Software Integration: Examples and Why It’s Important

Software integration services make it much easier for applications to share data, creating an intuitive user experience seamlessly. It’s not uncommon for organizations and businesses to use multiple types of software or systems as they scale and grow. From daily business operations like sending calendar invites to managing a storefront’s inventory, many tasks require the use of multiple applications to function efficiently and effectively. Software integration makes this possible.

Read on to learn more about software integration, how it works, and why it benefits businesses.

What is software integration?

Software integration is the process of connecting different software parts or applications so they can seamlessly share important data without the need for manual entry. A central hub collects and processes the data, sharing it among the applications that require it to complete their tasks. While some software integration connects different parts of the same software, others connect different system platforms or software to share metrics and data. 

Software integration examples

It’s possible to find software integration anywhere two separate applications need to share information. One example is sending automated emails to customers once they have signed up for your mailing list. This involves integrating a customer relationship management system and an emailing service. Another example of software integration is a website’s capability to share articles or posts from the website to a social media site.

Software integration is also key for databases. For example, information put into a spreadsheet is automatically fed into an analytics database without manual import or export. This is especially important for reducing the risk of misplacing important data in the transfer between systems.

Why is software integration important?

Software integration is important because it saves time and increases functionality by reducing the need for manual inputting of data across multiple platforms, streamlining data between platforms. Because this data is available in real-time, professionals can quickly create effective customer retention and growth strategies. Plus, it's much more accurate because you can import data automatically instead of manually, leading to better analysis. Storing data in a centralized system can also increase security, especially with safeguards like intruder warnings and real-time reporting.

Types of software integration

Software integration involves several types of structures tailored to specific tasks and needs. Here is a breakdown of some of the common software integration types:

Legacy systems integration

Legacy systems are outdated technology systems. Many businesses continue to use their legacy systems because of the amount of data they store, but these systems can’t communicate with newer types of technology on their own. Legacy systems integration creates a seamless communication system between legacy systems and new tech, usually done through APIs or database connectors.

Data integration

Data integration takes data from separate applications and collects it all into a centralized location, which is useful for analysis and reporting. Data integration systems make data more accessible and increase data integrity as they can typically sort out low-quality data.

Electronic document interchange

Electronic document interchange (EDI) allows the exchange of paper-based document formats, such as invoices, across different businesses in a digital format. This automation reduces error risk and increases productivity and efficiency since the documents are not manually shared.

Enterprise application integration

Enterprise application integration (EAI) allows different systems to interact and share data, combining applications that would store data separately. EAIs are typically used when a business grows and needs to form connections between front-end and back-end systems.

Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Differences + More

Methods of software integration

Software integration comes in different methods, each addressing a specific need or functionality. These methods include:

Star

Star software integration connects separate subsystems to create one complex network. The star method increases functionality, but its complexity often requires oversight and is best used with a limited number of subsystems.

Point-to-point

Point-to-point software integration connects two separate systems. Because of its simplistic method, it’s often done in-house with code built by programming professionals. Point-to-point is effective for limited integrations, but it isn't easy to scale.

Hub-and-spoke

Hub-and-spoke software integration connects different subsystems with one centralized hub that manages data. This method is good for businesses concerned with security and sustainability since the data is stored in one place.

Horizontal

Horizontal software integration uses an enterprise service bus (ESB) layer to create effective communication between different subsystems. This system's indirect nature requires fewer connections, making it more cost-effective than other, more complicated software integration methods.

Vertical

Vertical software integration connects systems based on their functionality. Built like a silo, these connections have simple functions on the bottom and more complex functions as the connection grows. Because vertical software integration creates silos, it’s more difficult to share information across different systems. It is a short-term solution, but it’s a cost-effective and fast way to unify software.

Read more: What Is the Software Development Life Cycle? SDLC Explained

Careers in software integration: salary and education requirements

Software integration requires professionals to have the skills necessary to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot the system. Some careers that involve software integration skills include the following:

1. Integration engineer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $140,989 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 4 percent [2]

Requirements: Integration engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Integration engineers are responsible for developing and integrating the hardware and software needed for a business to meet its objectives and goals successfully. In this role, you will examine existing systems and recommend improvements through new or upgraded integration software methods. 

2. Project manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $136,372 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 6 percent [4]

Requirements: Project managers in the software industry typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or business and several years of experience in a relevant line of work.

Project managers coordinate, delegate, and direct teams of professionals in completing a project within a set budget and time frame. As a project manager, you'll identify needed software tools and help to create effective plans for meeting a project’s expectations. 

3. Systems engineer

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $138,989 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 4 percent [2]

Requirements: Systems engineers typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field. 

Systems engineers design, establish, and monitor software systems for businesses. You'll create systems based on a business’s specific needs and goals, then oversee the systems for functionality. In this role, you'll need to be knowledgeable about systems and how they work, which is an important skill when considering integrating and working with systems. 

Get started with Coursera.

Software integration is a key component of a functioning, reliable software system. Professionals with software integration skills can find careers in many different IT fields. 

Sharpen your IT skills and learn more about software integration with courses and certificates on Coursera. Options like IBM’s Introduction to Software Engineering allow you to develop foundational knowledge and discover more about what a career in software integration might entail.