When companies look to integrate their systems with Salesforce, they’re often faced with two major paths: build a native integration that lives inside Salesforce, or use an iPaaS solution like MuleSoft, Boomi, or Zapier. Each approach comes with tradeoffs in speed, control, scalability, and cost.
In this post, we’ll break down the core differences between native integrations and iPaaS platforms—so you can choose the best path for your product or team.
What is a Native Integration?
A native integration is built directly on the Salesforce platform, typically delivered as a managed package that installs inside a customer’s org. It uses Salesforce’s own metadata framework, runs Apex code, and can be listed on the AppExchange.
Key Characteristics:
Runs entirely within Salesforce (no external hosting)
Built with Salesforce-native technologies (e.g., Apex, Lightning components, Flows)
Can access platform features like automation, reports, and permissions
Fully compatible with Salesforce security, sharing, and release model
Example: An app that syncs subscription data from your SaaS into custom Salesforce objects and displays it on the Account record using Lightning components.
What is an iPaaS?
iPaaS stands for Integration Platform as a Service. Tools like MuleSoft, Boomi, Zapier, and Workato sit in the middle of two or more systems, enabling point-and-click integrations between them.
Key Characteristics:
Hosted outside Salesforce (middleware layer)
Works via APIs, webhooks, or polling
Often includes low-code or drag-and-drop workflows
Connects many systems (not just Salesforce)
Example: A Zapier flow that sends new Stripe customers to Salesforce as Leads using a webhook trigger.
Native vs iPaaS: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a simplified comparison of the two approaches:
Location
Native: Inside Salesforce (managed package)
iPaaS: External middleware layer
Performance
Native: Real-time, secure, uses Salesforce governor limits
iPaaS: Depends on API latency and sync frequency
Setup Time
Native: Slower to start unless using no-code tools
iPaaS: Quick setup for basic flows
Flexibility
Native: Deep customization using platform features
iPaaS: Wide system connectivity
Data Ownership
Native: Stays within Salesforce org
iPaaS: Stored or passed through 3rd party tools
Security Review
Native: Must pass Salesforce AppExchange security review
iPaaS: No review, but custom compliance needed
Updates & Maintenance
Native: Automatically follows Salesforce releases
iPaaS: May require ongoing API management
User Adoption
Native: Seamless experience for Salesforce users
iPaaS: External or disconnected user context
When to Choose Native Integration
You should consider a native integration if:
You’re a B2B SaaS company building an AppExchange app
Your customers want full Salesforce visibility and real-time access
You need tight control over permissions, record visibility, and platform logic
You want to avoid middleware or syncing issues
Native integrations are ideal when you’re trying to increase user adoption inside Salesforce and deliver the most seamless experience possible.
When to Choose iPaaS
An iPaaS platform might seem convenient, but it comes with real tradeoffs that can become costly or risky down the line:
You need to connect many systems, not just Salesforce—but every added connection increases failure points and complexity.
You’re looking for a short-term or quick-start solution—but these quick fixes often evolve into brittle systems that require constant babysitting.
You don’t want to manage or host integration code—but you’re now dependent on a 3rd-party layer you don’t control.
You’re okay with sync delays or data drift—but that can lead to sales teams seeing stale data, reporting errors, or security gaps.
iPaaS might help you move fast early, but native integration wins when your business depends on accuracy, control, and trust inside Salesforce. iPaaS tools shine when agility across multiple platforms is more important than deep Salesforce functionality.
What If You Want Both?
Some teams start with iPaaS to test their integration, then move to native when they need more control, performance, or AppExchange listing.
But there's a faster path.
With Appnigma, you can build a native Salesforce integration without code—just like you'd configure a Zap or MuleSoft flow. Appnigma automatically generates a managed package, handles the metadata, and even supports AppExchange listing.
Even better—you don’t need to list on the AppExchange to start. You can test your native Salesforce integration directly with your customers, without going through the listing process. When you're ready, your Appnigma package is already AppExchange-ready. Just submit it for security review and go live.
You get the speed of iPaaS, with the power, control, and trust of a fully native Salesforce integration.
Final Thoughts
Native integrations offer the best experience inside Salesforce—but they’ve traditionally required heavy development. iPaaS tools are great for lightweight workflows, but they come with tradeoffs in security and user adoption.
Thanks to tools like Appnigma, you no longer have to choose between speed and quality. You can build native Salesforce integrations in minutes—without engineering lift or middleware.
