Top 8 Salesforce Middleware Integration Tools

Salesforce is among the leading CRM software platforms for collecting and leveraging user data to make smart sales, marketing, and customer support decisions. However, other software in your tech stack can benefit from such data. With the right Salesforce middleware, you can exchange data easily with your other critical tools.

Here are the key takeaways you should know about Salesforce middleware:

• Salesforce middleware allows you to connect Salesforce to other applications or data sources to exchange data.
• Salesforce middleware improves data access and allows you to receive data updates in real-time. Middleware transforms data to appear in readable and usable formats in connected systems.
• Middleware-connected systems can leverage exchanged data to complete tasks, update databases, and fulfill other functions.
• When shopping for Salesforce middleware, you should consider each platform's feature set, price, and customer support options.
• Some of the top Salesforce middle platforms include Integrate.io, MuleSoft, TIBCO, Talend, Jitterbit, ActionDesk, Dell Boomi, and RapidiOnline.

Keep reading to dive deeper into Salesforce middleware and discover the best tools for connecting your existing tech stack with Salesforce.

What Is Salesforce Middleware?

Salesforce middleware is a tool that allows you to connect Salesforce to other applications or data sources. The tool seamlessly integrates Salesforce with other software to facilitate seamless data exchange between the connected systems.

Salesforce and the other connected systems can leverage exchanged data to complete tasks, update databases, and fulfill other functions. In summary, Salesforce middleware serves as a bi-directional data bridge to link Salesforce to other systems. Besides transmitting data, middleware transforms data to appear in readable and usable formats in connected systems.

Why Use Salesforce Middleware Integration Tools?

Modern businesses rely on user data to identify opportunities and make smart decisions that fast-track achieving company goals. Salesforce offers loads of valuable customer data you can use to your advantage. However, with Salesforce middleware integration, you can better utilize your Salesforce customer data by leveraging it in your other applications and systems.

For example, middleware helps you connect Salesforce to your marketing automation and customer support tools. Marketing automation tools can use customer data from Salesforce to personalize marketing messages so they are more effective.

Your customer support tool will equally benefit because it can access customer interaction records from Salesforce and use it to resolve new or existing customer issues.

Other benefits of leveraging Salesforce middleware to create an interconnected tech ecosystem are:

• Better data: Salesforce has valuable customer data, but not all of it. Salesforce integration with other applications will fill its customer data gaps to enrich your existing customer data.
• Improved data access: Storing all your customer data in a CRM like Salesforce isn’t optimal. Since Salesforce middleware tools facilitate data synchronization between connected systems, you can view relevant customer data in other systems.
• Real-time data updates: Thanks to seamless data synchronization, any data changes in one system will immediately reflect in the connected systems. The automatic real-time data update eliminates the hassles and risks of manually updating data across multiple systems. It also ensures that team members across various departments always have access to the latest data.

What to Consider When Looking for Salesforce Middleware Integration Tools

When shopping for Salesforce middleware tools, there are three things to consider: features, price, and customer support options.

Features

The best Salesforce middleware tools are user-friendly and offer features that simplify connecting systems and transferring data.

For example, the middleware should have connectors for easily integrating systems you already use. It should also support ETL (extract, transform, and load) to ensure data transfers to other systems in a usable format.

Price

Salesforce middleware integration tools come at different prices. Choose a product that fits your budget and offers the features you need. For example, a cheaper middleware tool that can’t support all your team members isn’t worthwhile.

Customer Support

If you run into trouble while using middleware, you should be able to get help quickly. Choose a middleware provider with dependable 24/7 customer support. Also, you should be able to reach customer support via your preferred channel, such as live chat, phone, or email.

Let’s now look at the top eight Salesforce middleware integration tools for connecting your tech infrastructure.

1. Integrate.io

Rating: 4.3/5.0 (G2)

Key Features:

• Built-in Salesforce connector
• ETL and reverse ETL
• ELT and CDC
• Data observability capabilities

Integrate.io is a user-friendly, third-party ETL tool for Salesforce middleware integration. It facilitates seamless integration between Salesforce and other applications so you can extract data from or load data into Salesforce to gain valuable, real-time customer insights. You can also use the data to automate various processes.

Connecting Salesforce to other systems to achieve a two-way data stream is hassle-free with Integrate.io because it comes with several connectors. The middleware also provides easy ELT and CDC between connected systems. Lastly, Integrate.io’s low-code, drag-and-drop interface lets you configure Salesforce integrations within minutes.

Integrate.io pricing is tailored exactly to each client's needs and requirements with a usage-based component couple with features and functionality. Clients choose which level of platform usage they will require and then which features and functionality to create a custom plan to fit their use case. 

2. MuleSoft

Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• ETL and ELT data integration
• Two-way Salesforce integration
• Pre-built connectors for other applications

MuleSoft is another reputable Salesforce middleware integration tool. Its Anypoint Platform allows you to connect to Salesforce and other software to retrieve or send data.

It supports ETL and ELT data transfers, but compared to Integrate.io, MuleSoft has a steeper learning curve and price. For full pricing details, you'll need to contact sales.

3. TIBCO

Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• Pre-built connectors
• API-led or event-driven integration options
• Custom connectors

TIBCO is one of the a cloud-based Salesforce integration tools for synchronizing data between two or more systems. You can unify data from Salesforce with other systems' data to simplify accessing and controlling your data. You'll also receive real-time updates across systems so you can make decisions with the latest data.

Pricing for TIBCO depends on the product you need. For example, the cloud integration platform starts at $400 per month.

4. Talend

Rating: 4/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• ELT, ETL, and CDC data transfer
• Pipeline designer
• Stitch data loader

Talend provides user-friendly APIs for securely sharing data between Salesforce and other applications. You can also integrate any data type to build data pipelines.

Alternatively, gather, transform, and map data from various sources to turn Salesforce into your single source of truth. Talend currently doesn't disclose its pricing, so you'll need to contact sales for more information.

5. Jitterbit

Rating: 4.6/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• In-built Salesforce connector
• Drag-and-drop user interface
• Fast onboarding

With Jitterbit, you can connect Salesforce to other applications to view your customer data from all angles and in one place. You can also leverage Jitterbit to automate data flows and processes for different stages of your customer journey.

As for pricing, Jitterbit offers three plans, including Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. You must contact sales for more information.

6. Actiondesk

Rating: 3.5/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• Custom data insights and reports
• Intuitive dashboard
• Low code and No SQL required

Actiondesk connects to SaaS tools and databases, such as Salesforce, to automatically pull raw data and give you auto-updated reports. You can view the reports in your dashboard and gain valuable insights to make data-driven decisions.

Also, connecting the middleware to your tech stack is fast and easy since Actiondesk supports all the tools B2B SaaS companies typically use. For pricing, Actiondesk plans start at $150 per month.

7. Dell Boomi

Rating: 4.4/5 (G2)

Key Features:

• Low-code, cloud-native platform
• iPaaS, API gateway, and API manager capabilities
• Real-time data integrations

Dell Boomi is an iPaaS and API gateway with a no-code/low-code interface for connecting Salesforce and other applications. You can connect applications with pre-built connectors or build a custom API. Connected applications can exchange data via ETL-like data flows. However, unlike Integrate.io, Dell Boomi isn’t ideal for high-volume data integrations.

Boomi features four pricing plans to fit your needs. However, specific details aren't disclosed online, so you must reach out to sales.

8. RapidiOnline

Rating: 5/5 (G2, 2 reviews)

Key Features:

• No programming data integration
• Pre-configured connector templates
• Full customer support

RapidiOnline offers a flexible solution for integrating Salesforce with almost any ERP. Installing and connecting the middleware is quick and easy, and you can integrate your existing tech stack with pre-built connectors. Connected systems will automatically synchronize data, eliminating the need to update data entries manually.

RapidiOnline offers a basic plan starting at $310 per month. Other plans are available, depending on your needs.

Free Salesforce Integration Tools

1. Zapier

Rating: 4.5/5 (G2, 1342 reviews)

Key Features 

Zapier stands out with its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Here are some of its top features:

• Visual flow builder: Pre-built templates make setup quick and easy.

• Lead automation: Automatically create leads from form submissions.

• Contact syncing: Keep contacts updated between Salesforce and email marketing tools.

• Real-time notifications: Get Slack updates whenever Salesforce data changes.

• Data transfers: Seamlessly move data between Salesforce and Google Workspace.

• Broad compatibility: Supports integrations with over 5,000 applications.

Zapier is a no-code platform that connects Salesforce with thousands of other apps, offering a straightforward way to tackle manual entry errors and streamline workflows.

While Zapier’s free plan is a great starting point, it does come with some restrictions:

• Limited to 100 tasks per month.

• A maximum of 5 active Zaps at a time.

• 15-minute sync delays for workflows.

• Only offers email-based support.

• Lacks bulk processing options.

These limitations make it best for testing ideas rather than running large-scale automations. Their basic plan starts with $19 per year billed annually.

2. Heroku Connect

Rating: 4.2/5 (G2, 142 reviews)

Key Features 

Heroku Connect makes syncing Salesforce and Postgres databases straightforward. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• SQL access to Salesforce data for more flexible querying.

• Streamlined API interactions with Force.com for efficient data transfers.

• Real-time synchronization, ensuring instant updates across platforms.

• Automated setup, making the configuration process simple and hands-off.

• Encrypted data transmission, both while in transit and at rest.

• Detailed access controls for managing user permissions.

Heroku Connect is a powerful tool that links Salesforce with Heroku PostgreSQL databases, allowing seamless, two-way data synchronization. This integration supports custom app creation and real-time data handling.

It’s a great fit for:

• Custom applications that need Salesforce data.

• Real-time data warehouses.

• External reporting systems.

• Custom APIs built with Salesforce data.

The free plan for Heroku Connect is designed more for testing than full-scale use. Their pricing is on contract basis based on the client requirement. Here are some of its key restrictions:

• A cap on the number of synchronized rows.

• Slower sync intervals.

• Limited to development and testing environments.

• Basic support options only.

If you’re looking for broader enterprise functionality, MuleSoft Community Edition might be worth exploring.

Best Practices for Salesforce Integration Tools

Successfully using Salesforce integration tools takes thoughtful planning and attention to operational details. According to MuleSoft's 2023 report, 71% of organizations rely on integration tools to improve data accuracy and consistency. This makes proper setup and management a top priority.

Security and Compliance Measures

Data security remains a key concern, with 62% of IT professionals identifying it as their top challenge in cloud integrations. To address this, tools offer features like encrypted data transmission and built-in monitoring. Additional steps include:

• Using secure APIs provided by integration tools

• Enforcing strict access controls and user authentication

• Conducting regular audits of data flows and access logs

These measures help ensure sensitive information stays protected and compliant with regulations.

Performance Optimization Strategies

Getting the most out of the integration tools requires careful performance tuning. Here are some strategies:

For instance, Zapier's task limits demand efficient API call management, while Talend's batch processing is great for handling large datasets. Fine-tuning these aspects ensures smoother operations and prepares your integrations for future growth.

Scalability Planning

Begin with small pilot projects to identify potential bottlenecks and resource constraints. Tools like Talend can help monitor usage, while documenting workflows - including data mapping, error handling, and backup processes - sets the stage for scaling as your needs expand.

Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Risk Mitigation

Maintaining integrations requires regular performance checks, error log reviews, and security audits. Address common risks with these strategies:

Developing internal troubleshooting workflows ensures that issues are resolved efficiently, keeping your integrations running smoothly and securely over time.

Integrate Salesforce Data Simply With Integrate.io

The advantage of Integrate.io lies in its drag-and-drop data pipeline builder, which allows you to set up fully automated data pipelines swiftly. It even supports Salesforce-to-Salesforce operations, a feature you'll find handy if you wish to merge Salesforce data with other sources before re-loading it into the platform or when you want to transfer data between two Salesforce organizations.

Moreover, Integrate.io supports Salesforce's Bulk API, dramatically reducing the resources required to harness Salesforce data. The best part? Its cloud-based architecture and static pricing model make it a cost-effective choice that scales with your needs. So, why not leverage Integrate.io to unlock the full potential of your Salesforce data?

To see how Integrate.io can revolutionize your Salesforce data integration process, sign up for a free 14-day trial. Alternatively, schedule some time with one of our experts to get a free demo of the product so you can get the most out of your trial. Experience firsthand the power of effective data integration, and give your team the tools they need to drive success.

Salesforce Middleware FAQs

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Salesforce middleware.

Why Use Middleware for Salesforce Data Integration?

Using middleware for Salesforce data integration provides a versatile, scalable, and simple solution for seamlessly synchronizing data between connected systems. Middleware is also preferred for Salesforce data integration because it reduces development time and costs.

How Does Salesforce Middleware Work?

Salesforce middleware facilitates data exchange and synchronization between connected systems. It collects data from connected systems, such as databases and applications, and transforms the data into a Salesforce-compatible format.

You can then view and use the transformed data on your Salesforce platform. Since middleware supports bi-directional data flow, it can also collect data from Salesforce, transform it, and send it to connected systems in formats compatible with those systems.

What's the Difference Between Middleware vs. Point-to-Point Integration?

Middleware serves as a bridge between multiple applications, enabling them to communicate and exchange data efficiently. It handles data transformations and routing between connected systems to simplify integration and data synchronization.

On the other hand, point-to-point integration creates a direct connection between two individual systems. You need a separate connection every time you want to integrate two systems. So, if you have multiple integrated systems, you’ll end up with a complex network of connections.

Such complex networks are harder to manage, maintain, and scale, making point-to-point integration less flexible and scalable than middleware.