What is Data Integration Platform and Why Does It Matter for Your SaaS App?
Tags: data, dataintegration, apiintegration, saas
Published: 2021-03-17 15:26:11

Each business that aims to scale will have to work with a large amount of [data](https://www.softserveinc.com/en-us/blog/data-integration-in-practice-how-ipaas-works). For SaaS app providers who work in the eCommerce sphere, store data is a valuable asset that enables such systems to perform their core functions. The more platforms it needs to integrate with, the higher are the chances to meet some integration challenges.

The advent of a data integration platform allows SaaS apps to implement integration with multiple shopping platforms and make their systems fast, effective, and reliable. 

In this article, you will learn about the advantages of using data integration platforms to establish eCommerce integrations and the best solutions for that.

##What is a Data Integration Platform?
Data integration platforms allow to connect to and transfer different data between systems and applications. In the case of [SaaS App software providers](https://api2cart.com/api-technology/apis-saas-vendors-vital-need/?utm_source=devto&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dataintegrationplatformkh.ol) such a type of connection enables them to integrate with different eCommerce platforms and manage the information about products, shipments, orders, clients, and much more of their customers' online shops. 
##Benefits of Data Integration Platform
![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ft3o9t024a0ss4epol4t.png)
A data integration platform is a gamut of benefits for SaaS App providers. A few of them are described below:
###Saves time and improves efficiency
Imagine how much time you will spend in developing integration with only one eCommerce platform. It often takes a few weeks or even months. You may have to repeat the process every time you need the support of a new platform. 

Isn’t the process time-consuming?

Yes, it is. The time taken to perform the development of integrations manually can be invested in other significant business operations. 

Hence, a data integration platform emerges as a savior as it eliminates the need to build connections with the shopping platforms from scratch. Its usage enables to connect to multiple shopping platforms at once.

Moreover, for establishing the integrations, if you employ an in-house development team, you will lose on other development projects as your team will be busy in coding the integrations. Hence, if you use the right integration tools, you can save on time, money, and resources invested in hand-coding the integrations. 
###Reduces errors
Each shopping platform has its unique way of storing and transferring data. Therefore, poorly written integrations can significantly cost you and your customers.

Moreover, even if the integration with the eCommerce platform has been written, this is not the end. It constantly needs to be updated and improved. For example, when new cart versions are released, their support can sometimes be equated with the development of integration with a new supported platform.

The data integration platform takes full responsibility for the platform and integration support. This will allow the SaaS app providers to avoid possible integration errors and not worry about updating carts and data transfer.
###Delivers more accurate data

Online store owners usually list their products on multiple sales channels. Therefore, as a Saas app provider, you need to integrate with many shopping platforms and marketplaces. Moreover, it is very important to quickly and efficiently display data on the quantity and availability of certain products on all such sales channels. 

Suppose the product is no longer in stock, but the online store still has information about its availability. In that case, this can significantly undermine the online store's reputation and, accordingly, your service.

The most reliable way to synchronize order info, product quantities, and other data is by using data integration platforms. They often provide the ability to implement webhooks that instantly notify of any changes to the store's data.
##Top 5 Data Integration Platforms
For your SaaS applications, you must choose the right data integration platform so you can maximize your business outcomes. Here are the top 5 platforms that you can choose from depending on your business needs:
###API2Cart
API2Cart is a unified API that allows B2B SaaS app providers to integrate their SaaS applications with more than 40 eCommerce platforms and marketplaces such as Magento, WooCommerce, Neto, X-Cart, Amazon, and many others at once. It eliminates the need to develop separate integration with shopping platforms. All Saas apps need to do is to write integration with this solution.

Such connection enables SaaS app providers to work with and manage the data on orders, products, customers, shipments, etc. Besides, users can try the service for 30 days absolutely for free.

Due to the service’s flexible infrastructure, B2B SaaS app providers can add an unlimited number of clients’ e-stores. The service also provides static and interactive documentations that help understand the service better, outlining the major work principles.

###Informatica
Informatica has a number of data integration tools for both on-prem and cloud deployments. It also supports a number of enterprise use-cases. 

Informatica incorporates advanced hybrid integration and governance functionality along with business access to self-service to enable businesses to perform various analytical functions. 

The CLAIRE Engine by Informatica is responsible for providing augmented integration. CLAIRE Engine is a metadata-driven AI engine that utilizes machine learning for its operation. It is responsible for accelerating data integration projects to deliver data more quickly to businesses than manual coding. 
###SnapLogic
The primary focus of SnapLogic as a data integration platform is to provide robust and flexible self-service to businesses. They can now achieve their transformation goals by connecting data from all the resources available out there.
 
SnapLogic even offers integration with IoT (Internet of Things) devices that deliver highly useful information to the users. It also integrates data warehouses, databases, applications, and big data streams. 

SnapLogic also provides comprehensive support for low-code integration, 500 pre-built connectors, aggregation, parameterization, conditional operations, and complex transformations. 
###MuleSoft
MuleSoft is a hybrid integration platform providing a range of features across ESB technologies, iPaaS, and API management. This data integration platform is specifically created for technical enterprise organization users who are willing to develop both on-prem and cloud-based integration application networks. 

API connectivity is the major point of focus that facilitates all the processes mentioned above. MuleSoft uses a lightweight runtime engine for hybrid deployment options. 
As a B2B application delivery network, MuleSoft connects devices, applications, and data with APIs. It allows a majority of organizations to improve their applications using integration with growing capabilities. 

###Boomi
Dell Boomi or Boomi is a cloud-native data integration platform. It streamlines the process of integration in highly complex and hybrid cloud ecosystems. It is also known for removing data silos in organizations. 
 
Boomi’s user-friendly interface is equipped with intelligent recommendations for an end-to-end data integration experience. If you are actually willing to be prompt in responding to market changes and new innovations, you have to bring together your data and applications as soon as possible and Boomi helps you do just that.

Boomi has 1500 in-built end-point connections that automate common integrations so you can improve the quality of data, transform it, and modernize the legacy applications using with the help of these integrations. Hence, you won’t need time to build customized connections. 

Moreover, Boomi also supports API management, data discovery, and data quality governance. 
##Conclusion
A [data integration platform](https://api2cart.com/ecommerce/ecommerce-data-integration-pitfalls-and-benefits/?utm_source=devto&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dataintegrationkh.ol) is a necessity for businesses operating today. Not only does it provide the tools to extract and maintain your data efficiently, but it also improves the way your business functions. It helps you to spot the loopholes in your organization, suggest areas of improvement, and enable you to work on those areas for better business productivity.

From real-time information delivery to the enrichment of data, customer data analysis, and providing business intelligence, a data integration platform leaves no stone unturned in managing customer and business data for organizations.