When deciding whether to use Apache Camel or an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) solution, several factors come into play. We would like to go over a couple and see how they compare to Dovetail, our iPaaS solution.
1. Complexity
Apache Camel
Apache Camel is a robust integration framework that excels at handling complex integration scenarios and connecting disparate systems. It offers comprehensive features and components, making it suitable for projects with significant integration and messaging requirements.
iPaaS
In general, iPaaS solutions provide pre-built connectors and integration templates, making them easier to use for simpler integrations but potentially limiting customisation options for complex scenarios.
Dovetail offers the best of both worlds; at the core lies Apache Camel. On top of that we build an easy to use integration platform with a user friendly drag & drop interface, in a ready to use cloud setup that is characterised by the extensive possibilities that Camel brings.
2. Learning curve
Apache Camel
Apache Camel has its own learning curve, especially if you’re new to the framework. It requires familiarity with its concepts and domain-specific language (DSL) for defining integration routes.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions often offer a visual interface or low-code development environment, enabling non-technical users to build integrations without in-depth coding knowledge.
Dovetail iPaaS has a short learning curve. And we can offer support in the onboarding phase.
3. Community support
Apache Camel
Apache Camel has a large and active community, providing documentation, tutorials, and community support. Its popularity ensures a wealth of resources, bug fixes, improvements, and new features contributed by the community.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions may have their own communities and support channels, but they may not be as extensive as those of popular open-source frameworks like Apache Camel.
Dovetail comes with elaborate documentation that is accessible through our Academy. It is not only documentation, it also holds best practices and tutorials. Support is done by our team of consultants, located in the Netherlands.
4. Deployment and infrastructure
Apache Camel
Apache Camel can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, giving you control over your infrastructure. This infrastructure needs to be built and maintained by you.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions are typically cloud-based, relieving you of infrastructure management responsibilities and allowing you to leverage the provider’s infrastructure.
Dovetail is cloud based, giving you the ability to start directly after your subscription is arranged.
5. Development flexibility
Apache Camel
Apache Camel offers complete control over the development process. You can customise integration flows, write custom code, and take advantage of the framework’s comprehensive capabilities. Working with Apache Camel is often done by developers, due to its complexity.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions generally provide a visual interface or low-code environment, enabling citizen integrators and citizen developers to build the integrations.
Dovetail has a no code drag & drop interface making it accessible to people with knowledge of business logic and processes. Because you make the connectors in Dovetail yourself, you are not limited by the boundaries of many other iPaaS solutions.
6. Cost considerations
Apache Camel
Apache Camel is open-source, meaning there are no direct licensing costs. However, you’ll need to consider development, infrastructure and operational costs if you deploy it yourself.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions typically operate on a subscription-based pricing model, which can be cost-effective for small to medium-sized integrations. However, as integration needs grow, iPaaS costs can increase significantly.
The pricing models of Dovetail are designed to allow flexibility and scalability. For more detailed information, contact Erik – he can make you a tailored offer.
7. Scalability and maintenance
Apache Camel
Apache Camel allows you to scale integrations according to your needs, with control over infrastructure optimisation.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions often offer automatic scaling capabilities, handling increasing workloads without requiring manual infrastructure management. Maintenance and updates for Apache Camel are your responsibility, while iPaaS solutions handle these aspects for you.
Dovetail is made to scale with you, as your business grows. Maintenance and updates of the application itself will be carried out by Dovetail. As a Dovetail user you benefit from the improvements and product developments that are contributed by our users. And you yourself can contribute as well.
8. Sustainability and documentation
Apache Camel
If the built product needs to be usable and adaptable by others, meaning being independent from the developer, you need to document what you have built. Apache Camel is a widely used framework, however developers always have their own signature.
iPaaS
iPaaS solutions, with their visual interfaces and low-code environments, can facilitate easier transferability, especially for less complex integrations.
Dovetail is a no code, visual integration platform. On top of that, flows and components have Notes. Any specific information that should be documented, can be placed there. With this you are building the documentation to your integrations whilst you are building them. Enabling your team to to easily cooperate on flows or transferring them to different colleagues, avoiding the black box principle you often see in coded solutions.
Dovetail; the best of both worlds
We believe that with Dovetail you truly get the best of both worlds.
It is built on the solid foundation of Apache Camel, making plenty of use of the advantage of the open source platform. Providing our developers the tools to make the best iPaaS imaginable.
Dovetail is an easy to use tool for non-developers. Keeping the scarce development resources in your company available for the truly complex things. With our drag & drop interface you can build your own connectors, or as we like to call them: building blocks. Thanks to this setup you never have to wait for us to put something into the application that you preferably need today; you can easily do that yourself.
Everything we do is to make application integration building as easy as possible, in service of our premise: Integration made Easy.
