Azure Integration Services & AI: Data Privacy, Developer Challenges, and Future of Enterprise Integration
At INTEGRATE 2025, one of the premier events for the global integration community, Mick Badran sat down with Sebastian Mayor to discuss his journey, perspectives, and the evolving landscape of integration. What unfolded was a thoughtful exchange on cloud adoption, the role of integration specialists, and the importance of community.
From BizTalk to Azure Integration Services
Sebastian Mayor has been in the integration space since 2008. Like many in the community, his journey began with BizTalk Server, which dominated the on-premises integration world for years. Around 2015, he shifted gears toward the cloud, embracing Azure Integration Services as the platform matured.
That transition, Sebastian noted, wasn’t just about adopting new tools it was about rethinking integration entirely. The cloud demanded fresh approaches to scalability, resilience, and automation, opening doors to new possibilities but also requiring continuous learning.
The Role of INTEGRATE as a Community Hub
Both Mick and Sebastian highlighted what makes INTEGRATE special: it’s not just about technology announcements or demos, but about building relationships and sharing knowledge. Sebastian emphasized how valuable it is to exchange real-world experiences with peers from around the globe, whether it’s troubleshooting challenges, discussing patterns, or envisioning future architectures.
For Mick, making the trip all the way from Australia is always worthwhile because the event is where “the best minds in Integration” come together. That mix of expertise and openness is what drives innovation in this field.
Shifts in the Integration Landscape
During their chat, Sebastian reflected on how integration is no longer a niche skill hidden in the backroom of IT. Instead, it has become a critical enabler of digital transformation. Businesses today depend on seamless connections between cloud platforms, SaaS systems, APIs, and legacy environments.
With that shift, integration specialists are expected to wear many hats: part developer, part architect, part problem-solver. Automation, DevOps practices, and cloud-native design have become non-negotiable skills. The role has expanded, but so has its impact.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation wrapped up, Sebastian expressed optimism about the future. With cloud services becoming more sophisticated and the community stronger than ever, integration professionals are well-positioned to deliver real value. The key, he suggested, is to keep learning, experimenting, and staying connected with peers through forums like INTEGRATE.