Integrationssystem

An Integrationssystem (also called an integration platform or middleware) is a set of tools and services designed to enable, manage, and govern the exchange of data and processes between heterogeneous applications, data sources, and devices within an organization or across partner networks. Its primary goal is to achieve interoperability while maintaining data quality, security, and governance.

Core capabilities include connectors or adapters to reach various systems, data mapping and transformation, routing and orchestration of processes, message mediation, and protocol translation. Additional features often cover API management, security controls, event handling, monitoring, and governance.

Architectural patterns vary by requirement. Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) approaches emphasize central mediation and orchestration, while API-led connectivity and iPaaS-based architectures favor modular, domain-oriented integration. Event-driven designs use message queues or streaming platforms to decouple producers and consumers.

Common use cases include ERP and CRM integration, cloud-to-on-premises data synchronization, B2B file and data exchange, and real-time analytics. Benefits include reduced data silos, improved data consistency, accelerated workflows, and centralized governance. Challenges involve managing complexity, ensuring security across partners and systems, accurate data mapping, versioning and maintenance, latency, and potential vendor lock-in.

In practice, organizations select architectures and tools based on scope, latency requirements, and organizational maturity, balancing flexibility with control. See also middleware, ESB, API management, and iPaaS.