Embedded integration platforms have become a cornerstone for businesses seeking to streamline their operations by integrating various software applications seamlessly. This guide will navigate through the critical aspects buyers should consider.
Introduction to embedded iPaaS
Embedded iPaaS solutions offer a bridge between different software applications, allowing them to communicate and share data effortlessly. This technology enables businesses to create a more cohesive IT ecosystem, enhancing efficiency and productivity. The primary benefit of an embedded iPaaS is its ability to eliminate the friction to revenue by enabling “yes” responses to customer integration requests, ensuring products fit within customers’ existing tech stacks, thereby accelerating sales and reducing customer churn.
When to invest in embedded integrations
Investing in embedded integrations becomes crucial when a business faces a high volume of integration requests, needs to quickly market its integrations, or when its engineering resources are better focused on core product development rather than building integrations. Market trends indicate a growing expectation for seamless connectivity, making now an opportune time to invest in an embedded integration solution.
Essential ingredients for an embedded integration platform
- Pre-built Connectors: Look for platforms offering a comprehensive library of pre-built connectors to popular apps and databases. This feature can significantly speed up integration processes and free up valuable engineering resources.
- Low-code UI: A platform that offers a low-code user interface makes it easier for non-technical staff to understand and use, democratizing the integration process across the organization.
- Flexible Configuration: The ability to offer a seamless customer experience through flexible configuration options, such as seamless redirects and fully integrated iFrames, is crucial for maintaining a high-quality user experience.
- Enterprise-grade Security: Ensuring the platform meets rigorous data protection standards is non-negotiable. Look for platforms that offer robust security features, including two-factor authentication, single sign-on systems, and adherence to secure coding practices.
- Chatbots and Automation: Platforms that include chatbots and automation capabilities can enhance the functionality of your product, making it more attractive to potential customers.
Evaluating vendors
When evaluating potential vendors, consider the following questions:
- How many pre-built connections are available, and how quickly can a new connector be created?
- Does the vendor offer easy-to-access training and support for their platform? Additionally, it’s beneficial to inquire if the vendor can facilitate the creation of private communities for your users, enhancing engagement and support.
Training and Support
A critical aspect of selecting an embedded integration platform is the level of training and support offered by the vendor. Comprehensive training materials and accessible support can significantly reduce the learning curve for your team and ensure smooth implementation and troubleshooting. Ask potential vendors about the availability of training resources and the scope of support services they provide.
Community and Ecosystem
The strength of a vendor’s community and ecosystem can be a valuable asset. A vibrant community of developers and users contributes to the platform’s robustness by sharing knowledge, creating custom connectors, and offering solutions to common challenges. Evaluate whether the vendor has an active developer community and the extent to which they contribute to the platform’s capabilities
Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, your integration needs will evolve. The chosen platform should be scalable to accommodate increasing demands without compromising performance. Assess the platform’s ability to scale and its flexibility to adapt to new requirements, such as adding new connectors or expanding integration capabilities.
Cost Considerations
Understanding the pricing model of the embedded integration platform is essential. Consider the total cost of ownership, including initial setup fees, monthly or annual subscription costs, and any additional charges for premium connectors or advanced features. Compare the pricing models of different vendors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
Security and Compliance
Given the critical importance of data security and privacy, ensure the platform complies with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Inquire about the vendor’s security practices, including data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. A platform that prioritizes security will protect your data and that of your customers.
Product Roadmap and Innovation
Lastly, consider the vendor’s commitment to innovation and their product roadmap. A vendor that regularly updates their platform with new features and improvements demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of integration technology. Understanding their roadmap can also give you insight into whether the platform will continue to meet your needs in the future.
Transform your product with Workato’s Embedded Platform
Choosing the right embedded integration platform is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your product’s success and your company’s operational efficiency. By carefully evaluating potential vendors based on these criteria, you can select a platform that not only meets your current needs but also supports your growth and innovation goals in the long term.
Workato, the leader in enterprise automation, offers an Embedded Platform that accelerates product innovation and adoption by offering integrations at the speed and depth your customers demand.
The Workato Embedded Platform, which is used by brands like Autodesk, Unanet, CyCognito, and Tango Card, allows you to:
- Take embedded integrations to market 3x faster with access to 400+ pre-built connectors to SaaS applications and databases and hundreds of thousands of automation templates—which we refer to as “recipes”
- Enable less technical resources to implement integrations and automations in minutes via our low-code UI (freeing up engineering resources to focus on your core product)
- Seamlessly embed our platform directly into your product with the configuration options that meet your needs
- Leverage our patented Workbot to build chatbots that can be incorporated into your product’s workflow automations—or that simply allow clients to access data and actions from your product without leaving their business comms platform
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