software AG emphasizes business transformation through integration, offering a versatile platform that supports various integration styles. It's innovating with AI to enhance productivity and simplify the user experience. The commitment to a robust roadmap and customer-driven features makes it a compelling choice for B2B integration, citizen developers, and modernizing legacy systems. Software AG's focus on security and ease of use positions Webmethods.io as a strong contender in the iPaaS market.
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Pros:
- Wide functional capabilities and platform versatility.
- Large number of connectors and varied B2B offering.
- Extensive testing and debugging tools.
Cons:
- Lower customer satisfaction ratings.
- Not suitable for more advanced integrations
- Fewer hosting options than competitors.
How to find the right automated data sync tool
If you're looking to remove data sync pain from your team you shouldn't think too hard about using automated data integration software or platforms. These tools save you a tremendous amount of time by eliminating manual data entry, drastically reducing the risk of errors, and ensuring that your data across different systems is always accurate and up-to-date. This leads to better, faster decision-making and significantly improves operational efficiency.
By automating the synchronization process, you're not just keeping your data consistent; you're also freeing up your team to focus on more strategic tasks that drive growth and innovation. In short, automated data sync tools are essential for staying competitive in today's fast-paced business environment.
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