If you're reading this article, you're most likely researching Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS), or you're a Celigo customer looking to resolve Service Integration challenges. In both cases I've put together a number of options for you.
What is Celigo?
Celigo is one of the leading iPaaS solution designed to streamline business processes by automating integrations between various applications and systems. Its core functionalities include pre-built connectors for cloud-based and on-premises applications, workflow automation tools, and data mapping capabilities.
Celigo helps businesses to connect their CRM, ERP, e-commerce platforms, marketing automation tools, and other critical systems, facilitating data synchronization and process automation. Celigo is also known for it's integrator.io platform mainly focused on the needs of Mid-market customers. For smaller businesses, two common self-service alternatives integrator.io are Make.com and Zapier.
How to compare Celigo in the iPaaS software market
Celigo is one of the leading software providers in the iPaaS software category offering services to a large number of different types of businesses. This is a pretty contested space, as Gartner lists over 120 different solution providers.
When selecting an integration platform as a service (iPaaS) solution, several factors should be considered to ensure it aligns with your requirements and strategic goals. The integration needs of small businesses will be very different from enterprise organizations.
If you're a customer of analyst firms like Gartner or Forrester you can get more detailed commentary of iPaaS solution functionality to suit your unique needs. Here are some key dimensions often mentioned by analyst firms and iPaaS software experts:
- Integration capabilities:
The core functionality of an iPaaS should include data consistency, multistep processes, and composite service creation to cover various integration needs like customer data synchronization, employee onboarding, and fraud detection. Evaluate if the platform offers a broad array of connectors for application and data integration and if it supports different integration styles such as real-time data pipelines or event-driven architectures.
- Ease of use and automation:
With low-code or no-code environments becoming more common, the chosen platform should empower both IT and non-technical users to implement integrations seamlessly. Look for solutions that provide guided user experiences, prebuilt connectors, and templates to streamline the development process. Platforms like Workato and Celigo excel in this regard, offering AI-assisted features to guide users through the process.
- Architecture and strategy alignment:
Ensure the iPaaS solution aligns with your organization's application architecture. Modern architectures often require integration layers to decouple legacy systems and enable modular deployment. Mulesoft, with its API-led approach, excels in strategic integration, while SAP Integration Suite is ideal for those heavily invested in the SAP ecosystem.
- Scalability and flexibility:
Consider how the iPaaS adapts to your organization’s growth and evolving requirements. Features like consumption-based pricing models, as found in Mulesoft's recent pilot, provide flexibility. Solutions like Boomi and Informatica offer modular bundles that allow organizations to scale specific services based on demand.
- Geographic and compliance requirements:
Assess the platform's data residency and compliance features. Boomi and Informatica provide global data center coverage, crucial for organizations with specific data residency needs. Ensure the platform meets your industry-specific regulatory standards.
- Support and ecosystem:
A strong support system, training programs, and a partner ecosystem can significantly enhance the onboarding experience. Vendors like Workato and Boomi offer comprehensive training and have solid customer support systems, while SnapLogic and TIBCO provide robust partnerships for additional expertise.
Ultimately, selecting an iPaaS solution requires a careful analysis of your current and future integration needs. Balancing core capabilities, ease of use, strategic alignment, and relevance to your industry will help you choose a solution that most suits your business needs.
Celigo limitations referenced by real customers
While Celigo offers many valuable functionalities, it isn't perfect. On the customer review website Capterra Celigo gets an overall high score of 4.6/5, but falls short in both Customer Service and Ease of Use categories. It is a good choice as an iPaaS tool, but we'll go through a few reasons why it isn't necessarily your top choice for service integrations.
With over 1000 customers of different shapes and sizes, Celigo has capabilities to serve different kinds of businesses. However, with such broad focus, it may not suit every need.
Here are some real customer quotes from Capterra where Celigo falls short:
"The field mapping in Celigo is very difficult to use. I wasn't able to compare a date field and return a value based on logic. That is basic functionality that took me hours to find out i couldn't make work, even after asking for support." - Kyle W
"Problem solving sync errors can be challenging. The error codes are super general, and a lot of time one has to look at the originating records on both SaaS being linked and just mentally go through a list of fields to make sure they are still in unison. It can be super tedious and time consuming." - Brett G.
"Support Organization Custom connectors can be complicated to deploy System Performance in ETLs with a heavy amount of data." - Omar P.
"Any custom flows are extremely difficult to configure." - Kelly B.
In addition, a number of customers on Reddit mention how Celigo's pricing increases are difficult to predict. You can find examples of Celigo customers discussing pricing on Reddit here, here, and here.
Why Service Integrations require special dimensions
While Celigo offers a simple interface and a range of pre-built integrations one point where it falls short is in service integrations, which often present unique challenges and requirements to larger organizations.
ITSM integrations especially present unique challenges that require specific considerations beyond plug-and-play application integrations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Diverse systems and complex processes:
Service management often involves a heterogeneous environment with various applications, infrastructure components, and service providers. Integrating these diverse systems requires a platform capable of handling complex workflows and orchestrating interactions between multiple endpoints.
- Real-time integrations and event-driven architectures:
Efficient service delivery relies on real-time data exchange and event-driven architectures. iPaaS solutions need to facilitate instant updates and trigger automated actions based on events occurring within the service ecosystem.
- Advanced monitoring and alerting:
You need proactive identification and switft resolutions of service disruptions. Your integration platform should provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities with real-time alerts and detailed logs to enable swift incident response and minimize service downtime.
- Integration with Service Management tools:
You absolutely need seamless integration with ITSM and SIAM platforms for end-to-end service visibility and control. This allows for centralized management of incidents, service requests, and service level agreements (SLAs).
As a large vendor, Celigo can handle a variety of service integrations, with over 200 native integrations on offer. However, one feature often cited on peer review sites is the lack of configurability and customization. If you've expecting simple integrations to Netsuite or Salesforce, Celigo could be your option, but it may be more difficult to integrate in multi-vendor service landscapes or across complex ITSM ecosystems.
List of Celigo alternatives for Service Integrations
ONEiO
ONEiO is a next-generation iPaaS solution that automates integration processes, offering a central hub for connecting disparate IT tools, teams and vendors, enabling end-to-end process flows and data exchange across an organization's entire IT ecosystem.
HQ:
Helsinki, Finland
ONEiO provides a cloud-based integration solution for businesses focused on managing and delivering digital services. Understanding the specific needs of these companies, ONEiO offers predictable subscription-based integrations, allowing businesses to budget and plan with greater accuracy without investing in integration technologies, resources, and development. This flexibility ensures that regardless of a company’s resources or expertise, ONEiO delivers a fitting solution and allows businesses to concentrate on their core offerings without the complexities of integration development and management.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Support for integrations with multiple parties and tools, with Out-of-the-box runtime intelligence.
- Flexible and predictable subscription based pricing. Supports volume-based and fixed price integrations.
- Domain experts in B2B and Ebonding, including pre-integrated vendors.
Cons:
- Small partner network
- API management capabilities
- On-premise systems can be integrated using ONEiO. However, ONEiO cannot be deployed on premise.
Informatica
Informatica excels in data integration within its comprehensive Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) platform.
HQ:
Redwood City, California
Informatica focuses on amplifying data integration capabilities as part of its IDMC, offering a wide range of services for robust data management and integration strategies. It prioritizes data-centric integration with extensive features for governance, quality, and transformation, making it suitable for organizations emphasizing a unified data management approach. Informatica's global footprint and strong partner network support its comprehensive services, despite perceptions of complexity.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Broad industry solutions and cloud infrastructure options.
- Strong platform security and operational reliability.
- Depth in data integration and management capabilities.
Cons:
- Pricing based on compute power can be complex and costly.
- UX focuses primarily on data, less on guided integration.
- Complex user interface
Jitterbit
Jitterbit offers a versatile iPaaS focusing on APIs, EDI, and citizen development, with a model conducive to predictable costs.
HQ:
Alameda, California
Jitterbit Harmony iPaaS focuses on in API, EDI, and easing citizen development, backed by a predictive pricing model. It innovates based on customer feedback, though its service integrator ecosystem is not as extensive. Its roadmap aims to improve business automation and developer support, making it an attractive option for general iPaaS needs or EDI modernization.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Strong focus on EDI with significant templates.
- Simple user interface
- Customizable template marketplace for OEMs.
Cons:
- Limited prebuilt connectors and templates.
- Endpoint-based pricing model can be complex.
- Lacks cloud support for connectors.
Mulesoft
Owned by Salesforce, Mulesoft leads in iPaaS with comprehensive integration, automation, and API management capabilities.
HQ:
San Francisco, California
Mulesoft offers the Anypoint Platform, integrating applications, automations, and APIs. It focuses on democratizing integration for teams and evolving into an automation fabric supported by AI. With strong partnerships, it's ideal for organizations seeking an API-led strategy.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- API creation and integration capabilities.
- Supports automation with a large template library and RPA access.
- Wide capabilities in composite service integration.
Cons:
- Pricing models can be complex.
- Focused on Salesforce data ecosystem.
- Has a ton of functionality but is not easy to use
TIBCO
TIBCO offers broad integration styles with a focus on data integration, though it has a less unified user experience.
HQ:
Santa Clara, California
TIBCO Cloud Integration includes a range of products for application, data, APIs, and automation. With a global presence and a focus on data integration, TIBCO is a fit for data-centric integration strategies and enterprises emphasizing developer self-service.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Flexible, volume-based pricing.
- Diverse integration capabilities.
- Supports a wide range of integration styles.
Cons:
- Inconsistent user experience across products.
- Some functionality is only self-hosted.
- Less frequent feature updates.
Workato
Workato's iPaaS solution focuses on process automation and collaboration between IT and business through an intuitive, AI-assisted user experience.
HQ:
Mountain View, California
Workato offers a serverless integration platform emphasizing ease of use and democratized development. It accelerates business-IT collaboration with a user-friendly, AI-enhanced interface, encouraging adoption with in-product assistance and proactive customer engagement. The platform boasts a vast array of connectors, facilitating diverse integrations and automations. Despite a global presence, Workato's strategic emphasis on AI assistance and customer-centric innovations positions it as a formidable choice for organizations aiming to empower citizen developers and streamline business processes. Its approach to integration challenges not only simplifies the user experience but also promises to enhance operational efficiency and innovation across industries, making Workato an excellent choice for cloud-based business process automation and teams blending IT expertise with business insight.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Intuitive user experience with AI-driven process guidance.
- Extensive library of connectors and templates.
- Fine-grained access permissions.
Cons:
- Pricing model can lead to cost escalations as new processes are added.
- Absence of out-of-the-box support for EDI and B2B-specific features.
- Reliance on Amazon AWS data centers.
Webmethods
Software AG's Webmethods.io delivers iPaaS with a focus on democratized integration and a wide range of integration styles.
HQ:
Darmstadt, Germany
Webmethods.io by Software AG emphasizes business transformation through integration, offering a versatile platform that supports various integration styles. It's innovating with AI to enhance productivity and simplify the user experience. The commitment to a robust roadmap and customer-driven features makes it a compelling choice for B2B integration, citizen developers, and modernizing legacy systems. Software AG's focus on security and ease of use positions Webmethods.io as a strong contender in the iPaaS market.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Wide functional capabilities and platform versatility.
- Large number of connectors and varied B2B offering.
- Extensive testing and debugging tools.
Cons:
- Lower customer satisfaction ratings.
- Not suitable for more advanced integrations
- Fewer hosting options than competitors.
SnapLogic
SnapLogic's iPaaS emphasizes data integration with a focus on AI-driven automation, offering a blend of application and API management.
HQ:
San Mateo, California
SnapLogic, the Intelligent Integration Platform (IIP), focuses on data integration, leveraging AI to boost automation and productivity. It supports diverse integration needs through a user-friendly interface and a modular approach. While innovative, its B2B capabilities are modest, making it suited for organizations prioritizing low-code process automation and data integration.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Easy to use integration wizard
- Transparent pricing and multi-cloud marketplace presence.
- One of the first generative AI solutions in SnapGPT
Cons:
- Limited B2B integration features.
- Limited access permissions
SAP
SAP offers iPaaS functionality as part of its SAP Business Technology Platform, emphasizing integration within the SAP ecosystem.
HQ:
Walldorf, Germany
The SAP Integration Suite, part of the SAP Business Technology Platform, offers comprehensive integration capabilities. It focuses on SAP-centric ecosystems, aiming to unify business data and processes with a strong emphasis on AI. The suite's flexibility and extensive template library make it a robust option for businesses heavily invested in SAP products, offering a path towards digital transformation with a focus on modern application architecture.
Overall rating
Customer support rating
Pros:
- Thousands of templates, primarily for SAP applications.
- Global operational and support presence through SAP
- Transparent pricing.
Cons:
- Perceived primarily as an SAP-centric tool.
- Business model leans heavily towards SAP applications.
- Pricing not tailored to all market segments.
When considering service integrations, you may want to explore alternatives to Celigo due to potential limitations in scalability, cost, and customization. While Celigo offers robust integration capabilities, it may not be the best fit for all businesses, particularly those with highly specialized or complex integration needs that demand more tailored solutions.
Additionally, Celigo's pricing model can become costly for larger enterprises or rapidly growing companies, making more predictable options appealing. Exploring alternatives ensures you find the most cost-effective, scalable, and user-friendly solution tailored to your specific requirements.