What is an iPaaS or Integration Platform-as-a-Service

iPaaS is a simple way to move/copy/replicate data between apps in the cloud and on-premise environments. There is no need to install/buy/manage any hardware or software as an IT provider will host and manage it.

iPaaS helps companies automate and simplify integration tasks and connect apps and data in any environment. iPaaS solutions offer simple development environments, pre-packaged integrations, and API management capabilities. This efficient data integration makes these solutions less expensive and accessible to non-technical resources.

iPaaS is like a software-as-a-service offer but inherits all the features of the cloud. The key element of iPaaS can be found in the abbreviation.

I — Intelligence

iPaaS connects with leading platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or a locally hosted one. The iPaaS solution is easily manageable. It can host a variety of on-premise and cloud-based applications without any delay or data loss.

P — Platform

iPaaS is a platform to pool software and cloud applications easily. It reduces the total cost of ownership and network overhead by combining services and tools in a service-oriented architecture. It is also a responsive ecosystem with all tools and systems connecting to improve workflows and business processes efficiency.

S — Service

iPaaS is purpose-built, meaning the iPaaS vendors offer suitable solutions depending on business integration needs (short and long-term). Companies can benefit from the cloud's convenience, speed, and cost-effectiveness via iPaaS to develop, test and deploy applications. The vendor will manage and maintain these applications.

With iPaaS, you can run integration flows and manage integrations` lifecycle and development without needing your IT department. An iPaaS is ideally suited to complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

You can also say an iPaaS is a suite of cloud-based tools to connect applications deployed in different environments.

Companies use iPaaS cloud services to simplify their business processes and overall systems. iPaaS is a centralized platform to integrate applications and data between clouds or between traditional apps and the cloud.

Integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) is offered as a SaaS. Your clients will subscribe, select the services and tools they require, set up and automate integration between apps. There is no need to worry about security, updating new features, hardware maintenance, software patches, or data governance. An IT service provider handles this for them, fortunately.

They can either choose a pay-as-you-go rate or settle for a monthly fee, just like SaaS applications. Their IT provider will be responsible for configuring the settings or rules for different connections on the iPaaS platform. Once everything is set up, your clients can view, modify, and manage the data, infrastructure, and operations.

iPaaS is considered among the best integration solutions for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. You can use iPaaS for:

The best way to understand how iPaaS can benefit your business is to see its best integrations in action:

If you use WooCommerce, Shopify, or other software, save time and reduce errors by syncing your customers` data with other apps.

For instance, you can connect the E-commerce platform with accounting software like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. You can sync data like tax information and details of purchases so these reflect accurately on both applications.

Businesses use various marketing apps and CRMs to gain a comprehensive overview of their contacts/leads and customers. They record and store clients` data in multiple databases, and the team constantly moves between these to access clients` information.

iPaaS brings all these apps together so your team can access the data easily from one place. You can sync Salesforce, Gmail, Trello, Monday, and other apps and manage your leads easily.

Do you want to deliver consistent and excellent customer experiences? Your support team must be updated with accurate information to offer seamless service.

iPaaS can be their secret weapon for your customer support team. Your team will have a 360-degree view of customers and be able to respond to customer queries quickly.

Business process automation (BPA) is a way to use iPaaS; an iPaaS can serve to achieve BPA. It is used in marketing, HR, sales, accounting, and IT departments to make their processes fast and efficient.

BPA automates repeatable tasks and workflows, and companies deploy BPA solutions to achieve efficiency and error reduction in processes. You can consider iPaaS as a smart BPA platform to integrate multiple business apps.

Yes, they need an iPaaS if they want to: