Connectors and Integrations
Juhani Rasi, Software Developer, Ilves Solutions
Connectors and integrations are both software components that help different systems, applications, or services to work together. While the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they generally describe slightly different things.
Connectors
- Connectors are software components or modules that establish a connection or link between two or more separate systems, applications, or other data sources.
- They act as a bridge, facilitating the flow of data or information between these systems by providing a standardized interface or communication protocol.
- Examples of connectors include database connectors that enable applications to interact with a database, or API (Application Programming Interface) connectors that enable the exchange of data with an external service.
- Connectors typically focus on point-to-point connections and may not necessarily include any built-in logic or functionality beyond data transfer.
Integrations (Ready-Made Integrations)
- Integrations refer to a broader concept that involves the unification of systems, applications, or services into a coherent workflow.
- One or more connectors may be a part of an integration solution.
- Typically, integrations not only connect different systems, but also interact with each other.
- They often require programming, data mapping, and data conversion from one format to another to ensure that data is interpreted correctly across different systems.
- Ideally, integrations are versatile and can be used to create complex workflows, synchronize data, and task automation, offering more possibilities than individual connectors.
In summary, connectors are like pipelines that enable data flow between systems, while integrations represent a broader architecture and strategy that defines how multiple systems work together seamlessly.
