Low-code integration platform or custom integrations: what is the smartest choice?

Each application has its own way of exchanging data, which often makes integrations a complex challenge. How do you tackle this smartly? Do you opt for a low-code integration platform like Boomi, or do you choose custom integrations with Java or .NET? 

Discover it in this blog post!

A low-code integration platform is a tool that allows you to easily connect applications without deep programming knowledge.

Well-known platforms from vendors such as Boomi, Mulesoft, and IBM provide a visual and user-friendly interface that enables you to quickly build integrations. They operate based on a licensing model and make it possible to realise data exchange between different systems more efficiently and quickly.

The benefits

• No programming experience is required. Thanks to the intuitive interface of a low-code platform, anyone - not just integration specialists - can get started with it.
• Most low-code integration platforms are also iPaaS platforms, meaning that the development environment and the runtime are hosted in the cloud.
• There are no installation, upgrade, and maintenance costs. The vendor is responsible for an optimally running platform.
• Thanks to the high-availability functionalities of the vendor, you are assured of an extremely stable and high-performance runtime.
• The solution automatically scales thanks to the elasticity of the cloud, where additional CPU, memory, and disk space are added under increased load.
• An integration platform offers a large number of integration functionalities out-of-the-box, significantly reducing implementation time:
  Connectors: allow you to connect to existing applications in a simple, reusable way. Usually, a distinction is made between two types: standard connectors: each connector facilitates a connection with one (type of) application, such as SAP, Salesforce, AWS, Google Maps, etc. Technology connectors: facilitate a connection via a specific technological protocol, such as REST API, SOAP, FTP, etc...
  Policies: reusable, configurable steps in the integration process, such as routing, transformation, filtering, notification, etc...

The disadvantages

• The licensing cost can be a stumbling block for some organisations.
• Be cautious of vendor lock-in: once you build your integrations within a platform, switching to another platform is anything but plug-and-play.
• Limitations in the platform can pose a challenge, especially with exotic or legacy protocols and file formats that may not be supported.

Instead of using an integration platform, you can also develop integrations entirely bespoke. This offers maximum flexibility and can be hosted both on-premises and in the cloud.

The downside? The developer takes full responsibility for crucial aspects such as high availability, scalability, and performance. A strong architecture and robust code are therefore a must!

The benefits

• Programming integrations yourself does not incur licensing costs, giving you full control over development and costs.
• No restrictions like with commercial platforms – any protocol, file format, or security policy can be fully customised.
• You have more control over the storage, processing, and security of data.
• Existing expertise and resources (e.g., for application development) can be reused to build integrations.

The drawbacks

• In most cases, all integration functionality, such as connectors, routing, and transformation, must be built from scratch. This requires an initial investment in basic functionality before integration flows can be developed, which extends the overall development time.
• Developers bear full responsibility for the security of integrations. They need to monitor and implement new security patches on their own in a timely manner.
• When there are changes to the interface of integrated applications, such as SAP or Salesforce, all affected integrations must be manually adjusted.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for every organisation. For some, a low-code integration platform is the most efficient choice, while others are better off with custom solutions.

But how do you make the right choice? Based on our experience with both approaches, we provide some practical guidelines to make an informed decision.

1. Which applications need to be integrated?

Are the applications easily accessible through self-programmed integrations?

• With mainframe or other legacy applications, this is often not the case. In such situations, an integration platform with out-of-the-box connectors is a better choice.
• Do all the applications to be integrated have REST APIs? Then they can be accessed relatively easily from a programming language, for example via the API-led connectivity pattern.

2. How often do integrations need to be developed or adjusted?

• If new integrations are regularly needed or existing integrations often change, an integration platform offers the necessary flexibility and ease of use.
• Is it just a limited number of integrations that rarely change? Then an integration platform may be unnecessary, and custom solutions may be a more efficient choice.

3. Who will develop the integrations?

• Does your organisation already have an experienced development team that builds applications in Java, for example? Then custom integration development may be a viable choice, provided that sufficient attention is paid to governance to keep the integrations clear, stable, and maintainable.
• Do you want non-programmers to be able to build integrations as well? Then the intuitive interface of a low-code integration platform is a better solution.

4. How specific and complex is the integration logic?

• Do you require highly specific or complex integration logic? In that case, custom integration development is likely the best option, as it provides full control over the operation and performance of the integrations.

By answering these questions, you will gain a clear understanding of which approach best meets your organisational needs.

This blog was written by Niek Jacobsen, Integration Architect & Team Coach at Anchr.

At Anchr, we understand that every organisation has unique integration needs. Our specialists analyse your specific requirements together with you and advise on the best approach for an efficient and future-proof integration solution.

Whatever choice you make, we have the experience and expertise in-house to guide you or fully relieve you in your integration journey.

• Low-code integrations
  Our integration team consists of experienced engineers and architects who support you in selecting, installing, and implementing a low-code integration platform. Whether it is an on-premises, cloud or hybrid solution, we ensure a smooth rollout and provide tailored support—from guidance to complete outsourcing.
• Custom integrations tailored to your needs
  Our custom development team develops integrations completely tailored to your needs, using the latest technologies and frameworks. Thanks to our reference framework, we can act quickly and deploy reusable components, allowing us to work efficiently and with proven methodologies.