Integration solutions are increasingly essential for businesses that strive to extract insights from fragmented databases, apps, cloud services, and legacy systems. The Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) market has been growing. Dell Boomi and MuleSoft Anypoint are among the best options for seamlessly connecting cloud and on-premise data sources. But how do these platforms’ architectures, features, and pricing differ?
Read on to find the ultimate comparison between Dell Boomi vs MuleSoft in this article.
What Is MuleSoft?
MuleSoft and its Anypoint Platform have been part of Salesforce for five years. It is a comprehensive solution that connects all sorts of applications, data, and devices regardless of the location (on-premise, cloud, etc.). MuleSoft applies a unified approach for iPaaS, ESB, and full API management design and publishing, eliminating vendor lock-ins.
The platform’s core components are critical for the interconnected application network operation. These include the Design Center, Anypoint Exchange, pre-built Connectors, Code Builder, Management Center, and Anypoint Studio. The Anypoint Management Center offers key features such as Runtime and API Manager, Access Management, Anypoint Visualizer, and Anypoint Monitoring.
Other essential components in the Anypoint Platform include the Anypoint Partner Manager for exchanging B2B messages via APIs and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) formats. MuleSoft Composer and MuleSoft RPA can also be very helpful. Composer connects applications and data without code and with a few clicks only. MuleSoft RPA, on the other hand, automates and accelerates business processes and eliminates human error.
What Is Boomi?
Dell Boomi is a cloud-based integration platform owned by Dell Technologies. It facilitates the connection of various applications, data, and systems. Its integration capabilities include data and application integration and API management for on-premises and cloud-based app integration. Boomi’s Atomsphere main features include:
Integration
Application and data integration across a hybrid IT landscape is a means of breaking down data silos.
API management
API management for creating and deploying custom APIs. It facilitates connection with third parties and goes together with an ETL tool.
B2B/EDI management
Boomi supports the full range of trading partner communications and defines custom standards to replace the current EDI solution.
Master data hub
Companies can use Boomi as a data hub for business data analysis in a single application to break down departmental barriers and data silos.
Flow
Low-code workflow automation and app development enable the creation of custom workflows. They leverage Boomi’s built-in functionality to automate processes.
Event Streams
The complex event-driven integrations that event streams handle are extremely efficient and resilient in real-time processing.
Why Choose MuleSoft and What Are Its Benefits
MuleSoft Anypoint is ideal for companies with complex integration and data requirements. Sizeable enterprises can fully leverage the impressive digital transformation capabilities.
They can also greatly benefit from the Java-based programming language flexibility and customization. MuleSoft’s comprehensive functionalities technically turn it into an integration management one-stop shop.
Anypoint is best defined by its API-led integration and MuleSoft Automation, which includes robotic process automation (RPA). It is the go-to solution for legacy and cloud-based applications and API integration.
Why Choose Boomi and What Are Its Benefits
As for Boomi, it offers an excellent middle-ground solution. The platform provides an intuitive interface and support for multiple connectors and data formats. As a result, Boomi integration of cloud-based applications and data sources is effortless and is a fine example of what a scalable cloud-native platform should do. The low-code integration approach and uncomplicated user interface also make it reasonably easy to use.
Despite asynchronous integration being limited to an internal broker, there is substantial support for various integration styles. In a nutshell, Boomi is popular among small to medium-sized companies that seek trouble-free connection to cloud systems.
Comparison of Dell Boomi vs MuleSoft
Connection vs Core Pricing
MuleSoft has volume-driven pricing compared to Boomi’s API-driven (or core vs. connection) pricing, where charging occurs per endpoint. While Boomi’s applications and connections have two or more pay points, the number of MuleSoft connections makes no difference.
What matters is the number of records the platform processes. Companies using MuleSoft technically trade processing power for transaction volume. This, in turn, becomes more cost-effective as the platform grows together with your business.
Both platforms allow to start small and gradually scale to include various services or features. They also provide subscription-based pricing.
Naturally, both platforms also offer 30-day trial accounts. While Boomi pricing is more predictable, MuleSoft might be a tad expensive for smaller businesses. However, MuleSoft is already piloting a consumption-oriented pricing model to address this inconvenience.
On-prem, On-cloud, and Hybrid Capabilities
There is a significant difference between Boomi and MuleSoft regarding their on-premises, on-cloud, and hybrid capabilities. Boomi only provides on-premise and cloud integration solutions. Boomi In-cloud deployment means that all the integration points can only be within cloud-based applications in an in-cloud deployment. On the other hand, when some integration endpoints are within a corporate network, deployment is strictly on-premise.
MuleSoft, in turn, provides considerable deployment options. The applications can be on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid.
MuleSoft deployment options are:
- CloudHub 2.0
- CloudHub
- RTF
- Hybrid
- Private Cloud Edition (PCE).
All this means that the choice is easy in case of compliance regulations or IT restrictions. This even includes data storage within a firewall or IT network. Boomi is unlikely to pass the test, while the flexible offering and numerous integration solutions provided by MuleSoft, make it a clear front-runner.
API Management
Mule API Manager supports the full API lifecycle – from planning and design to deployment and versioning. Its Universal API Manager helps users discover, develop, and manage APIs. It also enables real-time API network monitoring and locating records that are in process and APIs that are down.
Seamless integration with Access Management, PingFederate, Okta, LDAPSAML, etc., also improves SSO and enforces OAuth2 policies. The API Manager’s provides user-friendly, intuitive, and informative layout. This enables better API management and makes it a more mature solution.
Despite a few missing features, the core Boomi API Management product is solid and, for the most part, works as expected and without unpleasant surprises. Boomi’s unified platform allows quick API creation from new or old processes, leveraging valuable functionality and high-quality integration processes.
Recognition
MuleSoft and Boomi have earned the trust and recognition of industry expertsand have been named leaders in iPaaS by Gartner. 8-time Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for iPaaS, 7-time Leader in Full Life Cycle API Management, and RPA visionary – MuleSoft’s track record is more than impressive. It is also a Forrester Leader in API Management Solutions Waves and a 3-time Leader in iPaaS.
Boomi stands out as a 9-time Leader in the Magic Quadrant for iPaaS and appears to be more of a niche player in Full Life Cycle API Management, according to Gartner. It has also been recognized as a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave for iPaaS.
Summary
MuleSoft is an excellent choice for complex and large-scale integration projects and Universal API management, whereas Dell Boomi is more suitable for simpler integrations. It is hard to ignore MuleSoft’s recognition for innovation and strong service partnerships. A roadmap focused on AI-assisted integration and prebuilt assets immensely enhances the developers’ experience. Boomi, in turn, is quite simple to use, accelerates integration, and is moderately priced.
Companies needing an API-led integration strategy should look no further than MuleSoft. In contrast, customers seeking well-rounded iPaaS solutions that are intuitive, have modular bundles for data integration, and are lightweight and low-code might find Boomi more suitable.
