Switchboard VS Zapier
‘What's the difference between Switchboard & Zapier?' is a valid question our sales team receives on a daily basis. Both platforms allow users to connect and automate workflows between different apps and services - The aim of this article is to help highlight several key areas where Switchboard differs from Zapier.
Apps & Actions
Zapier offers a large list of pre-set apps and actions that can be selected for each integration created. However, users are limited to this list of apps and actions, and cannot perform specific tasks outside of it. This makes it impossible for companies with bespoke systems to automate workflows.
Switchboard has a unique ability to allow users to upload or choose from a library of pre-baked apps. Any application can be uploaded onto the platform using a .json, .yml, or .yaml schema format. Switchboard doesn't even require the full API schema for the integration to work. In most cases, the file used to create an app will only contain endpoints relevant to the integration being achieved.
Apps are one of two kinds of actors that are solely responsible for communicating with some external system, like a REST API, or some other API following a different standard. At the time of writing, Switchboard has implemented support for HTTP APIs documented using the OpenAPI standard. However, the system is built to be protocol agnostic and has plans to support GraphQL, SOAP, gRPC, and dedicated database connections.
Workflow Automation
Zapier is more focused on automation and offers a wide range of pre-built workflows that can be customised to fit specific use cases. These workflows are called "Zaps," which automate tasks between different apps and can be triggered by events like receiving an email or adding a new item to a list. In contrast, Versori Switchboard offers more flexibility in designing custom workflows. Users can build workflows using a drag-and-drop interface and customise them with the data builder, transformer, filter, merge, split, condition, trigger or passthrough actions. More information on Switchboard actions can be found here.
Essentially, Switchboard offers users more freedom over the detail and complexity of any chosen integration whilst maintaining the ease of scalability of any business type.
Data Transformation
Switchboard offers more advanced data transformation and mapping capabilities than Zapier. These features allow users to manipulate and transform data between different apps with greater control.
For example, users can map fields between different apps, apply filters to data, and use functions to manipulate data in specific ways. While Zapier also offers some data transformation features, they are more limited in scope and customisation options.
Pricing
Zapier offers a freemium model with limited features for free and paid plans for more advanced features. The free plan allows users to create up to 5 Zaps and run them up to 100 times per month.
Paid plans offer more Zaps, more runs, and more advanced features like multi-step Zaps and premium support. In contrast, Versori Switchboard has a subscription-based pricing model that includes a free trial and several different pricing tiers based on the number of integrations and features needed.
Security
Switchboard offers advanced security features such as end-to-end encryption and role-based access control to ensure data privacy and security. Users can control who has access to their data and what actions they can perform. Zapier, on the other hand, has limited security features and relies on the security of the apps and services it integrates with. While Zapier takes measures to ensure the security of its platform, users should still take precautions to protect their data when using the service.
Conclusion
Overall, both Zapier and Versori Switchboard are powerful integration platforms that can help automate workflows and streamline processes between different apps and services. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user, including the number and complexity of integrations required, the level of customisation and control needed, and the importance of data security and privacy.
‘What is the difference between Switchboard & Zapier?’ is a valid question our sales team get on a daily basis. Both platforms allow users to connect and automate workflows between different apps and services - This article should help highlight several key areas where Switchboard differers from Zapier.
