SAP Integration Suite Consultant

SAP Integration Suite is SAP's cloud integration platform running on SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform). It's the successor to SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) and combines several application integration capabilities into one cloud integration software suite:

• Cloud Integration (CPI) – Design and run integration flows between cloud and on-premise systems
• API Management – Publish, secure, and monitor APIs
• Open Connectors – Pre-built connectors for third-party SaaS apps
• Integration Advisor – Map and translate B2B/EDI message formats
• Trading Partner Management – Onboard and manage B2B partners

Most of my work focuses on Cloud Integration (CPI), which is the core integration engine. If you're evaluating SAP integration options, Integration Suite is SAP's strategic application integration platform for connecting SAP and non-SAP systems. It functions as both a cloud integration tool for modern SaaS applications and a robust system integration platform for hybrid enterprise landscapes.

SAP Integration Suite runs entirely on SAP BTP. You don't install anything on-premise—integration flows run in SAP's cloud infrastructure. For on-premise connectivity (like connecting to an on-prem S/4HANA or ECC system), you deploy the SAP Cloud Connector, which creates a secure tunnel from your network to BTP.

The platform supports:

• REST, SOAP, OData, and IDoc protocols
• File-based integrations (SFTP, FTP, SMB)
• B2B protocols (AS2, OFTP, RosettaNet)
• Pre-built adapters for SAP SuccessFactors, Ariba, Concur, Salesforce, and more
• Message queuing (JMS) and event-driven integrations

You design integration flows using a web-based editor, then deploy them to the runtime. Monitoring happens through the Integration Suite console, where you can track message status, view logs, and set up alerts. The platform also includes SAP API Management for publishing and securing REST/OData APIs alongside your integration flows.

SAP Integration Suite uses a consumption-based pricing model tied to your SAP BTP account. You pay based on:

• Messages processed – Charged per million messages or API calls
• Capabilities enabled – Different pricing tiers depending on which components you activate (CPI, API Management, Trading Partner Management, etc.)
• Additional services – Premium support, extra tenants, or dedicated infrastructure add to the base cost

Licensing typically starts with a base subscription (which includes a certain message volume), then you pay for overages. Costs vary widely depending on integration volume, so I recommend doing a proof-of-concept to estimate actual usage before committing to a full rollout.

I can help you estimate costs based on your expected message volumes and integration patterns, and make sure you're not over-provisioning capabilities you won't use.

SAP Integration Suite vs CPI: SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration) is now part of SAP Integration Suite. "CPI" refers to the Cloud Integration capability within the broader suite. If someone says "we use CPI," they're using one component of Integration Suite.

SAP Integration Suite vs BTP: SAP BTP is the underlying platform. Integration Suite is one of many services that run on BTP (alongside SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Build, etc.). You need a BTP account to use Integration Suite.

SAP Integration Suite vs PI/PO: SAP PI/PO (Process Integration / Process Orchestration) is the legacy on-premise middleware. Integration Suite is the cloud replacement. Many companies are migrating from PI/PO to Integration Suite as part of their cloud strategy.

SAP Integration Suite vs other iPaaS tools (MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, etc.): If you're heavily invested in SAP systems, Integration Suite is usually the best fit because of native SAP adapters and tight integration with S/4HANA. For non-SAP-centric environments, tools like MuleSoft might make more sense. I wrote a detailed comparison here: SAP Integration Suite vs MuleSoft.

I've built integrations for logistics, manufacturing, and SaaS companies using SAP Integration Suite, Seeburger BIS, and custom middleware. I focus on:

• Getting it done – I write working integrations, not just architecture diagrams
• Documenting what I build – You get runbooks, design docs, and handoff materials so your team can support the solution
• Flexible engagement – Hourly, project-based, or retainer. No multi-month commitments required upfront
• US-based and easy to work with – I'm in your time zone and I respond quickly

If you're looking for hands-on SAP Integration Suite help without the overhead of a large consulting firm, let's talk.