The beginning of the year often brings bold predictions, and this year was no exception. Reza Shafii sparked a vibrant discussion with his LinkedIn post claiming, “Integrations are dead.” With over 160 likes and 81 comments, this statement resonated widely, but it also raised significant questions.
Shafii argued that integration stacks like ESBs and iPaaS are losing relevance as APIs and AI-powered tools take center stage. He posited that the maturity of APIs—being more standardised, reliable, and discoverable—reduces the need for specialized connectors. Simultaneously, advancements in AI, particularly in generating code, are transforming how systems connect. According to Shafii, traditional integration is becoming obsolete, replaced by intent-driven automation and AI agents.
However, this isn’t the first time the concept of integration has faced scrutiny. Erik Wilde once described integration as a “dirty word,” referencing the historical baggage of complexity, high costs, and technical debt. Yet integration persists as the essential glue that binds systems, processes, and data. The question is: are integrations truly dead, or is it time to redefine the term for the modern era?
This blog explores the shifting meaning of integration, why the claims of its demise are both true and false, and how emerging paradigms—especially around APIs and AI—are reshaping its role. Far from being obsolete, integration is entering its most exciting phase yet: a phase defined by automation, context, and intelligent orchestration.
The Provocation and Evolution of Integration
Historically, integration has been a cornerstone of IT systems, though one often associated with frustration and inefficiency. Enterprise service buses (ESBs) and iPaaS platforms served as lifelines, connecting diverse systems and handling complex protocols. While indispensable, these tools earned criticism for their rigidity, high costs, and propensity to create bottlenecks, making integration a "necessary evil."
Reza Shafii’s declaration challenges this legacy. He sees APIs and AI as heralding a new era where traditional integration stacks are obsolete. APIs provide a universal, modular approach to connectivity, reducing reliance on middleware. AI, meanwhile, automates integration processes, from generating connection logic to enabling systems to “understand” user intent.
Erik Wilde’s perspective complements this critique. He highlights the need to rethink integration’s role, moving away from patchwork solutions toward seamless architectures where integration is inherently built into the design. Together, these views frame a critical turning point: should we abandon outdated models or redefine integration as a foundational capability for modern systems?
The answer lies in recognising that while integration tools are evolving, the need for connectivity remains constant. Integration isn’t disappearing—it’s transforming into something lighter, smarter, and more adaptive.
Integration Reimagined: From Painful Past to Strategic Capability
The claim that “integrations are dead” captures attention but misses a crucial point: the essence of integration—connecting systems and enabling collaboration—is more critical than ever. What’s changing is the method and mindset.
Traditional integration relied on middleware stacks and custom pipelines that were often cumbersome to implement and maintain. These approaches created technical debt and reinforced integration’s negative reputation. APIs, however, have transformed this landscape. As standardised interfaces, APIs facilitate modular, composable connections that are easier to scale and manage.
AI further revolutionises integration by automating traditionally manual tasks. Tools powered by AI can write integration logic, interpret intent, and dynamically adapt to new contexts. This marks a shift from integration as a labor-intensive process to one of intelligent orchestration.
The role of integration has also evolved from technical necessity to strategic enabler. Modern integration focuses on outcomes—seamless workflows, accessible data, and adaptable systems. It’s less about connecting endpoints and more about empowering ecosystems.
APIs as the Cornerstone of Modern Integration
APIs are the backbone of today’s integration strategies. Unlike monolithic integration stacks, APIs offer a standardised and flexible framework for system interoperability. They enable a shift from rigid point-to-point connections to dynamic, composable architectures.
The true power of APIs lies in their design and governance. Reliable, consistent, and discoverable APIs minimise friction and maximise their integration potential. API-first principles further enhance this capability, positioning APIs as foundational components rather than afterthoughts.
This approach demands standardisation across interfaces and protocols to ensure interoperability within and beyond an organisation’s ecosystem. When combined with AI-driven tools, APIs evolve into dynamic endpoints that respond intelligently to user needs, extending integration from static connections to context-aware workflows.
The AI Factor: Toward Intent-Driven Integration
Artificial intelligence pushes integration to new frontiers. By automating tasks like data mapping, workflow configuration, and even logic generation, AI reduces the complexity of integration. Imagine systems that understand your goals and automatically establish the necessary connections—a far cry from manually configuring pipelines.
AI agents, operating autonomously, could further streamline integration by dynamically resolving compatibility issues and adjusting to changes in real-time. This adaptability shifts integration from a fixed process to a fluid, evolving interaction.
However, the success of AI-driven integration hinges on well-designed APIs. Without standardisation, reliability, and discoverability, AI systems risk misinterpreting intent or failing altogether. Ensuring these qualities in APIs is critical to realising the full potential of AI in integration.
The End of Traditional Integration Tools
The era of middleware-heavy solutions like ESBs is fading. These centralised tools, designed for monolithic systems, struggle in today’s decentralised, cloud-native environments. Modern integration favours lightweight, decentralised models that prioritise scalability and autonomy.
Federated approaches distribute integration responsibilities across teams, enabling faster and more agile development while maintaining overarching governance. This balance ensures consistency without stifling innovation.
From Monolithic to Dynamic Orchestration
Dynamic orchestration represents the future of integration. Instead of rigid workflows, systems adapt to changing contexts, assembling connections in real-time based on intent. This requires strong API design and federated governance to maintain consistency across decentralised architectures.
Dynamic orchestration transforms integration into a seamless, evolving process, enabling systems to respond intelligently to user needs and business changes.
Integration’s Strategic Importance
For developers, integration now demands a deep understanding of API design and AI tools. Architects must focus on adaptability and federated governance, while business leaders should view integration as a strategic enabler rather than a technical challenge. Together, these roles redefine integration as a driver of innovation and agility.
Conclusion: Integration’s Next Chapter
While traditional integration methods may be waning, integration itself remains indispensable. APIs and AI are not killing integration; they’re redefining it. Today, integration is about enabling dynamic, intelligent ecosystems where systems work together effortlessly.
Integration is far from dead—it’s evolving to meet the demands of a connected world. The challenge is not whether to integrate but how to do so in ways that are smarter, faster, and more aligned with modern expectations. By embracing this evolution, organisations can turn integration from a “dirty word” into a cornerstone of innovation.
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts
How is your organisation adapting to the evolving integration landscape? Are APIs and AI shaping your approach, or do legacy systems still play a significant role? What challenges or opportunities are you seeing in redefining integration? Let’s start the conversation—share your insights!