What is a key drawback of the point-to-point integration architecture?

A key characteristic of point-to-point integration architecture is its simplicity in initial setups, as it establishes direct connections between systems. However, as more systems are added, the complexity grows significantly. Each new system requires a new point-to-point connection to every other system in the network. This creates a web of connections that can quickly become unmanageable, leading to challenges in maintenance, debugging, and updates.

The complexity can lead to increased development time and costs, as well as difficulties in ensuring consistent data synchronization and integrity across all connections. Additionally, troubleshooting issues within a network of this nature can be cumbersome, often requiring in-depth knowledge of multiple systems and their direct interactions.

This growth in complexity is a critical drawback, as organizations scale their technology and require more integrations. While the initial implementation may be straightforward, the long-term management and scalability issues make point-to-point architecture less desirable for larger or rapidly evolving environments.