Building API integrations with or without iPaaS

When integrating software applications, businesses face a fundamental choice: build API integrations from scratch or use an Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS). Both approaches enable systems to communicate, but they differ in terms of complexity, reliability, and long-term maintenance. 

This article explores the key differences, helping IT leaders determine which approach best suits their organisation’s needs, resources, and expertise. 

What does it mean to build API integrations from scratch? 

Building API integrations from scratch involves writing custom code to connect applications. This requires in-depth knowledge of API structures, authentication protocols, data mapping, and error handling. While this approach provides maximum flexibility, it also demands significant development time, security oversight, and ongoing maintenance. 

Custom-built solutions typically have higher upfront costs, especially if external consultants are hired to develop and maintain them. While direct operational costs may be lower—particularly if using cloud infrastructure like AWS or Azure—the long-term maintenance, security, and compliance risks are considerable.

What is iPaaS and how does it help? 

iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) is a cloud-based platform that enables organisations to build, manage, and maintain API integrations without coding everything from the ground up. It provides pre-built connectors, automation tools, security compliance, and monitoring features to streamline integration workflows. 

iPaaS platforms ensure GDPR compliance, ISMS security standards, and continuous API updates, reducing the burden on IT teams and increasing system reliability. Additionally, iPaaS offers standardisation and hyper-scalability, allowing organisations to expand integrations efficiently. While traditionally associated with standard automation, modern iPaaS solutions can also handle extensive customisation, making them suitable for complex and unique workflows. 

Key differences between building API integrations from scratch vs. using iPaaS 

1. Custom coding: Requires extensive development resources and API knowledge. 
2. iPaaS: Provides pre-built connectors and drag-and-drop tools, reducing manual coding, while also allowing deep customisation when needed. 

2. Security and compliance 

1. Custom coding: Security and compliance (GDPR, ISMS) must be handled internally, and kept up to date. 
2. iPaaS: Built-in security features and compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR, and other industry standards. 

1.  Custom coding: Requires manual setup for logging, error handling, and monitoring.
2. iPaaS: Offers real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and failure recovery mechanisms

4. Handling API changes and updates 

1. Custom coding: Developers must manually update integrations when APIs change. 
2. iPaaS: Automatically adjusts to API updates, reducing maintenance effort.

5. Scalability and maintenance 

1. Custom coding: More complex as integrations grow, requiring IT resources to scale.
2. iPaaS: Built to handle scaling with minimal IT intervention, ensuring standardised and efficient integration growth. 

Cost considerations. Which approach is more expensive? 

• Upfront vs. long-term costs 

• Custom coding: Higher initial cost, especially when hiring external consultants. Ongoing maintenance will add to long-term expenses. 

• iPaaS: Subscription-based pricing with predictable costs, reducing IT workload and maintenance efforts. 

• Hidden costs to consider 

• The cost of outsourcing, hiring or training developers to manage integrations. 

• The potential cost of downtime and errors from unmonitored custom integrations. 

• The long-term risks of security breaches and compliance failures in non-iPaaS solutions. 

Who should build API integrations from scratch? 

• Organisations with a strong in-house development team comfortable with API management. 

• Companies with the resources to maintain security, compliance, and scalability internally. 

Who should use iPaaS for API integrations? 

• Businesses looking for a scalable, low-maintenance solution to connect applications faster. 

• Organisations that require security and compliance without handling it manually. 

• Companies that prioritise uptime, monitoring, and API change management without ongoing developer effort. 

• Businesses requiring extensive customisation but want a scalable and managed infrastructure instead of building everything from scratch. 

Conclusion: Which approach is right for you? 

Choosing between custom API development and iPaaS depends on your organisation’s IT skills, budget, risk management profile and long-term strategy. If your business has strong internal API expertise and requires deep customisation, building from scratch may be viable. However, for most organisations, iPaaS offers a more reliable, secure, and scalable approach that reduces IT complexity and ensures seamless integrations, while still supporting extensive customisation when needed. 

Need help deciding? Contact our team to explore the best integration strategy for your business.