Point-to-point integrations create direct connections between two participating systems. This results in very tight couplings with an inevitable distribution of the integration logic to one or, in the worst case, both systems.
Disadvantages of point-to-point integration
The implementation of integration logic, typically with tight coupling in one or both systems, leads to ever-increasing maintenance problems. The number of connections between systems is maximized. In extreme cases, each system is directly connected (sometimes matrixed) to all other systems. Additionally, one system must also use the logic of the other system so that the two systems understand each other. The accumulated know-how to sustain these systems ends up distributed throughout the company – creating a myriad of complexity. Despite the lack of future viability, point-to-point integrations still dominate the application landscape because they initially represent the simplest solution (quick and dirty).