This article, the fourth in a series about B2B integration approaches, discusses why a firm would choose a hybrid approach over other methods. For some companies, hybrid B2B integration offers the best of all possible worlds.
This article looks at what the hybrid approach is and suggests scenarios in which the hybrid approach might be the right fit for you. ReREMEDIad on to learn more.
What Is Hybrid B2B Integration?
Hybrid B2B integration combines at least two B2B integration approaches. There are three other B2B integration approaches: on-premises, hosted, and cloud.
On-premises integration involves installing the software on a server located on-site. Hosted B2B integration refers to the installation of software on an off-site server; users generally access it through a direct network connection. Cloud B2B integration means that software is delivered through the internet.
Why Should You Choose Hybrid B2B Integration?
As has been stressed before on the blog, B2B integration is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. What works for one company will not always work for another. For some companies, a hybrid B2B integration approach may be best. What kind of situations would those be?
The Security Factor
Security is one of the biggest concerns that drive hybrid B2B integration deployments. Pure cloud and even hosted deployments are being less secure than on-premises deployments. Yet, hybrid B2B integration deployments combining on-premises and cloud integration give you more control over security because of the on-site factor.
The Regulatory Environment
Organizations also choose hybrid B2B integration because of regulatory compliance issues. Some companies are in highly regulated industries that do not make them good candidates for pure cloud deployments. However, a hybrid approach allows you to take advantage of the cloud while staying in compliance with regulations (depending on your individual situation).
The Level of Control and Customization Desired
Another reason that firms choose hybrid B2B integration is that it gives them greater control. In a hosted or cloud deployment, the service provider has control over your data and manages its own staff. A hybrid deployment with an on-premises component gives you more oversight.
Hybrid B2B integration provides greater customization. Pure cloud or hosted B2B integration software is deployed often, so it is not easily customizable. On-premises software is designed for customization and integrations. A hybrid deployment with an on-premises component allows you to customize your software more so than a pure cloud deployment.
The Cost Factor
Finally, cost affects a company’s decision to choose a hybrid deployment. The cost of infrastructure has fallen in recent years, making it more cost-effective to create a private cloud. A private cloud provides the security of an on-premises deployment while offering the flexibility of a public cloud.
Hybrid B2B integration deployments are an attractive option for firms that want the best of both worlds: the security, control, and customization of an on-premises deployment with the flexibility and cost savings of the cloud. To discover whether this is the right approach for you, contact us to schedule a consultation today!
Here are additional blogs in this 5 part series:
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part One: When to Choose an On-Premises Solution
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part Two: When to Choose a Hosted Solution
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part Three: When to Choose a Cloud Solution
