Cloud tooling revolutionizes integration. Learn about the planning and considerations for success.

Cloud integration tooling revolutionizes the integration of data and applications. Whether integrating cloud-based applications, connecting and transforming data across disparate locations, or leveraging cloud-based agile integration solutions, the complexities of the design considerations still exist.

First and foremost, Cloud solutions remove the complexities surrounding the management of the underlying infrastructure and operational concerns. It also reduces the concern revolving around the maintaining of current versions and security updates of software. In addition, industry-leading cloud integration solutions such as IBM’s APP Connect, Redhat Fuse and Zapier, provide visual tooling that simplifies the development of integration solutions.

Despite all of the benefits realized through industry-leading cloud solutions, it is critical to understand that deploying cloud integration solutions also requires unique planning to ensure the deployed integrations' success.

Cloud solutions involve many different considerations, and I wanted to highlight some of those here for planning purposes, including:

• Cloud Provider: Select the cloud provider that matches your technical integration requirements, has the scalability that would be required, and provides the geographic dispersion you need.

• Integration Capabilities: Choose the cloud integration solutions that best fit your requirements. This can be based on your developers’ skill and type of connectivity. Cloud integration offerings can support on-premise and cloud requirements, and your selection should be robust and kept up to date on new technology and security requirements.

• Networking: Plan for additional networking and security planning for the cloud. Consider the other requirements to connect between cloud providers and applications and on-premise applications and databases. Besides, don’t forget to plan for communication across different data centers and zones ( e.g., for high-availability).

• Performance: Architect solutions that consider the chosen cloud offerings’ performance characteristics, including scalability options, latency caused by remote applications and databases.

• Database: Cloud vendors provide a variety of database choices from no-SQL to SQL Databases. Select the right database for your particular integrations. In some cases, keeping the data local while the applications and APIs are in the cloud may improve performance.

Yes, the cloud can be of great value when looking at integration solutions, but you may be wondering how to make sure you gain the most value and assure you have the right plans.

At An Integrated Business, we recommend our Technical Integration Workshop if you already have mapped out your integration requirements. Our trusted advisors can help document key requirements and develop a cloud integration plan that addresses the above challenges and ensures your success.

If you would like to discuss your integration needs and challenges, please reach out to me at JeffSinason@anintegratedbusiness.com or the team here at info@anintegratedbusiness.com.