Written by Alessandro Toscano, Solution Architect,
Oct 7, 2020
Are you in the middle of working out your integration strategy and selecting a suitable platform? It's a serious and long-term commitment, so wouldn't it be great to test a chosen platform first? Validate it by building fully-functioning API integrations for your specific use case?
Our 1-day hackathon-style workshop was designed to give you and your team exactly that - a taste of the MuleSoft Anypoint integration platform and its capabilities. After completing this highly effective exercise, you'll not only have a set of working APIs but also obtain information to make informed and de-risked decisions about your API-led strategy.
What you learn during the workshop
We organise the MuleSoft workshop for companies that want to experience a full end-to-end API-lifecycle and try the Anypoint Platform on their business use cases. It's a perfect opportunity for testing and validating the MuleSoft integration platform, its components and connectors.
You would be surprised how much our customers manage to achieve in only 8 hours:
- Get introduction into the API-led connectivity concept and the MuleSoft Anypont Integration platform.
- Gain hands-on experience to trial the platform
- Evaluate some of the platform assets and connectors
- Experiences 'an espresso shot' of collaboration and innovation
- By the end of the day, build fully-functioning API-led connectivity between selected systems.
Earlier this year, we made a switch to a virtual format with even greater success. Surprised? Remote events allow for greater flexibility and attract more participants. Even people, who would usually give it a miss, attend online classes and workshops to tune in for a specific topic.
What happens on the day of our hackathon
Before the hackathon, we discuss with the customer what use cases (one or two) they would like to validate. We also review the details of the proposed integration design and systems involved.
Each hackathon is unique and requires a couple of days of careful preparation on our side. Sometimes, the customer is also involved by providing access to the systems to be integrated and helping resolve any connectivity issues. When everything is ready, we share with the customer the API-led overview of what we set out to achieve during the hackathon. It's essential to validate our understanding and set the scene for the big day.
Hackathons encourage cross team collaboration
The day of a hackathon consists of two main parts. We start with an overview of the API-led connectivity and its benefits. We also provide a demo-style introduction into the MuleSoft Anypoint Integration Platform. The intro part helps the team get a flavour of the platform components and understand how they work.
After lunch, the excitement starts! The participants, led by our experts, walk through a series of prepared labs. Although exercises are very hands-on, the attendees do not require any MuleSoft experience. Furthermore, quite often, they are not even technical specialists. Business stakeholders play a crucial role in developing and executing a successful API strategy. Everyone is welcome to take part in the MuleSoft workshop!
During the labs, the participants follow a detailed and easy to follow set of steps. Their goal is to build fully-functioning API integrations for the specific use cases. Our lead consultants are always there to help, guide and answer any questions.
At the end of the day, the teams review what they have learnt and achieved and share feedback on the whole experience. Undoubtedly, it's a very intense but rewarding day!
" Many participants couldn't believe how fast the platform enables to unlock data from different systems, unify it and deliver the desired experience. Furthermore, they start discussing the reuse opportunities to accelerate future projects.
There is so much energy in these workshops!"
- Alessandro Toscano, Solution Architect, Infomentum
Common use cases validated during the MuleSoft workshop
The MuleSoft workshop benefits both hosts and participants. While preparing for it and working on our customers' business use cases, we've discovered that many have similar challenges and goals.
An example of API-led integrations diagram
Let's take an example of integrating Salesforce CRM with different sources that hold users or clients information. This data must be extracted from text files, spreadsheets or databases and then be transformed into a user-friendly structure. The processed data should then be loaded into Salesforce CRM. For each record, the process should fetch some additional information from another system and also load it into Salesforce. For example, retrieve a person's address data from various sources and merge it with waste collection information. Many local councils require re-usable APIs that can be consumed by multiple sources without the need to reinvent the wheel every time!
Read how Guildford Council tested MuleSoft and API-led connectivity to streamline their citizen services.
Infomentum's workshop included very useful overviews of the MuleSoft product alongside a vision on how it can improve our systems, process, and customer experience.
- Robert Spiers, Data and Applications Manager at Guildford Borough Council
Are you ready to run your MuleSoft workshop?
The MuleSoft workshop generates tremendous amounts of value for the participants and provide an excellent opportunity for rapid innovation development. Your team will brainstorm, develop, test, and launch ready-to-use prototypes. These pilots can be later expanded to full-scale services or products.
Are you evaluating the MuleSoft? Would you like to get hands-on experience of the Anypoint integration platform and test its suitability for your business?
