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# 04 · Middleware or point-to-point?
- URL: https://www.namastesalesforce.com/training/integration-patterns/middleware-or-point-to-point/
- Published: 2025-11-24T09:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-24T09:00:00.000Z
- Description: Two systems talking directly is simple right up until it is three systems, then five. Where the line actually sits.
- Author: Swarnil Singhai
- Tags: Integration Patterns, #training, #duration-10m, #Import 2026-09-03 19:13

Two systems talking directly is simple right up until it is three systems, then five. Where the line actually sits.

## Count the edges

Point-to-point between n systems tends toward n² connections, each with its own auth, retries and error handling. Middleware turns that into n connections to one hub.

## But do not buy a bus for one route

One Salesforce org calling one API does not need an integration platform. Start point-to-point behind a named credential; move to middleware when the third system shows up.

## Practice in your org

- Open your Developer Edition org and follow along step by step
- Change one thing at a time and note what happens
- When something breaks, read the error before searching for it