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While integration has been here for decades, it has transformed to adapt to connectivity challenges over the years. With the proliferation of data, devices, and systems, organizations have a pressing need for a seamless, integrated approach – becoming truly connected enterprises that can maintain competitiveness and deliver new experiences to customers. 

According to CompTIA, there will be no “next big thing” or timely buzzword describing an emerging technology that drives growth and traction. Rather than focusing on industry hype, the focus is quickly pivoting to having a strong foundation that fosters resilience and drives transformation. This includes working with and maximizing what organizations already have: using integration to combine IT building blocks, people, devices, and processes in innovative ways. Smart companies are those that spend more time on better understanding an ever-growing set of IT building blocks and then on fitting the pieces together to drive digital transformation. 

This is good news for integration because it adapts every time a new tech standard comes along. Now, with no new, shiny object lurking around the corner, companies can understand exactly what they need to integrate and what capabilities they should invest in. The API revolution may have created a way for businesses to digitally connect, but with digital transformation at the forefront of most organizations’ minds – and budgets – becoming a truly connected enterprise should be the focus. Ultimately, achieving this requires adopting an Everything-as-a-Service mindset. 

Microservices and API management tools can help here. Having access to integration capabilities across today’s most important technologies like IoT, cloud, and AI can prepare an organization for its digital transformation journey. Below, I’ll break down how integration can improve user experiences and business optimization. There’s plenty of data and technology that businesses should pursue as they integrate, and it’s imperative that they know which options are best for their digital transformation journey. 

First and foremost, you cannot change anything – let alone everything – overnight. Much of this takes patience. Today, APIs are the interface of a business as digital transformation and the need for an open connected world have been driving factors for API and integration solutions. With that being said, I recommend creating an API layer if you haven’t done so already. Organizations have built processes, but now it’s time to shift. Putting an API layer in front allows a front-end application to be API first, providing the ability to build without changing the back end, as well as enable multiple types of interfaces and mobile or web apps. Rapid changes your organization is making due to the pandemic cannot be addressed without APIs. However, to be effective, API and integration innovations must demonstrate how they can help simplify and accelerate digital transformation journeys for customers as well as facilitate the ongoing journey based on customer reality. 

With the growing number of SaaS applications and cloud footprints in an enterprise, hybrid integration is also a foundational factor that must be taken control of and utilized in delivery processes. To maximize the benefits of integration, the stacking of foundational infrastructures like SaaS and AI can increase user experience and deliver automation. Hybrid integration is now critical because it can assist in streamlining and creating efficient processes that eliminate roadblocks as organizations unify cloud footprints and transition to digital (a huge goal!). 

Successful application integration requires a unified approach with hybrid integration solutions, APIs, and microservices. Microservices have evolved as a next-generation application architecture. A microservices-driven architecture leverages cloud-native principle – implement quickly, deploy fast, and scale – empowering IT to quickly respond to business needs by building, deploying, and scaling applications, all with microservices. When managed correctly, microservices can proactively identify and solve problems a company may not even be aware of yet, making it essential for overarching business strategy, not just IT. 

Many organizations are progressing on their digital transformation journeys – and it’s only just beginning. According to data from our company, 97% of businesses believe digital transformation will probably continue this year, making the commitment to become a truly connected enterprise imperative for companies looking to go completely digital. Recognize that integration is a key ingredient to this journey, which can only begin by taking that first step. Be patient and embrace your assets for a new connected world that will drive transformation, customer experiences, and revenue.