When would you use MuleSoft as an iPaaS versus building point-to-point integrations directly?

Point-to-point integration: Direct connection between two systems (e.g., Salesforce → SAP via Apex callout). Simple and fast for small numbers of integrations. As the number of systems grows, complexity becomes unmanageable (n*(n-1)/2 connections for n systems) — the "spaghetti integration" problem.

MuleSoft (iPaaS / API-led connectivity): An integration platform that provides a central hub for connecting systems. Benefits: Reusable APIs (System → Process → Experience layer), centralised monitoring and error handling, pre-built connectors for 300+ systems, governance and rate limiting, transformation with DataWeave. Best for enterprises with many systems (ERP, CRM, HRIS, commerce) that share data.

Choose MuleSoft when: You have 5+ systems to integrate, need reusable APIs across teams, require centralised logging/monitoring, or need complex data transformations. Choose point-to-point when: The integration is simple, involves only 2 systems, has low complexity, and the overhead of a full iPaaS is unjustified.