Software AG Expands Its Offerings With Super IPaaS

By Robert Kramer, Patrick Moorhead - November 6, 2023

If you have experience in developing new products or bringing them to market, you understand the complexity involved in launching a new product—especially when it is truly innovative. My own background in dealing with these challenges is why I’m so impressed with Software AG’s new Super iPaaS offering that launched this week.

You may already be familiar with traditional integration platform-as-a-service, which provides foundational capabilities for integrating applications and enterprise data across multiple computing environments. However, traditional iPaaS sometimes falls short when it comes to supporting complex integrations, advanced data management, real-time processing and AI and ML capabilities. Super iPaaS addresses all of this and more with enhanced features for refined API management, AI-driven automation, hybrid multi-cloud integration and global governance—all through a unified user interface. This is more than just an integration platform; it’s an all-inclusive solution designed to address the nuances and evolving needs of enterprise IT infrastructures while unlocking the true value of data for your business.

Software AG’s Background

Software AG, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, is a software maker with a worldwide presence. The company specializes in developing enterprise software that addresses integration, process management, IoT, analytics and other critical IT needs. These solutions are designed to enhance efficiency and agility to support digital transformation efforts for even the largest organizations. Software AG delivers functionality for integration across applications, data, B2B transactions, APIs and events through its enterprise products, StreamSets and webMethods.

IPaaS Versus Super IPaaS

The short version is that iPaaS enables the connection of diverse data sources and systems to meet an organization’s integration objectives while minimizing the need for in-house development and maintenance. The utility of iPaaS extends to integrating various cloud and on-premises applications via API management and data mapping. Users of all skill levels benefit from having access to low-code or no-code customization, although more technical advanced tooling options are also available.

All of these functions are highly useful, but Super iPaaS goes further in many different respects. For example, traditional iPaaS facilitates data sharing among various systems using manually mapped data fields and basic automation scripts to update data at scheduled intervals. By contrast, Super iPaaS uses automated data mapping and real-time synchronization powered by AI, which ensures immediate and accurate data exchanges.

Super IPaaS Features And Benefits

I’ve had the opportunity to dig deeper into Software AG’s Super iPaaS approach, and I like how it focuses on data as a central asset for any organization. The platform has a single user-friendly interface, simplifying task management, and it places high importance on security and compliance, offering multi-cloud orchestration of integrations and implementing enhanced protocols such as end-to-end encryption for data protection. Finally, its advanced intelligence focuses on the use of AI throughout the lifecycle of integrations.

Forbes Daily: Get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.

So how does it work in real life? One example came when Software AG used Super iPaaS to examine racing data and application interactions from Formula 4 all-electric race cars to provide both drivers and fans with more information for a better real-time experience on race day.

Challenges Of Adopting Super IPaaS

As with any significant shift in IT architecture, adopting the Super iPaaS platform can present some challenges for organizations. Migrating and integrating diverse systems is a complex and demanding process, requiring time, expertise and effort. Operational hurdles include costs for platform expenses, the time and costs of training, the need for skilled professionals to implement and operate the system and the potential workflow disruptions that can come during any technology transition. Integrating multiple applications and data sources also naturally raises security and compliance issues that must be handled well. Beyond that, internal resistance to change can always hinder technology adoption, so thoughtful change management is vital. Organizations looking to address these challenges should take a strategic approach, including sufficient messaging, training and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Software AG has taken the initiative to magnify and improve iPaaS into Super iPaaS, aiming to become an innovator in this new category. It looks to me like a savvy bet on where IT is heading. From my perspective, Super iPaaS stands to meet an important need for enterprises with its advanced integration capabilities that harness the power of AI. The platform is effective in making improvements for everything from reducing data errors to elevating security through real-time threat detection. Super iPaaS will be especially appealing for industries that face large data volumes, complex integration needs and stringent security or compliance requirements. I’m thinking particularly about technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and telecom.

When evaluating the potential ROI that Super iPaaS can provide via improved operational efficiency, cost savings, better decisions, accelerated revenue growth and a stronger competitive position, businesses should focus on measuring specific key performance indicators linked to costs, revenues, efficiency and customer experience. I think many of them will find that Super iPaaS represents more than an upgrade; it signifies a transformative shift in how IT organizations think about integration.

Robert Kramer
VP & Principal Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy |  + posts

Robert Kramer is vice president and principal analyst covering enterprise data, including data management, databases, data lakes, data observability, data analytics, and data protection. Robert has over 30 years of proven experience with startups, IT companies, global marketing, detailed strategies, business modeling, and planning, working with enterprise companies, GTM assets, management, and execution.

Patrick Moorhead

Patrick founded the firm based on his real-world world technology experiences with the understanding of what he wasn’t getting from analysts and consultants. Ten years later, Patrick is ranked #1 among technology industry analysts in terms of “power” (ARInsights)  in “press citations” (Apollo Research). Moorhead is a contributor at Forbes and frequently appears on CNBC. He is a broad-based analyst covering a wide variety of topics including the cloud, enterprise SaaS, collaboration, client computing, and semiconductors. He has 30 years of experience including 15 years of executive experience at high tech companies (NCR, AT&T, Compaq, now HP, and AMD) leading strategy, product management, product marketing, and corporate marketing, including three industry board appointments.