Oracle Integration Cloud vs EPM Integration Agent: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the ever-evolving world of technology, organizations face a common challenge: the need to share data across multiple systems. Oracle, a leading provider of integrated cloud applications and platform services, recognizes this pain point and offers two powerful integration solutions to address it: Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) and EPM Integration Agent. While both tools excel in their ways, they cater to different use cases and audiences. In this article, we’ll take a high-level overview of these integration solutions, exploring their key benefits and highlighting their differences.

Understanding Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC)

Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that enables users to integrate cloud and on-premises applications, automate business processes, develop visual applications, and act as a file server. OIC stands out for its ability to accelerate integration development with pre-built application adapters, eliminating the need for complex code development. These adapters cover a wide range of applications, allowing users to build integrations with minimal coding efforts.

One of the key advantages of OIC is its extensive library of Integration Recipes available in the Oracle Marketplace. These recipes, jointly developed by Oracle and third-party SaaS engineering teams, provide pre-built integrations that require minimal configuration. For example, you can find recipes for integrating Workday and Salesforce for employee onboarding or connecting Oracle ERP to Oracle WMS. This library offers a head start for businesses looking to streamline their integration processes.

OIC also offers flexibility in customizing integrations beyond the pre-built adapters. For additional functionality not covered by the adapters, users can create and upload JavaScript code to perform complex mappings or execute specific tasks. This capability allows organizations to tailor their integrations to meet their unique requirements.

Another notable feature of OIC is its event-based automation. Users can set up integrations that trigger based on specific events in other applications. For instance, you can configure an integration to create a new account in an EPM application whenever a new account is created in Fusion Cloud ERP. This event-driven approach eliminates manual tasks and ensures a seamless flow of data between applications.

Exploring the EPM Integration Agent

The EPM Integration Agent serves as a central server tool that facilitates data extraction from various sources, including on-premises databases and cloud-based systems. The extracted data is then loaded into Data Integration (also known as Data Management), where it can be transformed into data or metadata for integration with EPM applications.

One of the standout features of the EPM Integration Agent is its cost-effectiveness. It is included with every EPM SaaS license at no additional cost, making it an attractive option for organizations seeking integration capabilities without incurring extra expenses. Although the name suggests a focus on EPM applications, the EPM Integration Agent is highly versatile and can work with non-Oracle applications, both in the cloud and on-premises. However, it does require an EPM subscription, as it relies on Data Integration as the staging area.

Unlike OIC, the EPM Integration Agent offers a blank canvas for designing integrations. Users have complete freedom to design integrations according to their specific needs. However, advanced integrations may require specific skill sets, as the tool relies on Jython scripts for customization. Familiarity with Python and coding becomes crucial for implementing more complex integrations.

For simple, static queries, setting up the agent to extract data from an on-premises database is straightforward. Users can provide the SQL query via Data Integration. However, for dynamic queries or integrations with other SaaS applications that use web services, Jython code is necessary for updating queries or performing integration tasks.

In cases where organizations lack the required skillsets, partnering with experienced consultants like PARC can ensure the successful implementation of more complex integrations. PARC Consulting, with its expertise in EPM Integration Agent, has helped numerous clients overcome integration challenges and achieve their integration goals.

Key Highlights: A Comparison

While OIC and the EPM Integration Agent share similarities in their integration capabilities, they also have distinct differences. Here are some key highlights of each tool:

EPM Integration Agent:

• Cost: The EPM Integration Agent is included with every EPM SaaS license at no cost, making it an affordable option for organizations.
• Versatility: Although primarily associated with EPM applications, the EPM Integration Agent can also work with non-Oracle applications, both in the cloud and on-premises.
• Customization: Users have complete control over designing integrations, but advanced integrations may require expertise in Jython scripting.
• Skillset Requirements: Implementing complex integrations may necessitate partnering with experienced consultants to leverage the full potential of the EPM Integration Agent.

Oracle Integration Cloud:

• Accelerated Development: Pre-built adapters allow users to quickly build integrations with minimal coding efforts, reducing implementation time significantly.
• Integration Recipes: The Oracle Marketplace offers a library of Integration Recipes, providing ready-made integrations for various use cases.
• Event-Based Automation: OIC enables users to trigger integrations based on specific events, eliminating manual tasks and ensuring seamless data flow.
• Advanced Mapping: OIC’s advanced mapping tool allows users to transform data according to different naming conventions, ensuring compatibility between applications.

PARC Consulting: Your Integration Partner

At PARC Consulting, we specialize in building integrations and have a proven track record of delivering successful projects. Our team comprises EPM-certified resources, as well as OCI and OIC-certified experts. We have been early adopters of the EPM Integration Agent and continue to innovate as new integration challenges arise.

Whether your integration needs are simple or complex, we are here to help you harness the power of Oracle’s integration tools. With our expertise, we can simplify your integration processes, streamline implementation, and ensure a seamless flow of data across your applications. Contact us today to learn more about how PARC Consulting can be your trusted integration partner.

Conclusion

Oracle recognizes the significance of integration in today’s interconnected business landscape and provides customers with two powerful integration tools: Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) and the EPM Integration Agent. While the EPM Integration Agent offers cost-effectiveness and customization options, OIC stands out with its pre-built adapters, Integration Recipes, and event-based automation capabilities.

For smaller organizations or those primarily focused on EPM, the EPM Integration Agent serves as an excellent free option, albeit with some skillset requirements. Larger organizations looking to streamline all their integrations can benefit from the comprehensive features and enterprise-wide capabilities of OIC.

Remember, the choice between OIC and the EPM Integration Agent depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your integration requirements. PARC Consulting is here to guide you through the decision-making process and help you implement the right integration solution for your organization. Embrace the power of Oracle’s integration tools and simplify your integration needs today.