Modern data exchange between systems: Why iPaaS is the future

In a world where systems need to be ever more closely linked, it is no longer enough to view standards such as SCIM as a universal solution for exchanging identity and user data. Companies need more flexible, use case-oriented approaches that modern integration platforms like cnips offer. Here are the key insights into why iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is the better choice for data exchange and how organizations can benefit from it.

Why sharing data requires more than just data

The exchange of data between systems is by no means trivial. It depends on several factors that are often overlooked in outdated approaches such as SCIM:

Use case dependency of the data

Which data is exchanged depends heavily on the specific use case. Not all systems require the same information, and the data that is synchronized varies depending on the requirements and objectives.

Data exchange process

The process of how data is exchanged is at least as important as the data itself. Several systems often have to be integrated with each other, and the process and the feedback from the systems involved must be adaptable.

System and application-specific interfaces

Today, systems usually offer interfaces that have been developed specifically for their use cases. Using these is more efficient and less error-prone than developing and maintaining abstract standards that are intended to cover all eventualities.

Image: Advantages of an iPaaS solution in the context of an IAM system for integration with source systems and applications.

The advantages of modern iPaaS solutions like cnips

Good iPaaS platforms such as cnips take the exchange of data and processes to a new level:

• Event and time-based processes
  Modern platforms are event-based and also support scheduled tasks, which enables flexible and timely synchronization. In contrast, standards such as SCIM are often batch-oriented, which can lead to inconsistencies.
• Elimination of individual developments
  The time-consuming individual development required to integrate systems is no longer necessary, as iPaaS platforms provide ready-made connectors and enable workflows without in-depth programming. This saves time, costs and significantly reduces maintenance work.
• Optimal use of the system’s own APIs
  By using the APIs of the respective systems directly, specific functions and data can be used optimally – for example, activating a user license (e.g. an E3 plan in SaaS software) in parallel with the synchronization of user information.
• Decoupling of the systems iPaaS platforms ensure a loose coupling between the systems, which enables a scalable and flexible architecture. Each component can operate and be updated independently.

Image: Example of the flow of an integration for provisioning from the HR system via the IAM to the connected applications.

What companies should do

To make the exchange of data and processes up-to-date, organizations should implement the following steps:

1. Integrate iPaaS platforms
   • Get to grips with modern IPaaS platforms and integrate them as an integral part of your IT landscape. Solutions such as cnips not only offer integration options, but also the opportunity to implement complex processes without high development costs.
   • Pay attention to the following when making your selection:
     • Compliance requirements (e.g. data protection, GDPR conformity).
     • the provider location and where the platform is operated.
     • the long-term scalability and flexibility of the solution.
2. Prioritize standards correctly
   • Separate important from less important standards. OIDC, OAuth2 and OPA (for policy-based access) are essential for modern identity and access management. Standards such as SCIM are often negligible in comparison.
3. Prefer interface-oriented software solutions
   • Rely on software solutions with APIs. A good API is the key to simple and efficient integrations.
4. Promoting decoupled systems
   • Ensure a decoupled architecture in which systems can operate independently of each other. With solutions such as the Cloud Identity & Access Management platform cidaas and the cnips integration platform, you are ideally equipped. Both platforms are designed so that they can be used both together and independently of each other in your company.

A modern exchange of data and processes requires more than just fixed standards such as SCIM. Companies need to focus on use case-oriented, event-based and system-specific approaches. With modern iPaaS solutions such as cnips, they can make their IT landscape more flexible, scalable and cost-efficient. Combined with powerful identity & access management systems such as cidaas, the exchange of data and integration of systems becomes a breeze – without the limitations of outdated approaches.

Would you like to find out more about cidaas or cnips? Please contact us.

Please also read our blog: Why SCIM is challenging in the exchange of user identities?