Integration with third party system using flat file vs Web Service in BizTalk 2013

Question

I have to integrate third party system through BizTalk 2013. The third party providing below two option for integration:

1. Flat files (File Adapter)

2. Web Service API (WCF-BasicHttp Adapter)

What is the best way to integrate and what are the pros and cons of these? I am a beginner and want an expert opinion.

Answer 1

It is usually preferable to use a web service over a flat file.

With a web service you can

1. Retain the order the messages were received in (you cannot guarantee that with the file adapter)
2. It is more secure (especially if you use HTTPS) rather than having files sitting in a folder.
3. You can give a synchronous response to the caller, either just a receipt or even the results from the downstream system.

Advantages of the File adapater

1. If you know a downstream system is going to be off for a while, you can disable the File adapater and stop picking up the incoming files until you are ready to resume processing. If there is a large number you may wish to move some of the files out and submit them in batches to prevent BizTalk throttling.
2. If you create an archive of files, you can easily re-submit messages when needed.
3. You can debatch large files into individual messages easily.

So in conclusion, there is no best way, it depends on the capabilities of the system you are integrating with and the nature of the messaging.