Implementing an Open-Source ESB Platform for a Global Retailer

Saros partnered with a global retail giant undertaking a critical modernisation of its IT estate. The client’s existing proprietary middleware was costly, inflexible, and slowing down digital initiatives across 30+ countries. As the business looked to expand e-commerce, digitise supply chains, and deliver omnichannel experiences, its integration layer had become a strategic bottleneck.

Saros was brought in to design and implement a scalable, open-source Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) that would not only replace legacy middleware but also serve as the foundation for the client’s long-term digital transformation roadmap.

The Challenges

• High costs from proprietary middleware licensing and maintenance
• Lack of agility to support e-commerce expansion and omnichannel experiences
• Integration bottlenecks delaying new partner and API onboarding
• Scalability limitations across 80+ systems and international operations
• Compliance concerns around security and data privacy requirements

The Solution

Saros Consulting implemented a cost-efficient, open-source ESB platform using WSO2 Enterprise Integrator. The solution included:

• A microservices-friendly, event-driven architecture
• Reusable integration templates and adapters for SAP, Salesforce, and custom e-commerce APIs
• Centralised logging, monitoring, and API rate limiting
• Development and deployment of 120+ mediation flows
• Integration with the client’s CI/CD pipeline for automated deployments and rollbacks
• OWASP-compliant security with tokenised authentication and encryption in transit
• Change management support including training, documentation, and playbooks
• Establishment of an Integration Competency Centre (ICC) to govern the ESB lifecycle

The Results

The modernisation delivered a future-proof integration backbone that unlocked both immediate efficiencies and long-term agility. With the new platform, the client gained:

• Control and flexibility previously constrained by vendor lock-in
• Faster digital experimentation, enabling rapid rollout of new services and channels
• A foundation for strategic initiatives including API marketplaces, event streaming, and real-time stock visibility
• Confidence in security and compliance, aligned with global IT governance standards

Why It Matters

For the client, integration moved from being a cost centre to a strategic enabler. By shifting to an open-source ESB, the retailer is positioned to scale digital operations globally while containing costs and strengthening resilience.