Integration Platform as a Service (IPAAS)?
What is IPAAS? Integration platform as a service is essentially a cloud integration tool. It allows one to map and transform data between systems.
For example, one could use the same IPAAS software to map data from your e-commerce platform, CRM system and payroll system to your ERP software.
Let's go over pros and cons as well as other options.
Pros:
One can map data between systems with no or low code.
The IPASS may have pre-built templates or complete pre-built solutions for your applications.
One can gain efficiencies by using one tool.
IPASS pricing may be offered at various tiers to support various company sizing.
Cons:
IPASS can be expensive for smaller businesses. It would be wise to shop around.
Fees are typically recurring (monthly, annually, etc.)
May have data throughput limitations which can be addressed by paying for higher-tier service.
Not as a flexible as a custom developed solution.
What are the alternatives?
1. Built-in integrations. This is the ideal solution as the integration is built-in and may be already included in the software's subscription costs. An example of this is the built in integration with banks in Business Central or Business Central's Shopify Connector. As long as the integration is well designed and executed, there is no need to go elsewhere.
2. Custom integrations - a developer can write a custom integration with each platform. This has its own set of pros and cons:
Pros:
No or low recurring fees.
Almost any scenario can be addressed through code.
Cons:
If software providers make changes to their applications, the integration may require updates.
Higher up-front development costs.
Will require more testing and debugging than a pre-built and tested solution.
Changes will likely require development.
A custom integration may make sense when integrating to one or two systems when the cost of development and maintenance is significantly lower than IPASS costed over a five-year period.
In summary, one should look at all available options, to determine which is ideal for your application.
1. Built-in integrations
2. IPAAS
3. Custom integrations
The above is also the sequence I would recommend in selecting a solution. If there is a built-in integration, I would utilize that. If a built in integration is not present or is insufficient for the desired outcome, I would look at existing IPAAS solutions that have built-in templates or pre-built solutions and price shop. If pricing is not acceptable, then I would look at developing a custom integration and price compare.