Author
November 16, 2022
Years of technological evolution and innovation without consideration for simplified approaches have left many businesses dependent on an abundance of complex enterprise IT architecture. Legacy systems, siloed data, and patchwork solutions to pressing problems have reduced agility and hampered companies’ ability to rapidly respond to market changes.
But there is a better way.
It is possible to simplify your complex architecture with the aid of modern tools like IT system integration.
When Purpose and Function Don’t Align
The purpose of IT is to enable revenue generation or product delivery processes, so aligning IT with business goals is critical. But too often, IT departments face criticism for failing to meet organizational expectations around deadlines, functionality, performance, or security due to a backlog of work.
The business often sees only the tip of the iceberg of what system architects and developers have created over time as they responded to evolving requirements and expectations. The IT team has, over years, implemented new systems and technologies to meet changing needs – and the result is an immense technical legacy that requires specialized professionals to maintain.
And that’s when the trouble starts.
The complexity of their enterprise IT architecture and the rapid evolution of technology leave organizations unable to keep up. Declining revenue drives technology budget cuts, and companies are trapped by their own legacy systems, unable to embrace new solutions like cloud, IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence needed to compete in a digital-first world.
Simplifying Enterprise IT Architecture
Overgrown IT architecture must be cut back before you can develop a strategy to streamline your systems and embrace new technology. Before you start pruning, consider the following:
- Business doesn’t stop. No matter how complex and outdated your current IT architecture strategy is, you must find a road to transition that allows legacy systems to keep running while more modern, streamlined solutions are developed over top of them.
- You can’t be agile with obsolete technology. Outdated systems that don’t support new development and operational models will hold you back from competing with digital natives. Modern enterprise IT architecture is critical to creating a system that can respond quickly to changes in the market.
Your problems (and your systems) might be complex. But the solutions can and should be simple and straightforward. Before you can simplify the complexities in your IT architecture strategy, you must identify and isolate your challenges.
Integration: Making the Complex Simple
For years, integrating data and systems required a range of technologies, protocols, and parts. Integration was a complex problem, and companies attempting it needed highly specialized experts and a lot of time to commit to the extensive process.
Connecting just two systems called for a myriad of tools, including service buses, API gateways, and tools for execution, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Each gear in the machine depended on coordination between many players:
- Analysts to examine data that would be moved
- Network professionals to create the necessary connections
- Security professionals to guard against breach or loss
- Developers to create codes and oversee execution
In short, it was a long and complicated process that went far beyond taking data from one place and moving it to another. But identifying and isolating difficulties allows you to remove roadblocks.
- Automation can let you design, execute, and operate an integration without disturbing either source or destination systems
- No-code and low-code tools simplify the process of developing integrations
- Cloud can eliminate the complexity associated with data centers and ensure you only consume the necessary computational capacity
By leveraging an enterprise IT architecture that lets you isolate complexities, you can build a platform that is easy and intuitive to use. Technology should be an enabler, not an obstacle. And today more than ever, IT teams have the power to cut back overgrown complex legacy systems to make operations simpler, more agile, and more efficient.
What’s Blocking IT System Integration?
Recent data from the 2022 State of Enterprise Integration Report indicates only 7% of companies have successfully completed the task of pruning back legacy IT systems and implementing an integration solution. While the vast majority of respondents said their organization would benefit from integration, execution remains low. The reasons offered are varied:
Sound familiar? All of these concerns are side effects of a lack of alignment between purpose and function – a side effect of the patchwork solutions many organizations have relied on to address changing demands and technology.
Digibee Makes Integration Easy
At Digibee, we understand the challenges companies face when they’re dependent on legacy infrastructure. Our eiPaaS gives you the flexibility and agility you need to compete in today’s digital-first business world.
Our solution comes with comprehensive support and without lengthy commitments or large upfront investments. Plus, our innovative model can significantly reduce the time it takes to develop and implement integrations, so you can realize the benefits that much faster.
To learn more about how we can help you simplify complex enterprise IT architecture, request a demo today so we can discuss your needs.
