Going beyond system integration: Get a triple play using a Digital Integration approach

One big challenge to achieving the full benefits of multi-cloud is that while public cloud vendors follow the same industry protocols and standards, the way organizations implement them can vary significantly. This means the modern, multi-cloud organization calls for effective multi-cloud implementation, and the subsequent operational model requires APIs to effectively integrate with each of their offerings. As a result, organizations lift the burden off architecture and engineering and can focus on innovation and value delivered.

But, in this ever-evolving and complex environment, System Integration — the process of bringing together multiple business systems to operate as a collaborative unit — may no longer be enough for organizations to achieve this advantage. Instead, a more comprehensive approach is required: API-led Digital Integration⁴.

API-led Digital Integration helps organizations holistically and securely connect their entire ecosystems in a way that enables growth and reduces costs, all while delighting customers. It goes beyond integrating applications — comprising strategy through delivery and assisting with key business and IT aspects, including cultural, process, controls, cyber security, and governance changes.

Here are three ways API-led Digital Integration can help enhance both your business and IT strategy:

#1 Offers a competitive advantage

As business requirements for remote work increase, IT teams are under tremendous⁵ pressure to implement solutions that help organizations pivot quickly and work faster. This often involves connecting the varying processes and systems across a distributed ecosystem of employees, customers, partners, and suppliers, which the traditional SI approach can no longer accommodate.

With API-led Digital Integration, organizations speed up their ability to connect new technologies and data by leveraging standardized, reusable API services. Through API-led Digital Integration, organizations quickly operationalize new capabilities and data across their entire enterprise. This allows them to increase automation, enable tighter security, and develop an edge over competitors mired in traditional SI “take orders” type of projects.

#2 Goes beyond cost-savings

It's no secret that custom integration work often times isn't cheap. According to a recent benchmark report⁵, the average enterprise spends approximately $3.5 million per year on integration-related IT labor costs. With this investment, organizations intend on creating long-term cost savings through improved workflows that enable quicker response times and improved service standards. Yet, as previously referenced, many organizations aren't reaching this total value and return on investment.

Through API-led Digital Integration, not only do organizations adopt a broader, more flexible way to deliver integration, they can also use it to help generate revenue. On average, organizations that use APIs generate over a quarter (27%) of their revenue⁵ from those APIs and related implementations. Organizations can also see increased productivity, self-service, and enhanced innovation, realizing a quicker turnaround on ROI and an additional income stream.

#3 More flexibility for today’s rapidly changing landscape

The ability to adapt quickly, innovate, and repeat, is no longer a nice-to-have for organizations: it's a matter of survival. And more and more experts agree⁶ that APIs should be a part of an organization's future-ready plan along with long-term investment in digital capabilities⁷. Analysis⁸ of successful organizations that thrived in the earliest days of the global pandemic supports these findings.

The flexibility of API-led Digital Integration, enabling applications to connect and begin sharing information rapidly, helps allow organizations to be more agile. This helps make sure they’re ready to embrace the inevitable disruption and ensuing challenges around the corner.

Learn more

Today, it's critical for IT to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly across environments (e.g., multi-/hybrid-cloud) and across partners while enabling innovation. As a result, organizations should have a a more thoughtful approach and strategy to make sure they're firing on all cylinders when it comes to connectivity. This is why PwC has aligned with MuleSoft to offer API-led Digital Integration solutions⁴ to help organizations create and implement complete, secure capabilities that quickly connect their entire enterprise.

Get in touch today to learn how you can leverage API-led Digital Integration solutions to help modernize or enhance your organization's Digital Integration platform for success now and well into the future.

_{Sources:
¹ PwC 2021, “Cloud computing explained"
² PwC 2021, “PwC US Cloud Business Survey: CIOs and technology leaders”
³ PwC 2021, “PwC US Cloud Business Survey” 
⁴ PwC, “PwC and MuleSoft: API-led Digital Integration”
⁵ MuleSoft, “2021 Connectivity Benchmark Report”
⁶ MIT Sloan Management Review 2021, “Why Companies Must Embrace Microservices and Modular Thinking”
⁷ The European Business Review 2020, “Where Does Resilience Come From? It’s Your Progress in Digital Transformation, Especially in Times of Crisis” 
⁸ Forbes 2021, “Two Charts That Explain How Mastercard And Visa Have Become Future-Proof”}