Application integration involves using a third-party solution to connect apps, CRMs, ERPs, work management systems, cloud services, and more, so they can interact and share data.
Since most of these apps aren’t natively compatible, you need application integration platforms to bridge the gap between them. The platform could be a code-based engine or a drag-and-drop integration builder, which you can get off the shelf or build from scratch.
But before diving into specific platforms, let’s explore what application integration actually involves, the architecture patterns behind it, and the features that matter when choosing one.
Key Takeaways
- Application integration platforms connect incompatible enterprise systems so they can exchange data automatically without manual effort.
- Enterprise application integration (EAI) uses middleware to track events, forward requests, and transform data between connected systems.
- Integration types range from internal team connections to complex cross-company B2B scenarios, each with different requirements for control and security.
- Architecture patterns like point-to-point, hub-and-spoke, ESB, and event-driven integration each solve different scalability and complexity challenges.
- AI-assisted configuration is becoming a differentiator, helping teams generate integration logic faster without deep scripting knowledge.
What is Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)?
Enterprise application integration is the process of connecting multiple enterprise systems using a reliable, secure middleware connector or a standalone app.
It works by tracking events on one system, forwarding the request, and receiving a response from the other side before transforming the result into a format the receiving system understands. That’s the basic working principle of enterprise integration solutions.
For example, when a support team updates a ticket in Zendesk, EAI middleware can automatically push that update to the engineering team’s Jira instance, converting field values and data formats along the way.
What is an Enterprise Application Integration Platform?
Enterprise application integration platforms are software programs that provide a suite of tools and features for handling the entire lifecycle of creating connectors.
EAI platforms could be native solutions provided by companies or open-source contributors. Other times, they are cloud-native solutions delivered by dedicated companies under the iPaaS model.
The distinction matters because native solutions tie you to a specific vendor’s ecosystem, while iPaaS platforms offer broader connectivity across multiple applications and deployment models.
Types of Application Integration for Enterprises
Here are the most common types of application integration you’ll encounter.
Internal Application Integration
This involves connecting two applications within the same organization. For example, the customer service team could integrate their Zendesk with the development team’s Jira Service Management instance.
For internal teams, this integration usually goes smoothly, especially with companies that have procedural documentation on data management and process orchestration. In the span of a few meetings, both teams can iron out the details and come up with an integration plan.
Internal integration becomes more complex when multiple departments are involved. A product team using Jira, a support team on Freshdesk, and a project management team on Asana all need different data from the same source, and the integration platform needs to handle those variations without creating bottlenecks.
External Application Integration
This involves connecting applications across organizations, often called cross-company integration. Think of the same Zendesk to Jira integration scenario mentioned earlier, but this time, both teams are in different organizations.
The main challenge is getting both sides to agree on what to share and what to keep private. For the collaboration to work, both teams need granular control over the sync on their side. This is where platforms with independent configuration per side become essential. Each organization should be able to define its own sync rules without depending on the other party’s setup.
Security also becomes a bigger concern with external integration. You want a platform that encrypts data in transit, supports role-based access control, and meets compliance standards like ISO. Checking a platform’s Trust Center before committing is a good practice for evaluating its security posture.
For example, a team using Salesforce can explore payment gateway integration for another team that processes payments using Stripe.
Legacy Application Integration
The approach to integration is different when you have a legacy application that needs to be updated.
First, admins must determine whether the legacy system should be modernized and balance the pros and cons of doing so. Based on their findings, the involved parties can decide how to configure the legacy system integration solution.
Legacy system application integration can end up saving you money instead of modernizing the solution to get it up to par with SaaS applications. The key is finding a platform that can interface with older APIs or custom endpoints while still connecting to modern cloud applications on the other end.
B2B Integration
When two businesses integrate applications, they need dedicated middleware to manage the exchange according to mappings, rules, conditions, and triggers.
As B2B integration requires trust and transparency, the two entities need to agree on how to configure the system down to specific fields and objects.
If both teams don’t want to dedicate a team to configuration, monitoring, and maintenance, they can outsource this problem to third-party application integration vendors.
B2B integration works best when each side maintains independent control over what data they send and receive. This way, neither party needs to expose their internal processes or compromise on data governance.
Application Integration Architecture Patterns
The architecture behind your integration setup determines how well it scales, how easy it is to maintain, and how resilient it is when things break. Here are the most common patterns.
Point-to-Point Integration
Point-to-point integration connects two applications directly. It’s the simplest approach and works well when you only need a handful of connections.
The problem is that it doesn’t scale. If you have five applications, you could end up managing ten or more individual connections. Each new app multiplies the complexity. For small teams connecting two or three tools, point-to-point is fine. Beyond that, you’ll want a more structured pattern.
Hub-and-Spoke Integration
This pattern routes all data through a central hub. Each application connects to the hub via a “spoke,” and the hub handles routing, transformation, and delivery.
Hub-and-spoke works well for external application integration where an admin needs a unified view of data flow from multiple organizations or applications. It simplifies monitoring and reduces the number of direct connections.
The trade-off is that the hub becomes a single point of failure, so the platform needs solid error handling and retry mechanisms.
Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)
An ESB acts as a communication backbone that sits between all your applications. Instead of applications talking directly to each other, they publish messages to the bus, and the bus routes them to the right destination.
ESBs are common in large enterprises with dozens of legacy and modern systems. They handle message queuing, protocol translation, and content-based routing. The downside is complexity. ESBs require significant setup and maintenance, and they can become performance bottlenecks if not properly managed.
Event-Driven Integration
Event-driven architecture triggers integrations based on specific events rather than scheduled intervals. When something happens in one system (a new record is created, a status changes, a field is updated), the integration fires automatically.
This pattern reduces latency and ensures data stays current across connected systems. It’s especially useful for real-time workflows where delays could impact customer experience or team productivity. Most modern integration platforms, including Exalate, use event-driven triggers as their primary sync mechanism.
API-Led Connectivity
API-led connectivity organizes integrations into three layers: system APIs (connecting to individual applications), process APIs (orchestrating business logic), and experience APIs (delivering data to end users or interfaces).
This pattern is popular with platforms like MuleSoft and works well for organizations that want to build reusable integration components. It requires more upfront planning but pays off in long-term maintainability.
The Best Application Integration Platforms for Enterprises
This list factors in independent reviews from G2, Capterra, and other sites. I also compared available functionality and security features and weighed them against the pricing. Some tools here are dedicated to a specific genre of application integration, while others are multi-purpose.
Zapier
Zapier is one of the best no-code integration platforms used by enterprises to connect applications and automate workflows.
The visual builder provides an intuitive interface for self-starters with little technical experience and experts who want to configure complex workflows. Zapier also supports the use of AI to create Zaps and Actions, as well as the development of chatbots and databases.
When your Zap hits a snag, admins receive instant alerts so they can start troubleshooting at the source. With over 7000 applications in the Zapier integration library, you’ll be able to connect almost any database, SaaS application, or communication tool.
Where Zapier shines is the speed of setup. Where it falls short is handling complex, bidirectional data transformations between enterprise systems.
For simple one-way automations, it’s hard to beat. For multi-directional syncs with custom field mapping, you’ll likely need something more robust.
Workato
Workato offers advanced customer support and robust automation capabilities for complex workflow configurations. With coverage for over 2000 applications, Workato facilitates the exchange of multiple data formats such as CSV, HTTP, JSON, XML, and YAML.
Since Workato supports batch processing, enterprises can use it to reduce the workload and scale operations conveniently. It also uses event listeners to activate triggers and a retry mechanism for failed transactions.
Workato’s scalability comes from being a cloud-native enterprise application integration. You can expand transaction volumes without worrying about DevOps. This solution also combines B2B integration, API management, low-code development, and LLMs to improve how enterprises coordinate workflows internally and externally.
One thing to consider: Workato’s pricing can escalate quickly as you add more recipes and connectors, so it’s worth calculating the total cost of ownership before committing.
Informatica
Informatica application integration platform
As far as application integration solutions go, Informatica contains the most features geared toward enterprise workflow orchestration.
The list of features is extensive, from API management to MDM & 360 applications and the CLAIRE AI engine. This AI copilot recommends source datasets and transformation alternatives.
Enterprises and corporations can rely on Informatica’s approach to ELT/ETL, data replication, and change data capture to ensure every data exchange is accurate and secure. While Informatica is a leading solution, businesses can explore alternatives to Informatica based on their needs and budget.
Informatica also provides multiple application integration patterns that require no coding or scripting, supplemented by a GenAI LLM. The trade-off is complexity. Informatica is built for large enterprises with dedicated integration teams. Smaller organizations may find the learning curve steep relative to their needs.
Exalate
Exalate provides a solution for integrating platforms, CRMs, version control tools, and work management systems. It supports connectors for Jira, ServiceNow, Salesforce, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Zendesk, Freshservice, Freshdesk, Asana, Azure DevOps Server, and other platforms through custom connectors.
What separates Exalate from most application integration platforms is its approach to cross-company integration. This means two organizations can collaborate without either side needing to expose their internal processes or compromise on data governance.
For complex workflows, Exalate offers a Groovy-based scripting engine that lets teams customize exactly how data maps between systems.
For teams that prefer not to write code, Exalate also supports AI-assisted configuration to generate integration logic through natural language prompts. If you need help with the script, Aida, Exalate’s AI sidekick, can guide you through the process.
Enterprises can automate data exchange with partners in real time with the help of Exalate triggers, which you can configure for different events or user actions. The retry mechanism and error panel help admins restart and troubleshoot connections when they malfunction.
On the security front, Exalate is ISO 27001:2022 certified, uses end-to-end encryption with TLS for data in transit, and supports role-based access controls. You can review the full details at the Exalate Trust Center.
Companies like WirelessCar use Exalate to connect with other automotive brands. Similarly, Maersk uses Exalate to orchestrate internal workflows between customer support and call center staff.
If you’d prefer a hands-off approach, Exalate also offers integration as a service (IaaS) where their team handles the setup and ongoing maintenance for you.
IFTTT
IFTTT allows users to create automation, triggers, and actions to control how applications interact with each other. This integration application can bundle multi-layered conditions to dictate how an integration should work.
Applets from IFTTT can help you establish an interconnected ecosystem between applications without having to open each one individually. In one go, you can find out the weather forecast and learn when the International Space Station sails over your location.
If you are in the market for application integration services for mobile devices and smartphones, download IFTTT from the App Store or Play Store. It’s best suited for personal automation and lightweight business workflows rather than enterprise-grade, bidirectional data sync.
IBM App Connect
IBM App Connect application integration platform
IBM App Connect is an application integration software that connects with multiple services and data sources, regardless of where they reside. It supports two experiences: the advanced, customizable code-based platform for building scalable integrations, or the AI-enabled no-code integration option.
Either way, you get access to a customizable interface to view and track the progress of integrations in real time. This EAI solution supports 200+ custom connectors for standard applications and can be deployed on AWS as a fully managed iPaaS for integrating apps, ERPs, CRMs, and more.
IBM App Connect is a solid choice for organizations already invested in the IBM ecosystem. For teams outside that ecosystem, the value proposition is less clear compared to cloud-native alternatives.
Tray.ai
Tray.ai is an AI-powered solution used by application integration engineers to automate business processes and workflows.
Tray Build allows developers to develop integrations and automation faster using a no-code builder fitted with a drag-and-drop editor. It also supports multiple connectors, snippets, templates, callable workflows, and file formats.
Tray Code gives you access to the Universal Automation Cloud so you can write the code for the Connectors API, Authentications API, and Triggers API. With the help of Merlin AI, developers can augment the builder to reduce the time spent on projects and minimize mapping errors.
Celigo
Celigo is a cloud application integration for enterprises looking to consolidate their SaaS sprawl in order to share data.
The Celigo AI solution assists users with workflow design and error handling. It uses advanced LLMs to convert instructions into JavaScript Handlebars, expressions, SQL queries, and filters.
Enterprises can also use Celigo for full-cycle API management to forge new partnerships and make company data available through secure filters. You can also observe API usage in real time. Celigo is particularly strong for e-commerce integrations and NetSuite-centric workflows.
How to Choose the Right Application Integration Platform
Picking a platform isn’t just about features. It’s about matching the tool to your specific integration needs. Here’s what to evaluate.
Complexity of Your Integration Needs
If you’re connecting two internal tools with a simple one-way data push, a no-code platform like Zapier or IFTTT will do the job. If you’re doing cross-company, bidirectional sync with custom field mappings and conditional logic, you need a platform that supports scripting or advanced configuration.
Ask yourself: How many applications need to connect? Are they internal or external? Do both sides need independent control over what gets shared?
Data Transformation Requirements
Every EAI platform should be able to transform data to the native format on either end. For instance, the platform needs to convert Jira values from Wiki format before sending them to Salesforce as HTML. But the depth of transformation varies wildly between platforms.
Some platforms handle basic field mapping. Others let you write custom transformation logic, apply conditional rules, and map complex objects like multi-select fields, nested records, or attachments.
Automation and Trigger Capabilities
Enterprise SaaS application integration platforms need automated triggers and actions to reduce manual data exchange. Look for platforms that support event-driven triggers (syncing when something changes) rather than just scheduled polling (checking for changes at fixed intervals).
Event-driven triggers reduce latency and keep data more current. They also reduce unnecessary API calls, which matters when you’re working with rate-limited platforms.
Error Handling and Recovery
The error handling mechanism needs to go beyond just alerting you when something fails. Look for platforms that provide detailed error logs, allow you to retry failed syncs, and give you the ability to fix the underlying issue without restarting the entire connection.
A platform with a solid retry mechanism and clear error reporting will save you significant debugging time, especially in production environments with high sync volumes.
Scalability and Connector Coverage
Cloud-native application integrations should be able to scale to fit increasing data volumes and onboard new users and applications. Check whether the platform supports the specific tools your organization uses today and the ones you’re likely to adopt.
For example, if your organization uses Jira, ServiceNow, and Salesforce today but plans to onboard Freshservice or Asana next quarter, make sure the platform covers those connectors without requiring a custom build.
Security and Compliance
Encryption protocols, role-based access control, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and multi-factor authentication are baseline security features for application integration. The platform should also be ISO 27001:2022 certified and compliant with industry standards like GDPR.
Practical Use Cases for Enterprise Application Integration Platforms
Here are three scenarios where application integration delivers measurable value.
Multi-Vendor Service Management for MSPs
Case: A managed service provider (MSP) handles IT operations for multiple clients. Each client uses a different ITSM tool: one is on ServiceNow, another on Freshservice, and a third on Zendesk. The MSP’s internal team uses Jira to track all work items.
Solution: The MSP deploys an application integration platform that connects each client’s ITSM tool to their internal Jira. Each connection operates independently, so client data stays isolated. Triggers automatically create Jira work items when clients raise tickets, and status updates sync back in real time.
Real-world application: WirelessCar uses this approach with Exalate to manage integrations across multiple automotive brands, each with its own tools and processes, without exposing internal workflows to external partners.
Cross-Team Escalation Between Support and Engineering
Case: A SaaS company’s support team uses Zendesk to manage customer tickets. When a bug is confirmed, it needs to be escalated to the engineering team working in Azure DevOps. Manually copying details between systems causes delays and information loss.
Solution: An integration platform creates a bidirectional connection between Zendesk and Azure DevOps. When a support agent tags a ticket as a bug, a work item is automatically created in Azure DevOps with all relevant details (description, priority, customer impact). When engineering updates the status or adds a comment, it syncs back to the Zendesk ticket so support can keep the customer informed.
Real-world application: Maersk uses Exalate to orchestrate similar workflows between customer support and operations teams, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks during handoffs.
Partner Collaboration with Independent Data Control
Case: Two companies are co-developing a product. Company A tracks work in Jira. Company B uses Asana for project management. Both teams need visibility into each other’s progress on shared deliverables, but neither wants to give the other full access to their internal project boards.
Solution: An integration platform with independent configuration per side connects Jira work items to Asana tasks for the shared project scope only. Each team defines exactly which fields, statuses, and updates they want to send and receive. Company A can share task completion status without exposing internal sprint data. Company B can share deliverable timelines without revealing resource allocation.
Real-world application: This pattern is common in B2B partnerships where data governance requirements prevent full system access. Platforms like Exalate handle this by letting each side control their own sync rules independently.
Benefits of Enterprise Application Integration Platforms
Organizations use integrations to consolidate data from applications and systems. Here’s what you actually gain.
- Stronger data security across connected systems. EAI platforms use enterprise-level security features to protect sensitive business and user data in transit and at rest. Platforms with ISO 27001:2022 certification and features like end-to-end encryption, role-based access, and MFA provide a baseline for enterprise compliance requirements.
- Higher team productivity. Teams and organizations using integration platforms can increase productivity thanks to access to accurate data sources and less human error. When data flows automatically between systems, team members spend less time on manual data entry and more time on work that requires judgment.
- Fewer data silos between organizations. Integration breaks down data silos and streamlines collaborations between organizations, MSPs, and other external partners. When support tickets, engineering work items, and customer records stay in sync, decisions are based on current information rather than outdated snapshots.
- Lower total cost of ownership. These solutions reduce the licensing and acquisition costs for onboarding new applications. They also eliminate potential expenses on R&D for building a solution from scratch. Instead of maintaining custom integrations, teams can focus on configuration and business logic.
Calculate time and money savings from automated bidirectional sync.
Integration Challenges and How to Address Them
Application integration isn’t without friction. Here are the most common challenges and how to manage them.
- Data mapping complexity. Different systems store similar data in different formats. A “priority” field in Jira might have values like “Highest, High, Medium, Low, Lowest,” while Salesforce uses “Urgent, High, Normal, Low.” Your integration platform needs to handle these translations accurately, including edge cases where values don’t have a direct equivalent.
- Rate limiting and API constraints. Most SaaS platforms impose API rate limits that restrict how many requests you can make per minute or hour. High-volume syncs can hit these limits, causing delays or dropped updates. Look for platforms that queue requests intelligently and batch updates where possible.
- Error handling in production. Integrations break, APIs change, fields get renamed, and authentication tokens expire. The question isn’t whether errors will occur but how quickly you can identify and fix them. Platforms with detailed error logs, automated retry logic, and targeted notifications help you resolve issues before they cascade.
- Security across organizational boundaries. When data flows between organizations, every connection point is a potential vulnerability. End-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, and compliance certifications are non-negotiable for enterprise integrations. Before deploying any cross-company connection, review the platform’s security documentation and verify their data handling practices.
- Maintaining integrations over time. APIs evolve, platforms release new versions, and business requirements change. An integration that works today might need adjustments next quarter. Choose platforms with active maintenance, clear versioning, and a responsive support team to minimize disruption during transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an application integration platform?
An application integration platform is software that connects two or more applications so they can exchange data automatically. It handles the data transformation, routing, and event-driven triggers needed to keep information consistent across systems. For example, connecting Jira and Salesforce so that when a support case is created in Salesforce, a corresponding work item appears in Jira.
What is the difference between iPaaS and an application integration platform?
iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is a specific type of application integration platform delivered as a cloud service. The broader category of application integration platforms includes iPaaS, ESBs, custom-built middleware, and API management tools. Most iPaaS solutions combine point-to-point integration with hub-and-spoke patterns.
How does Exalate differ from other application integration platforms?
Exalate is designed specifically for bidirectional, cross-company integration where both sides need independent control over what data they share. Unlike platforms that require a shared admin account or central configuration, Exalate lets each organization define their own sync rules. It supports connectors for Jira, ServiceNow, Salesforce, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Zendesk, Freshservice, Freshdesk, Asana, and other platforms.
What platforms does Exalate integrate with?
Exalate supports native connectors for Jira Cloud, ServiceNow, Salesforce, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Azure DevOps Server, Zendesk, Freshservice, Freshdesk, and Asana. It also supports custom connectors for additional platforms.
Can Exalate handle complex data transformations between systems?
Yes. Exalate provides a Groovy-based scripting engine for advanced data transformation. You can map complex fields, apply conditional logic, and convert data formats between systems.
Is Exalate secure for cross-company integrations?
Exalate is ISO 27001:2022 certified and uses end-to-end encryption with TLS for data in transit. It supports role-based access controls and maintains detailed security documentation at the Exalate Trust Center. Each side of a connection controls their own data independently, which reduces the risk of unintended data exposure.
What’s the difference between point-to-point and hub-and-spoke integration?
Point-to-point integration connects two applications directly. It’s simple but doesn’t scale well beyond a few connections. Hub-and-spoke routes all data through a central hub, which simplifies monitoring and reduces the number of direct connections. Most enterprise environments use a combination of both patterns depending on the specific integration need.
Can I outsource application integration management?
Yes. If you don’t want to dedicate internal resources to integration setup and maintenance, you can outsource to third-party vendors. Exalate offers integration as a service (IaaS) where their team handles configuration, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance.
How does AI-assisted integration work in practice?
AI-assisted integration uses natural language processing to help configure integrations without manual scripting. Instead of writing code, you describe what data should sync and how, and the AI generates the configuration. Exalate supports this through AI-assisted configuration for setting up connections and Aida for troubleshooting and scripting assistance.
What should I look for when evaluating application integration platforms?
Focus on five areas: data transformation depth, automation capabilities, error handling, security compliance, and connector coverage. Also consider whether the platform supports independent configuration per side if you need cross-company integrations.
Recommended Reading:
- Top 14 iPaaS Solutions
- Enterprise Integration Platforms: Make Systems Click
- The Best Salesforce Integration Apps For Business Productivity
- Perfecting Legacy System Integration For Better Connectivity
- How SaaS Integration Can Improve Your Business Processes
- ServiceNow Connectors: How To Connect Systems and Companies
