Introduction
First there was BizTalk Server, and now there is Azure Logic Apps.
But how did we get from BizTalk’s on-premise, heavyweight integration to Azure Logic Apps’ cloud-native, serverless automation?
Before Azure Logic Apps: How Did BizTalk Work?
Before the rise of cloud-based integration, enterprises relied on BizTalk Server to connect VERY disparate applications, databases, and services.
How BizTalk Server Worked
- On-premise middleware → Deployed on Windows Servers.
- Connected various systems → ERPs, CRMs, APIs, databases, message queues.
- Used Orchestrations → Workflows to process and transform data.
- Relied on Adapters → Connectors for FTP, SQL, SAP, MSMQ, IBM MQ, etc.
The Mapper UI was Cool
If you ever used Biztalk Mapper, the UI was ahead of its time..
Dragging and dropping to build workflows and orchestrations between - somtimes VERY- different sources and destinations of data.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/using-biztalk-mapper
Here is an multi-part article with more on the Mapper:
https://premintegrationblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/mapping-in-biztalk-server/
https://premintegrationblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/19/mapping-in-biztalk-part-3-pages-in-map/
Biztalk Article on Architecture
https://premintegrationblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/11/biztalk-server-architecture/
Why BizTalk Was Useful
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Message Routing | Routes data between different systems. |
| Data Transformation | Converts JSON, XML, EDI, flat files. |
| Business Rules Engine (BRE) | Allows dynamic workflow decisions. |
| Event-Driven Processing | Processes messages asynchronously. |
But BizTalk had limitations—it required Windows infrastructure, had a steep learning curve, and wasn’t designed for modern cloud environments.
The Evolution: From BizTalk to Azure Logic Apps
BizTalk Server was introduced in 2000, but by the mid-2010s, enterprises needed a more flexible, cloud-native integration solution.
The Shift to Azure Logic Apps
- 2016: Microsoft launched Azure Logic Apps as a serverless, low-code alternative to BizTalk.
- Built for modern integrations → APIs, cloud apps, SaaS platforms.
- Supports workflows for event-driven automation.
- Runs entirely in Azure—no need for on-prem infrastructure.
Further Reading: Azure Logic Apps Wikipedia
BizTalk vs Azure Logic Apps
| Feature | BizTalk Server | Azure Logic Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premise | Cloud-native |
| Scalability | Manual scaling | Auto-scaling |
| Integration Style | Message-based | API-first |
| Pricing | License-based | Pay-as-you-go |
| Ease of Use | Complex | Low-code drag & drop |
| Performance | High for batch processing | Best for event-driven workloads |
How Azure Logic Apps Works
Azure Logic Apps is a serverless workflow automation tool that connects applications, data, and services.
Key Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Prebuilt Connectors | 500+ connectors for SQL, SAP, Salesforce, ServiceNow, etc. |
| Low-Code Workflow Builder | Drag-and-drop automation |
| Event-Driven Triggers | Runs based on API events, schedules, or HTTP requests |
| API-Based Integration | Works seamlessly with REST and SOAP APIs |
| Cloud & Hybrid Support | Connects on-prem systems via Azure Hybrid Connections |
💡 Example Use Case: Syncing orders between Shopify and SAP using a Logic Apps workflow that triggers when a new order is placed.
Performance & Complexity
| Factor | Azure Logic Apps | BizTalk Server |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Fast for real-time processing | Better for batch-heavy workloads |
| Complexity | Low (drag & drop) | High (requires coding, BizTalk expertise) |
| Scalability | Auto-scales | Manual scaling needed |
| Monitoring | Built-in Azure monitoring | On-premise monitoring required |
💡 Verdict: If you need fast, event-driven workflows, Azure Logic Apps is superior. If you require heavy enterprise message processing, BizTalk may still be viable.
Alternative Approaches to Integration
| Alternative | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Functions | Great for event-driven automation | Requires coding |
| MuleSoft | API-first integration | Expensive licensing |
| Apache Camel | Open-source, flexible | Requires Java/Spring knowledge |
| Kafka & Microservices | High-performance event streaming | Requires deep engineering expertise |
💡 Verdict: For simple automation, Logic Apps is great. For complex event streaming, consider Kafka or MuleSoft.
When to Choose Azure Logic Apps vs BizTalk
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Real-Time API Integration | ✅ Azure Logic Apps |
| Large-Scale Batch Processing | ❌ BizTalk |
| Cloud & SaaS Integration | ✅ Azure Logic Apps |
| On-Prem to Cloud Migration | ✅ Azure Logic Apps |
| Long-Term Microsoft Stack Commitment | ✅ Azure Logic Apps |
| Heavy Enterprise Middleware Use | ❌ BizTalk (but modernization is recommended) |
The Future of Enterprise Integration
- Serverless is the future → More companies moving away from on-prem middleware.
- Event-driven architectures → More real-time streaming, API-first integrations.
- Hybrid cloud adoption → Need for solutions that connect both on-prem and cloud services.
Further Reading: Microsoft’s Integration Services Roadmap
Key Takeaways
- Azure Logic Apps evolved from BizTalk to provide cloud-first, low-code integration.
- BizTalk is still used for legacy enterprise workloads, but modern alternatives are preferred.
- For API-driven, event-based automation, Azure Logic Apps is the better choice.
- Other alternatives like MuleSoft, Apache Camel, and Azure Functions also provide integration solutions.