Definition
Hybrid integration refers to the practice of connecting disparate systems and applications that reside in different environments, such as on premises and in the cloud. It involves using a combination of integration technologies and strategies to enable seamless data flow and process orchestration between these distinct locations. This approach is crucial for organizations that are modernizing their IT infrastructure by gradually migrating services to the cloud while maintaining existing on premises investments. For instance, a company might use a cloud based integration platform to connect its on premises customer relationship management system with a cloud based marketing automation tool. This differs from pure cloud integration, which exclusively connects cloud native services, or pure on premises integration, which handles only internal systems. Understanding hybrid integration is vital for roles involved in system design, cloud migration, and enterprise architecture, appearing in domains like cloud computing and enterprise integration on certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.