Hybrid Integration Platform vs iPaaS

Both Hybrid Integration Programs (HIPs) and iPaaS are used to make the development, testing, maintenance, and use of application and data interfaces easier. They should also reduce the collective cost of these processes.

Although they have these two functions in common, differences exist between the two technologies. Read on to better understand what distinguishes HIP from iPaaS and how they compare to one another.  

Defining iPaaS

iPaaS stands for integration platform as a service, and this refers to a set of automated tools. The purpose of iPaaS is to integrate software applications across a range of environments. This can be useful, for example, in large businesses.

Some common iPaaS capabilities include pre-built data connectors; the ability to process, clean, and transform data in a range of formats; support during large-batch data integration processes; monitoring for failures during data integration; data encryption and other security mechanisms.

A business can use iPaaS to integrate data between public and private clouds as well as on-premises data. The tools used to achieve this include pre-built connectors, business rules, and maps. Together, they allow integration flows to function between locations using applications.

IT departments might choose to manage data integration independently; however, third-party iPaaS providers are also available.

When choosing between iPaaS providers, you may wish to look for one that offers custom development kits. These can help you modernize applications, integrate with social platforms, and manage business data more effectively.

Defining Hybrid Integration Platforms (HIP)

Hybrid integration platforms are another response to the pressure that application leaders in charge of data integration face. It is designed to overcome the integration challenges that have arisen because of data transformation projects that include the cloud, mobility, IoT and API integration.

HIP refers to integration and governance capabilities that can be applied to both on-premises and cloud-based data. The HIP consists of a range of technological “building blocks” which can come from a range of sources but are ultimately managed as one integrated whole.

These “building blocks” might include iPaaS alongside on-premises platforms such as B2B Gateway software or ESBs and ETL tools. They may also include API management platforms, IoT platforms, and managed file transfers.

When organizations need to reshape their integration strategy in accordance with the new requirements of digital transformation, they increasingly turn to HIP as their reference capability framework.

You may also see organizations extend their integration platforms using infrastructure inspired by HIP. They do this by adding cloud-based “building blocks” to their on-premises platforms.

How iPaaS Deployed?

Logging is already built into iPaaS, which can make it easy to use. It is also relatively straightforward to deploy since live development is possible without having to continually deploy during changes.

This is because the integration logic is already running in the service. This leaves you free to edit, save, test, and repeat after you’ve set up the integration base to work on. You only need to deploy parts that require a local resource.

What about when you encounter an error? The working system that runs in the cloud allows you to choose ready-made tools to handle errors. You don’t have to worry about defining retry policies, setting up schedules, or maintaining and updating server software.

As you build your integrations, the system prompts you to use similar implementations. This results in easier maintenance and documentation. Management is centralized and uses a web browser. Protocol implementations handle errors, and monitoring is more straightforward as everything runs through the same system.

iPaaS handles the architecture and infrastructure required for successful integration, leaving you to focus on building business logic.

How Are HIPs Deployed?

Hybrid integrations platforms can be used for cloud, on-premises, hybrid, and embedded deployment. This is why they’re an attractive option: flexibility is maximized, as is optimization.

They are built to connect data and applications across locations, and they should be able to plug into major cloud providers with minimal configuration. They should also allow you to access on-premises applications.

This can be a huge time saver for development teams who are trying to integrate applications. HIPs often offer connectors out-of-the-box, freeing up development teams who’d previously code these connectors themselves.

When using a HIP, you have the option to deploy from the cloud, running most of your ecosystem integration from there. You may also choose private deployment, operating on-premises.

Lastly, you could access managed services. Using this option, integration experts handle your integration processes for you. Different HIPs offer a range of capabilities, so it makes sense to shop around and find the most appropriate one for your needs. If you can avoid supplementing the capabilities of the platform, this is a preferable solution.

Similarities and Differences Between HIPs & iPaaS

One thing that HIPs and iPaaS have in common is that they are both extremely popular and they’re both used by enterprises to make integration easier and more effective. However, although there are many iPaaS vendors on the market, very few of them offer actually hybrid integration platforms.

So what’s the difference? The main distinction between an iPaaS and a hybrid integration platform is the type of applications that can be connected. An iPaaS can be used between multiple cloud-to-cloud applications; however, a HIP can connect applications that are both on-premises and based on the cloud.

If you already have an application for integration, then the expertise of a hybrid integration provider may help you modernize it and prolong its lifespan. Many organizations still use on-premises, traditional data applications. If they want to integrate them with modern, cloud-based applications, then a HIP can help them do that.

Because of this, HIPs are the preferred option for integrating legacy infrastructure. They can be used to make sense of old, unsorted data, which is becoming increasingly important as companies move toward more insight-driven models.

The Gravity Data Solution

Gravity is a team of product managers, data engineers and data analysts with experience in top 25 machine learning companies. Our project is the construction of a robust, self-healing data replication platform. This focuses on the best integration with DBT, granular notification systems, and the ability to harness data effectively.

With Gravity, you can enjoy:

  • Less time spent dealing with infrastructure issues, freeing you up to analyze data as our intelligence engine ensures ongoing operations
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  • Real-time monitoring and an alert system if a job needs urgent attention
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  • A secure platform that includes ongoing encryption-at-rest
  • A support system with our data engineers on standby ready to help solve your issues. We are a small team and are able to respond to you quickly and prioritise our customers needs!

Faster Integration Through Innovation

Because Gravity is a team of engineers, we have focused on developing a platform that works consistently, speedily, and straightforwardly. As a bonus, it’s also affordable.

Using our platform, you’re able to replicate all the data you need with just a few clicks. Yes, you can eliminate your engineering backlog! We offer free historical loading, so choose as much as you need with no limits.

All you must do is set up a time to replicate your data. Advanced scheduling, for example, for whitelist hours, is also available.

You can easily send your data to multiple destinations such as Snowflake, AWS Redshift, and Google BigQuery.

You’ll enjoy real-time progress on your jobs, and it’s easy to understand thanks to clear status updates and failed job notifications. Rest assured that security is taken care of too: this platform is encrypted by default, even at rest.