Why Digital Agencies Should Prioritise Certified iPaaS to Win Enterprise Retail Clients
Discover how platforms with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 deliver real competitive edge
As retailers and online brands grow across platforms and regions, they’re expecting more from their digital agencies. They want true partners that can streamline and scale their commerce operations using low-lift, high-impact tools like Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS).
At the same time, they’re facing a tightening raft of data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and the DSA. That’s why commerce clients are leaning towards partners who don’t just connect systems, but who provide tech platforms that come with security and enterprise-level standards baked in from the outset.
SOC 2 & ISO 27001: The New Baseline for Enterprise-Ready iPaaS
For any digital agency looking to build out and orchestrate their clients commerce tech-stack at speed and scale, iPaaS is the obvious route. But how do you know that your iPaaS solution will cut it with your clients and prospects?
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are two key certifications that are fast becoming iPaaS table stakes for retailers on both sides of the Atlantic. While not enforced by law, lacking either certification can be a dealbreaker with security-conscious commerce clients and prospects. Indeed, some leading brands won’t onboard an iPaaS provider without at least one of them - and ideally both.
- SOC 2 is a US audit framework that assesses how well a service provider manages data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It checks that all your security "locks" and "alarms" are in place and functioning reliably.
- ISO 27001 is a global standard - especially recognised across the UK, EU, and APAC - that establishes a comprehensive management system for information security. It’s effectively a security blueprint detailing “who holds the keys”, how incidents are handled, and how risks are systematically identified and reduced over time.
Why certifications are now business-critical
Globally there has been a tightening of regulations around data security. In Europe, GDPR has changed how retailers collect, store and process customer data, and the new Digital Services Act (DSA) is driving further accountability for digital platforms. In the US, laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) are all impacting how consumer data is handled.
Retailers, especially those operating across borders, are demanding platforms that are already aligned to these requirements, to reduce their risk and make compliance easier. This is raising the bar on what they want from integration solutions such as iPaaS.
But not all iPaaS offerings are certified. Many fail to offer the reassurance retailers need. SOC 2 Type 1 and ISO 27001 certification both require a formal assessment and audit by an independent third party. It takes time, effort and commitment to achieve them.
Patchworks iPaaS stands out by holding both certifications. Our solution aligns with corporate compliance goals without compromising performance, speed or functionality. This makes it a compelling choice for retail businesses operating across the UK, Europe, the US, and beyond.
What this means for digital agencies and commerce integrators
Using a pre-certified iPaaS platform like Patchworks helps you de-risk procurement, accelerate approvals, and avoid compliance issues later in the project. Certification isn't just a technical checkbox, it signals that your integration layer meets enterprise-grade standards for security, reliability, and scalability.
By leading with a fully certified solution, you build trust faster with both clients and procurement teams and reduce the chances of last-minute blockers. It's a simple way to strengthen your credibility and position your agency as a low-risk, high-value partner.
Why Patchworks is a clear choice
Our iPaaS platform is independently audited and certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001. This means it ensures proven controls around:
- Strong encryption and layered access controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access (RBAC).
- Automated audit logs that support governance and simplify compliance reviews.
- Real-time monitoring capabilities that help detect and respond to potential security threats promptly.
- A scalable and secure architecture designed to connect complex retail systems without exposing vulnerabilities.
Gain a competitive lead
Being able to meet recognised security standards can make a real difference when you’re pitching to a big brand or retailer. It can help to get you on the shortlist, ensure you tick important compliance boxes and accelerate deal closure.
With Patchworks you not only get super-fast, low-code/no-code, highly-scalable commerce connections, you can also reinforce your position as a security-conscious, compliance-driven partner that retail enterprises can trust.
Ready to get ahead? Visit Patchworks' Security page, where you can download our ISO 27001:2022 certificate and SOC 2 Type 1 & 2 reports.
