Systems integration can sometimes seem like an overwhelming and all-consuming project. But how complex is it really? And why should you do it anyway? We’re here to debunk some common integration myths so you can start planning for the future.
It’s far too complicated if you’re still running with a monolithic architecture
As more applications are moved to the cloud in containerised and microservice form, there’s a struggle with getting those on premise monolithic applications to talk to them. Deciding whether you need to modernise said monoliths depends on their purpose and isn’t always necessary.
To integrate, you don’t always have to migrate to the cloud. If it makes sense to break down a single monolith into microservices, or simply lift and shift part of your stack to the cloud, you don’t necessarily have to take everything else with it in one go.
It’ll take too long, so there’s no point
A tale as old as time itself is that IT and development teams need things done quickly. Many projects get put on hold or ditched part way through due to lack of time to complete. Integration projects – or digital transformation as a whole – can seem like a mammoth responsibility and many businesses will assume that it will take far too long, so are reluctant to commit.
However, this isn’t always the case. It depends on your business requirements, your current stack, and the integration software you choose to go with. To get a clear idea of how long an integration project might take for you, the best thing to do is get in touch with an integration partner (like us!) Moreover, many integration projects require a strategy and are executed over a number of years as part of a wider phased plan approach, utilising a DevOps methodology, meaning you can modernise your business whilst continually learning and improving along the way, at an appropriate pace.
The last thing to note – although the extra time in planning may set you back temporarily, it’s nothing compared to the time, effort and money it’ll save in the long run. With improved performance freeing up resource and a modernised structure, it’ll be worth its weight in gold (metaphorically, of course).
You have to choose one vendor and stick with them forever
Not the case. While integrating systems from different vendors can be complex, it’s really down to the vendor you choose. For example, IBM’s App Connect Enterprise allows integration with other vendors’ systems through a web service layer or through libraries, meaning you wouldn’t have to swap out Amazon API Gateway for DataPower Gateway, for example.
Choosing vendors who are open by architecture and bought into the hybrid deployment model is important and so avoiding unwanted vendor lock-in. As your integration partner, we will always carry out a full technology evaluation exercise to choose the best solutions to compliment your existing IT estate but that will also enable future growth.
Recruiting an integration partner causes too many problems
Much to the contrary, integration partners help you achieve a shorter time to market and prevent a lot of pain points that you might experience when going it alone. Some of the main benefits of using an integration partner include:
- We’re experts – We know all there is to know about systems integration. And not only that, we work regularly with many of the software systems you’ll be looking to integrate.
- We’re flexible and capable – We can simply consult on your project and help you make the right choices or we can handle the whole thing end-to-end. How much help do you need? Has your internal team handled a project like this before?
- We’re multilingual – We can speak the language of each stakeholder within the business so that you can rest assured that everyone is on the same page.
- We’re experienced – We’ve handled plenty of complex integration projects end-to-end; this isn’t our first rodeo. We can work to deliver what you’re trying to achieve within a timescale that suits you, and we’ll do it properly.
Systems integration seems far less scary now, right? If you’re looking for advice on what approach is best for your business goals, reach out to the DeeperThanBlue team. There’s no commitment and a consultation costs nothing.