Cloud-based integration
Cloud-based integration is a form of systems integration delivered as a cloud service that addresses data, process, service-oriented architecture(SOA) and application integration use cases.[1]
Two cloud-based integration service models are iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) and dPaaS (Data Platform as a Service):
- iPaaS is a suite of cloud services enabling customers to develop, execute and govern integration flows.[2] Under the cloud-based iPaaS integration model, customers drive the development and deployment of integrations without installing or managing any hardware or middleware.[1]
- dPaaS delivers cloud-based integration as a fully managed service.[3] Under the dPaaS model, the cloud platform provider, not the customer, manages the development and execution of integrations. dPaaS users retain transparency and control over data through data visualization tools.[4]
Emergence
Prior to the emergence of cloud computing, integration could be categorized as either internal or business to business (B2B). Internal integration requirements were serviced through an on-premises middleware platform and typically utilized a service bus to manage exchange of data between systems. B2B integration was serviced through EDI gateways or value-added network (VAN). The advent of SaaS applications created a new kind of demand which was met through cloud-based integration.[5] Since their emergence, many such services have also developed the capability to integrate legacy or on-premises applications, as well as function as EDI gateways.
Identification
While the features regarded as essential in order to classify a cloud-based integration service as such are debated, the following are commonly accepted:[1]
- Deployed on a multi-tenant, elastic cloud infrastructure
- Subscription model pricing (opex, not capex)
- No software development (required connectors should already be available)
- Users do not perform deployment or manage the platform itself
- Presence of integration management & monitoring features
References
- 1 2 3 Gartner; Massimo Pezzini; Paolo Malinverno; Eric Thoo. "Gartner Reference Model for Integration PaaS". Retrieved 16 January 2013.
- ↑ Gartner. "Gartner IT Glossary". Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ↑ Loraine Lawson. "IT Business Edge". Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ↑ Enterprise CIO Forum; Gabriel Lowy. "The Value of Data Platform-as-a-Service (dPaaS)". Retrieved 6 July 2015.
- ↑ Stefan Reid. "B2B meets cloud based integration (CBI)". Retrieved 19 January 2013.