Vendor lock-in

Vendor lock-in describes dependence on a provider that makes switching so expensive or laborious that customers effectively have to stay. With integrations it arises when workflows, data or code only run on the provider's platform and cannot be taken along.

Explanation

Lock-in rarely arises by the customer's design, but gradually. At the start a tool is cheap and quickly set up. Over time more workflows are added, special cases are solved inside the platform, employees get used to the interface. If prices then rise or the provider changes its terms, switching would be a complete new project.

Typical forms are: workflows that can only be executed in the provider's account; proprietary formats without export; licenses that operations are tied to; and knowledge that lies only with the provider. Plugins and connectors can also create lock-in if the vendor discontinues them or stops updating them.

Example from everyday integration work

A company has built thirty workflows in an iPaaS platform over the years. As volume grows, the plan gets more expensive. Switching would mean rebuilding and retesting all thirty workflows in another tool, because an export into another runnable format is not provided. The company stays, although it would actually like to switch.

How to avoid lock-in

• Record in the contract that you own the code and the documentation.
• Prefer open, documented formats and standard APIs.
• Separate operation and development: operation should be cancellable without losing the integration.
• Before buying, ask what happens if you cancel or the product is discontinued.

How it differs from related terms

• iPaaS: practical, but prone to lock-in, because the workflows live with the provider.
• Middleware: can create lock-in if it belongs to a provider.
• Direct integration: with your own code, the most effective protection.

Relevance to our services

At myInterface, you own the integration's code. Operation is cancellable monthly. Afterwards you can run the integration yourself or have someone else look after it. More in the guide Zapier alternative and under Operation and monitoring.

Updated: 10/20/2026