Cloud integration is the process of configuring multiple application programs to share data in the cloud. In a network that incorporates cloud integration, diverse applications communicate either directly or through third-party software. iPaaS is often used by large business-to-business (B2B) enterprises that need to integrate on-premises applications and data with cloud applications and data. iPaaS is often used in B2B scenarios when speedy release time is a key requirement. Although it's possible for IT departments to handle integration themselves, it is often faster and more efficient to use a third-party IPaaS provider such as Workato or Jitterbit.

Typically, an IPaaS platform provides pre-built connectors, business rules, maps and transformations that facilitate the development of integration flows and application programming interface (API) management. Some iPaaS solution providers also offer custom development kits for linking legacy applications with mobile and social applications. Popular additional features include capabilities for managing data quality.