The growing shift of processes to digitalized workflows requires the systems used to be increasingly open. At the same time, any further opening to the outside world is also a potential security risk.

For example, if a CRM system is to be connected to a platform, an active component is required for this. Even if the CRM system in question offers an active component - which is currently only the case in the rarest of cases - an integration must be created and a corresponding service connected. Since this usually involves leaving the customer's own network, it is necessary to release the corresponding services (ports) in the company firewall.

Another challenge for the IT infrastructure is the integration of cloud services. CRM, for example, is often operated in the cloud instead of being installed within the company's own network. The advantages of availability and easy access for field staff are the decisive criteria here.
However, the connection of other applications is often limited. The cloud providers only provide interfaces to "preferred" other applications. Often, these are also cloud-based products.
With the Universal Connector Online platform, the goal was to only have to provide a single endpoint for customers to connect their services. This reduces complexity and costs while increasing security for the internal network. There is now only a single trusted endpoint for the security systems (including the firewall).
If you now connect not just one service - but several - this means either allowing different services for the internal network or even having to operate an integration solution for these different services.