Does Your Middleware Still Serve Its Purpose?

What is Middleware? External software that provides additional capabilities not offered by a company’s current systems.

When middleware products first hit the market in the 1980s, they represented a feat of digital engineering. At long last, IT professionals could bridge disparate programs into a cohesive and effective digital solution. The technical benefits were undeniable: Middleware facilitated more efficient data management, cross-platform messaging, easy user authentication, and far more. 

But now, those early bridges are slowly but surely rusting away. For all the value legacy solutions provided in their heyday, such products were never designed for modern, cloud-hybridized IT environments. Companies that maintain outdated middleware may find that their legacy systems cannot keep pace with their innovation efforts. 

Maintaining clunky IT solutions is a little like driving a car with worn-out brake pads; the vehicle might move, but braking will be harder, and leaving the problem unchecked for too long could result in damage. 

In a business context, outdated middleware tends to cost more to maintain than newer solutions and is more prone to crashes. Achieving compliance with regulatory and security specifications can also be challenging, as older products may require custom-coded updates. ‍

Simply put, outdated middleware solutions aren’t worth the time, effort, and money required to keep them running.‍

However, many businesses may still need middleware to link their cloud and legacy systems into a cohesive workflow. But are clunky connectors their only option?

Modern Alternatives For Solution Integration

Businesses can build better bridges with MuleSoft and Salesforce. We’ll briefly explore the use cases for the two solutions so you can decide which is right for you. 

If you’re having trouble choosing the right solution for your organization’s legacy middleware problem, remember that we’re only one phone call away! As a Salesforce Implementation partner, we have the experience and knowledge to equip you with a tailored solution that will set you up for success.

MuleSoft: A Bridge Between Systems

What is MuleSoft? A Salesforce integration tool that allows organizations to easily connect various applications and create a united framework.

MuleSoft offers an innovative answer to businesses’ middleware challenges. A MuleSoft integration empowers companies to achieve visibility and connectivity across their enterprise without incurring the expense or inconvenience of custom code. 

What is MuleSoft used for? Designed to be versatile and secure, MuleSoft makes it easy to transport data, manage resources, and achieve operational efficiency. Moreover, because Mulesoft is a Java-based solution, it can quickly scale to accommodate organizational growth. ‍

In short: MuleSoft is an ideal, innovative middleware solution for companies that need to link legacy systems and modern software tools into a cohesive digital framework.

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But what if an organization is ready to retire legacy systems entirely?

The Next Step: Salesforce CRM

What is Salesforce CRM? A suite of customer relationship management (CRM) solutions designed to address various business needs. Products include solutions with industry-agnostic functionality, like Sales Cloud and Service Cloud, and solutions designed around the needs of particular industries, like Health Cloud and Financial Services Cloud.

Businesses hoping to upgrade their digital frameworks might consider a Salesforce implementation. Salesforce offers a variety of products tailor-made for efficiency-minded businesses — Sales Cloud, for example, centralizes sales activity onto a single platform and gives sales reps the automation and analytics tools they need to execute better outreach.

Salesforce CRM solutions eliminate most, if not all, of the problems posed by outdated middleware. Post-implementation, silos become an issue of the past; transparency is guaranteed, collaboration becomes effortless, and efficiency is a norm. 

If a team needs functionalities that aren’t offered in a base Salesforce product, they can visit Salesforce AppExchange to find a complementary product that provides the tools they need. 

Don’t let outdated middleware slow your organization’s growth. Schedule a conversation with Gerent today to learn how MuleSoft and Salesforce can empower your organization to achieve more — effortlessly.