API and Systems Integration
Integrated systems are able to complete workflows across multiple systems and reduce costs by eliminating lag time, manual labor, and human errors associated with manually bridging the gap between software systems.
With so many incredible Cloud based software systems available, businesses no longer need to compromise by trying to fit their business into one software vendor. This consulting service enables businesses to be able to utilize the best software packages already existing in the market and integrate them.
Typically APIs need programming so they fit your business. Decades of robust software development experience can overcome incompatibilities between SaaS system APIs, when applied to writing custom software “middleware” that make the systems compatible. When needed new software is written.
25 years of systems integrations, over 800 completed in the last 9 years, using 140 different API’s and systems. It’s likely the painful lessons have already been learned about this integration, and it’s possible that most of the code is already written. Take advantage of an enormous head start.
Results
The systems are integrated and achieving the business goals.
Tangible Results
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No limits. Any amount of data, fields, transactions, etc... can be made.
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An installed and configured software and IT infrastructure to run the integration.
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A “continuous integration” development process and infrastructure to patch, update, change and then release a new version of the integration. This type of software often requires updating as the systems they integrate with change over time.
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Documentation for DevOps, error handling, and operations.
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A BCP and DR plan.
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The deliverable can be a wholly owned by the customer or a revenue/fee based license model for a managed solution.
Measurable results
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The integrations enables the requested business processes.
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The require data is correctly synchronized between systems.
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The success and failure of the transactions can be monitored.
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Error handling work flows provide options for reconciling failed transactions.
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The components and the infrastructure can be restored through a business continuity plan and disaster recovery plan.
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The transaction, data and error handling meet the compliance and regulatory requirements.
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The operations staff is trained in the use of the integration and any maintenance required.
How?
Customer activities
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Provide access to the systems involved:
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User accounts and api keys
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System documentation or support contacts
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Provide system credentials to "see" the result of an integration transaction, for development and testing.
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Describe the processes and data to be integrated. ( This service may be of interest).
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Assist in mapping the data fields between systems.
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Participate in a weekly meeting where progress is demonstrated, blockers resolved, and any changes discussed.
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Participate in the first ‘production’ launch of the integration.
Consultant activities
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Gather the requirements, desired processes, and map data fields between systems.
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Define the data classification, privacy and security, and a plan to meet compliance and regulations
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Define the monitoring requirements.
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Define the error handling workflows.
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Define the business continuity, and disaster recovery processes.
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Set up test environments or sandboxes for each of the systems to be integrated.
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Develop realistic test data and scenarios.
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Keep working and testing until the test scenarios meet the requirements, process, and data transfer required.
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Create or prepare the ‘production’ environment.
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Create a ‘rollback’ plan incase something doesn’t go right.
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Turn on the new process in the ‘production’ environment.
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Execute production safe transactions and measure the results and monitor the behavior.
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Schedule a follow up release for a week or so later to push changes or fixes.
Duration and Pricing
Examples:
2 APIs, pushing data from one to another will take a week or two. For example CRM contacts to Marketing automation.
2 or more API’s that must be 2-way synchronized, and follow business rules, 3 weeks or more.
The availability of the customer and customer resources impact the duration of the project.
The stability and correctness of the vendors API, documentation, and support responsiveness also have an impact on product duration.
An estimate is provided after a scoping conversation, a retainer is used to burn down on an hourly basis in 30 minute increments.
Hourly rates vary by origination of the request.
Previous engagements have ranged from $3,000 to $80,000
The service uses these professional skills
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Agile Methodologies
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Enterprise Application Integration
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Enterprise Software
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Enterprise Software Architecture
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New Product Development
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Planning
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Process Improvement
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Product Development
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Project Management
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Research
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Software Architecture
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Solution Architecture
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Web Services
The service uses these tools and formats
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Technical Architecture
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DevOps
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Software development in any of
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Java
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Javascript
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C
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C++
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C#
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PhP
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Nodejs
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AWS
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NoSql
The service is used in these programs and methodologies
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Agile
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Scrum
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CMMI
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Kanban
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ISO
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Waterfall
Customer are in these industries
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Accounting
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Aerospace
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Agribusiness
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Airlines/Aviation
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Alternative Medicine
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Animation
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Apparel and Fashion
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Arts and Crafts
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Automotive
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Banking
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Biotechnology
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Broadcast
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Business Services
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Business Supplies and Equipment
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Capital Markets
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Commercial Real Estate
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Commercial Services & Supplies
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Computer Games
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Computer Hardware
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Computer
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...