We’d be the first to admit it seems like we’ve devoted a server’s worth space to our series on integration delivery options. Then again, with so much focus on “digital transformation” in an economy still struggling from the effects of the pandemic, and so many options to choose from, the topic couldn’t be timelier. So, clear some headspace and join us for a look at another, increasingly popular integration choice—the hybrid approach.
What Is Hybrid B2B Integration and What’s all the Buzz About?
Hybrid B2B integration combines at least two B2B integration approaches among on-premises, cloud, and outsourced options. Companies taking this route often do so to fill gaps that exist in a single approach to integration.
So, why are players as large and diverse Amazon, Alibaba, IBM and Microsoft going all in on offering hybrid cloud solutions?
With the acceleration of the remote working trend during the pandemic and increased reliance on cloud-based and online collaboration tools comes the need for cost-effective cloud solutions for app hosting, delivery, and access via the internet.
Skyrocketing Zoom usage illustrates the shift in workplace behavior and the company’s surging stock price parallels the rise in their user base. On March 10, Zoom shares traded for 108.49. Six months later the company’s share had climbed to 396.65, a 265% rise.
While confusing from the standpoint of easy comparison, the sheer number of reputable and reliable providers in the game plays to your advantage when it comes to cost. There’s nothing like competition for your subscription business to motivate hybrid providers to discover a favorable level of price elasticity on your behalf.
According to ecommerce research firm Digital Commerce 360, B2B buyers prefer doing business with their vendors and suppliers online, which puts the onus on companies to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience.
Why Do Organizations Choose Hybrid B2B Integration?
Like every other question around integration deployment options, the answer is “it depends.”
To decide if the hybrid integration model makes sense for you, you’ll need to weight your needs, your budget, and what you’re willing to trade off against your must-haves.
IT managers are gravitating toward integration solutions that link on-premises solutions with cloud delivered solutions. Benefits of a hybrid integration deployed solution have overlap with that of cloud/SaaS solutions and include:
- Product capability extensibility
- Rapid development and deployment
- Easier code maintenance and upgrades
- Support of bridge to cloud strategy
- Portability
- Supply chain and business process visibility
While covering every instance would be impossible, here are some general scenarios where we’ve seen hybrid integration deployments work well.
The Regulatory Environment
Organizations choose hybrid B2B integration because of regulatory or compliance issues, or both. Some companies are in highly regulated industries that do not make them good candidates for pure cloud deployments. A hybrid approach that includes on-premises infrastructure may allow you to take advantage of the cloud while staying in compliance with regulations.
The Level of Control and Customization Desired
Another reason that firms choose hybrid B2B integration is that it gives them greater control. In an IPAAS or outsourced deployment, the service provider can have control over your data with a staff that reports to them.
A hybrid deployment with some on-premises components can give you more involvement, responsiveness, and oversight in areas where you need or want it, with the flexibility ability to source out less mission critical integration responsibilities or gain access to additional functionality by plugging into applications delivered via SaaS.
Hybrid B2B integration makes greater customization possible. IPaaS is not easy to customize. On-premises software is designed for customization and integrations. A hybrid deployment with an on-premises component allows you to customize your integrations more so than a pure cloud deployment.
In sum, hybrid B2B integration deployments and solutions 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.
In our final article we’ll tackle the ins, the outs, the pros, and the cons of outsourced integration delivery.
Until then, here’s the ground we’ve covered so far in the series:
Understanding Your Integration Options: On-Premises, Cloud, Hybrid and Outsourced
When to Choose an On-Premises Integration Solution
When to Choose a Cloud Integration Solution
About Remedi
Remedi Electronic Commerce Group helps companies save time and money, provide a better customer experience, and quickly respond to new opportunities using integration and B2B ecommerce solutions built for a digitally driven economy.
