Systems integration and Horizontal Integration vs Vertical Integration System integration System integration is the process of bringing together the components of a computer system so that they work together as a single unit. The purpose of system integration is to improve the performance and functionality of the system as a whole. In order to achieve…
In the dynamic world of software development and the digitised corporate scenery, Horizontal and Vertical Integration stands as two significant strategies that fundamentally influence how businesses grow, operate and innovate. For those grappling with understanding these concepts, picture an industry as a production pipeline. Horizontal Integration pertains to owning or controlling numerous pipelines in the same stage of production, whereas Vertical Integration signifies owning different stages within a single pipeline.
Horizontal Integration typically concerns the merger of companies at the same stage of production in the same or different industries — essentially an expansion strategy. This is prevalent in industries running on economies of scale, where businesses aims to increase their market share, product portfolio, geographical reach, and competitive positioning. One example is Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram, both being social networking platforms.
On the other hand, Vertical Integration speaks to a company’s move to control different stages of the production or distribution of their product. This can be observed in the IT industry, where businesses are often integrated right from the raw material sourcing to the final product. One notable example is how Apple Inc. designs its software and hardware in-house while also owning its distribution channels (Apple Stores).
Recognising the strategic differences between Horizontal and Vertical Integration is vital in today’s fast-paced, hypercompetitive corporate landscape. It allows businesses to steer their growth in alignment with a long-term vision, leveraging market opportunities while mitigating potential threats. Moreover, it enables the customization of software/website/app development on an unprecedented scale, offering vital bespoke solutions in a market that is progressively moving away from a one-size-fits-all model.
Just as Industry 4.0 blurs the lines between digital, physical, and biological, the software development industry too witnesses the dissolving boundaries between horizontal and vertical domains due to technologies like cloud computing, machine learning, and the internet of things. It’s interesting to note that according to Amazon Web Services, by 2025, 80% of all IT budgets will be committed to cloud solutions, presenting a global cloud computing market that will reach $623.3 billion by 2023 (MarketsandMarkets™).
Taking a foray into the Horizontal Integration / Vertical Integration here will stimulate intriguing discussions, offer insightful perspectives, and unravel contemporary trends in the software/app/web development markets. Should you wish to explore more about the multi-faceted universe of software development and digitisation, Bradford’s Software Development Blog here presents a treasure trove of knowledge. Should any queries arise or any discussions be desired, Bradford Software Development stands ready to assist . Feel free to connect with us at your earliest convenience.