The role of cloud integration with internal IT infrastructure
In this blog article, we focus on the topic of “Cloud integration”.
As specialists in IT operations, hosting and SaaS solutions, we understand the importance of efficiently integrating software into the internal IT infrastructure. It is crucial for the stability and success of our customers who use complex applications. Through cloud integration, we ensure that IT operations function seamlessly and securely to ensure greater efficiency and minimize risk. This also enables cross-platform use of different applications. The article highlights why cloud integration is essential and which aspects should be paid particular attention to.
In this article:
1. importance and benefits of cloud integration
2. strategic approaches
3. practical approach using the example of SaaS applications
4. conclusion
Scalability, efficiency and flexibility are just three of the many reasons why companies are combining their internal IT infrastructure with cloud applications. In this article, we take a closer look at the benefits of cloud integration and possible strategic approaches.
In brief: What does cloud integration mean and what role does a cloud integration solution play for the internal IT landscape?
Cloud integration refers to the seamless connection of cloud applications with a company’s internal IT infrastructure. A cloud integration solution facilitates smooth data exchange and collaboration, optimizes business processes and enables flexible use of resources, resulting in a more efficient and scalable IT landscape.
Importance and benefits of cloud integration
Increased efficiency
Easy access to cloud applications eliminates the need to set up and integrate on-premise solutions. This eliminates the need for programming, for example, and makes it easier for companies to access innovations. As there are more and more cloud applications in the IT sector, companies can find a variety of solutions for their individual needs. This also takes the pressure off the team and the focus remains on the core business.
Cost optimization
More security and fewer risks
Many cloud integrations offer high security standards that meet internal compliance requirements. Data transmission is usually protected by encryption technologies and firewalls. In addition, cloud providers often implement backup mechanisms to ensure the recovery of important data. Monitoring is also becoming increasingly relevant. Many providers monitor the technical processes of their software and react quickly to potential threats such as cyber attacks.
Easy access
Identify requirements, determine resources and search for a suitable solution. Choosing the right technologies is that simple. There are individual requirements to consider (more on this in a moment!) – but in principle, cloud solutions make it possible to respond more quickly to internal challenges that require special IT solutions.
Flexibility and scalability
The faster provision of IT solutions facilitates integration with the internal suite. This allows companies to react flexibly to challenges and make use of the necessary software. The growing range on the market also makes it possible to leverage the strengths of different cloud solutions. Cloud-to-cloud integration creates additional flexibility in the search for the best technologies. This flexibility also results in advantages in terms of scalability. As companies grow, they require more performance, capacity and functions. And cloud applications enable uncomplicated adaptation to individual requirements. One example of this is the subscription model of user tiering. Here, the price of a subscription increases when more people use a platform. If companies need more capacity, they can book the next larger subscription model with just a few clicks.
Competitive advantages
Efficiency advantages, scalability and flexibility also result in stronger positioning against the competition. Companies find solutions to their challenges and achieve goals faster – depending on the cloud application, new ideas are also implemented more easily. Companies must also be aware that more and more competitors are taking advantage of cloud integration. Those who do not take advantage of the benefits risk being at a competitive disadvantage. The following statistics underline this: we therefore recommend analyzing competitors in terms of their IT infrastructure. This allows companies to recognize their own strengths and possible deficits. This also makes it easier to find suitable integrations.
There are also disadvantages
Cloud integration does not only have advantages. External hosting means there is less control and you have no influence over changes or updates. And in the event of server problems, there is no influence and no transparency regarding data processing. Ultimately, however, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It does not make sense to completely dispense with on-premise solutions – but they should be supplemented by external solutions.
Strategic approaches
Knowing individual requirements
Every application fulfills a specific purpose. In this respect, it is not only the function that is important, but also what companies want to achieve with cloud integration. Goals and requirements must be clarified in the team, as well as responsibilities and which resources are available. Switching to cloud services does not normally present any hurdles, but the team must first find a suitable provider. The integration processes take time and those responsible must first develop a feel for the applications. These aspects must be taken into account when setting objectives.
Level of knowledge in the team
The use of cloud services requires know-how. The familiarization phases do not take long, as most applications are user-friendly and therefore easy to use. Nevertheless, the team must first gain an overview and understand the applications in order to use the systems in a targeted manner. It is best to plan a familiarization phase during the integration – this makes the objectives more realistic.
Setting up an integration suite
The integration suite, also known as an integration platform, is a software solution for connecting different data, applications and systems. It is, so to speak, an interface between different software to facilitate process integration. The main aim of its use is to automate the flow of data and create a uniform data landscape. An integration platform provides various tools to facilitate the connection. These include data integration, monitoring, process automation and API management. There are various providers in this area, including SAP, Lobster, Flow and Seeburger.
Combining different cloud services
As already mentioned, cloud-to-cloud integration has various advantages, as the strengths of different providers can be combined. It is important to ensure compatibility and that the administration of two applications does not cause any significant additional work. One example is conflicts due to different file formats. Let’s assume you are using digital signage software that can only play MP3 files. However, there is software that only saves files in WAV. In this case, there is a conflict because the formats are not compatible. Different authentication methods also lead to difficulties. Some services use API keys, others the OAuth authentication protocol. Such differences must be clarified in advance to avoid conflicts.
Check compatibility with the infrastructure
The advantage of on-premise systems is that they are easy to configure. This is because they are developed to work with existing applications. However, if companies are looking for a cloud solution, they may encounter similar difficulties as when combining two cloud services. Compatibility should therefore be checked in advance.
Using a cloud connector
A cloud connector, also known as a platform as a service, facilitates the integration between IT infrastructure and cloud services. It serves as an integration platform, so to speak, and easily combines applications, data and services with the local setup. This eliminates the need to organize and manage the provisioning infrastructure. One of the best-known applications is SAP’s Cloud Connector, but there are also other providers for cloud platform integration, such as Cisco or IONOS.
Practical approach using SaaS applications as an example
Let’s take a look at the benefits and implementation using an example of Software as a Service applications. More specifically, for the integration of customer relationship management. Let’s assume a company wants to integrate a CRM system into its IT infrastructure, which also includes systems for customer management.
With regard to this example, the following aspects need to be considered:
. A CRM stores important data about customers and sales activities. Cloud integration should enable smooth synchronization with local applications.
. CRMs allow data to be updated in real time. Ideally, the updates also appear in the local software to ensure consistency. This creates a reliable basis for decisions, as all databases are up to date.
. With successful cloud integration, it is possible to transfer sales data from the CRM to the customer management system at the same time in order to manage important data. Synchronization should run smoothly in order to update the inventory. The application scenarios differ depending on the software and link. For example, data from a CRM can also be used to give the accounting department more transparency with regard to customer data. In general, the aim of cloud integration should be to optimize processes holistically in order to effectively combine and scale multiple business processes.
Conclusion
Cloud integration promises companies a number of advantages. These include greater efficiency, cost savings, scalability, more flexibility and data security. During the integration process, however, it is important to ensure that services are compatible with the IT landscape and that the requirements for a good user experience are met. A strategic approach helps to successfully integrate software into the IT infrastructure.
Support from an Integration Suite or Business Technology Platform facilitates synchronization, for example through workflow automation or fast data integration.
If you have any questions about IT operations, hosting and SaaS solutions, our experts are always available for a consultation.
Über die Autoren
leXpro Media GmbH is a performance advertising agency from Amberg. Online marketing with business impact for small, medium-sized and large companies, as well as self-employed people. The focus is on social media marketing, recruiting and SEO, in which the team successfully supports many customers.
