Being able to integrate new cloud-based applications into existing IT environments is a common challenge that businesses face during their digital transformation journey. With our strong technology team coupled with Mulesoft’s excellent integration solution, applications will be talking to each other in no time.
Embarking on a digital transformation journey – no matter the size of your company – is no easy feat. It’s often entangled with plenty of obstacles that can slow down innovation. One of the most pressing challenges is when companies are trying to integrate new applications into their existing IT environment. In fact, 88% of IT leaders believe that integration challenges are slowing or hindering digital transformation in their organisation, according to a recent Connectivity Benchmark Report.
This problem can often be exacerbated when development teams are building new applications, and are doing so in isolation. This results in seeing the same applications being built multiple times for different business areas or projects. This lack of reusability and self-service can hinder the speed of digital transformation.
Typically, companies connect these disparate applications via point-to-point integration, which is essentially custom coding every application’s connection. This approach might work when a company is working with a handful of applications, however imagine an ecosystem growing to hundreds or thousands of connected applications. It would be almost impossible to maintain as a change in one application end-point could potentially require a change in hundreds of other end-points (connections). This is an approach that is intrinsically time-consuming and risky, and is designed to consume money and resources which would be better utilised with innovating.
When these applications do “talk” to each other efficiently, this creates a more efficient and future-proofed IT model by allowing businesses to focus their efforts on innovation and, in turn, remain agile and competitive.
So, what exactly is the solution?
Making API’s work for you
For businesses to move faster in their digital transformation journey, companies need to leverage API’s to act as the go-between for applications, databases and devices. This makes them ideal for companies looking to unlock and connect data across existing systems and new ones.
Beyond addressing integration challenges, API’s have other benefits too, including enabling businesses to increase IT self-service and decrease operational costs. This can help lift overall revenue, productivity and efficiency. Combined with the scalable processing power of the cloud, the data-gathering capabilities of the Internet of Things and machine learning, using API’s is really only limited by your imagination.
Working out that core
This integration solution can be provided by MuleSoft, which has been designed for cloud, on-prem and hybrid integration. Implementing and using it effectively is best undertaken by people with knowledge and skill. As well as a fundamental understanding of the Mulesoft product, a knowledge of the core range is desirable, as this is what your billing cycle is tied to.
To get the best out of your investment, our customers work with us to configure and operate their MuleSoft cores and learn how to use them effectively, as it is important to be aware that the number of API’s and integrations that you use will influence how efficiently you use your cores and thus affect your operational costs.
In figuring out how many cores you need and how to use them effectively, you’ll avoid making mistakes and will be able to understand your core usage, work efficiently and save money in the long run.
It’s also important to frequently review the integration value proposition to ensure the MuleSoft investment is being maximised. A review can ensure that the API’s and integrations built on MuleSoft are supporting the core business needs, such as the delivery of digital services to customer personal devices, or ensuring that the platform functionality meets the technical requirements of specific hybrid, cloud or digital initiatives.
Managing cores and API integrations across the platform is challenging, and if your business lacks the skills in-house then the opportunity to save money and enjoy quick wins is lost. You can always engage with skilled and experienced external MuleSoft consultants, such as our team here at IntegrationWorks, to ensure that your business is being served optimally.
If your organisation requires some external guidance and support to design your API strategy, please make contact with IntegrationWorks. We are also able to review your current API and integration architecture for configuration optimisation and performance health. Sign up here