Cloud connectors: A key feature of modern business intelligence

Businesses now find it simpler to access data from different sources because of the growth of cloud-based services and applications. However, getting that data out and into a format you can use is not always straightforward.

Cloud connectors can help with this. You can access many data sources or pull subsets into a more practical format by using cloud connectors.

Each sort of cloud connector has its advantages and many distinct kinds. In more detail, we will examine cloud connector technology in this article to see how it might assist organizations in accessing, integrating, and transforming cloud-based data.

What exactly are cloud connectors?

With the aid of cloud connectors, you can easily access cloud-based programs and services without a thorough understanding of the underlying technicalities. Often, cloud connectors are a built-in functionality within a full-stack business intelligence tool.

Cloud connectors are particularly helpful for accessing different data sources, automating data connections, or even pulling portions of that data in a more practical manner.

What varieties of cloud connectors exist?

You can access a wide range of data stored in the cloud using one of the many kinds of cloud connectors now on the market. The types of connectors widely used include the following:

Web service connectors

Businesses may connect with SaaS data in various ways thanks to web service connectors, which provide them access to cloud-centered web services and apps.

Federated connectors

These enable you to query data from the actual source on-demand without transferring it. Users who want to keep their data in their infrastructure at rest for logistical or security reasons should pay particular attention to this type of connector.

Database connectors

You can connect to databases accessible in the cloud, including Azure, MySQL, and Amazon Redshift, using database cloud connectors.

How cloud connectors can benefit your company

There are numerous cloud connectors, each of which has unique advantages. Regardless of the type of cloud connector, there are a variety of benefits.

Easy access to cloud data

The number of cloud-based apps and services businesses use is increasing, but that doesn’t mean that all of their data is easily accessible or that they can use it in daily operations. Due to geographic or access restrictions, using specific cloud tools is occasionally impractical or impossible.

Cloud connectors use API access to give you the cloud-based data you need. Data extraction is possible from various sources, such as SaaS apps, social media networks, and other cloud-based services. Cloud connectors can help access dispersed and compartmentalized data in the cloud.

Time and money savings

Businesses can make time and financial savings by using cloud connectors. Employing pricey data integration specialists is unnecessary for firms using cloud connector technologies, as they usually have intuitive user interfaces.

Cloud connectors also remove individual maintenance on various platforms, applications, and any extra expenses related to those platforms.

A competitive edge

Having quick and simple access to data from numerous sources gives businesses a competitive edge when employing cloud connectors. This speeds up the decision-making process and assists them in reaching better judgments, resulting in higher sales and happier clients.

Businesses may also increase the value of their cloud-based services and apps thanks to cloud connectors that their clients can use.

Push vs. pull

Data pull connections are utilized to access data that is stored in the cloud, such as SaaS programs such as Salesforce, CRM (customer relationship management) systems, and social networking services such as Twitter, and bring that data into a business intelligence system.

Data push or write-back connectors move data across systems, meaning they can not only bring data from a source into a BI tool but also push changes made in the BI tool to the original data source.

Potential uses of cloud connectors

By integrating web apps into your organization’s business intelligence system using cloud connectors, you may easily access the data generated by and stored in the web apps in order to further analyze that data.

Once you have access to that data, you can conduct analyses that will reveal valuable insights about your organization, customers, and the market. Cloud connectors give you quick access to data stored in the cloud, so you can update your datasets frequently to keep the data current.

Generally speaking, there are a wide variety of ways to use cloud connectors. These use cases can become very specific, but here we’ll discuss some high-level potential uses of cloud connectors:

Automate processes

You have the power to automate business processes when you choose a business intelligence tool featuring cloud connectors. If your workflows incorporate utilizing data stored in the cloud, using cloud connectors can speed up these processes and reduce manual effort. Doing this eliminates the possibility of human error and saves time.

Realize end-to-end integration

Today, many businesses use various web services, which can quickly become cumbersome and disorganized for an employee to manually keep track of. You can organize and streamline integration tasks with a cloud connector by connecting many cloud sources into a single workflow that’s easy for an individual to manage.

Support innovation

Even if the cloud connectors frequently receive updates from the developers, there’s no reason to hold off on your own customizations. You can construct your own custom cloud integrations using the cloud connector designer solutions available in some BI tools for maximum flexibility. You are the one who is most aware of your company’s requirements, and custom connectors that you build perfectly support your data integration strategy.

Conclusion

Modern organizations, especially service providers, that wish to expand must have reliable connections to the cloud and the vast amount of data stored there. Secure, manageable cloud connections have now become a cornerstone in this regard.

Cloud connectors are a terrific place to start if you’re searching for a solution to enhance your business intelligence processes. Gaining the maximum benefit from cloud-based systems is possible with cloud connectors, making data access faster, less expensive, and more practical.