Cloud’s Virtualized Environment Another Reason to Avoid Custom Code

I read recently that cloud’s virtual environments (more precisely, its “dynamic resource assignment environment”) could create problems for integration. Basically, the problem is sort of like the shifting staircases at Hogwarts: Things keep moving around, which can make the integration difficult to maintain.

The question that immediately popped into my mind is how integration-as-a-service providers handle this problem. After all, it’s their bread-and-butter — they must have something to say about this.

So the first chance I had, I asked one — specifically, Lou Guercia, president and CEO for Scribe Software.

That may not have been an entirely fair choice, since Scribe is a bit different from many integration-as-a-service providers. Scribe Online specializes in CRM integration, with a strong focus on the Microsoft Dynamics space, and runs on top of Microsoft Azure. But, Guercia was nice enough to address it, although he did first point out that the data doesn’t actually flow through Scribe’s cloud service.

“We’re just essentially opening up the doors between SAP and Microsoft or SalesForce for that data to flow; and we keep track of it,” he said. “We make sure that all the data gets from point A to point B, and if some data doesn’t make its way there, we capture it and allow you to rerun that part of the job.”

So, basically, yes, problems can happen — and that’s why the process should be monitored. Guercia argues that this is one reason companies should opt for an integration solution rather than custom code.

“Let’s say you don’t use a cloud platform like Scribe Online and your integrator or your IT organization custom codes a solution between your SAP ERP system and SalesForce,” he said. “Well, that data’s still running across the cloud, but we’re providing a lot more traceability.  Your access to that data and your ability to control the integration, to monitor it, to change it, is much more secure and you have much more control over that because you’re using a platform like Scribe Online.”

The company recently announced updates to its online service, including a fascinating approach that supports role-based integration. We’re not talking about your typical roles, either. These are business roles, in marketing, sales and support. To learn more about this unique approach, check out my full Q&A with Guercia.