If you're integrating systems in the Microsoft ecosystem, you've likely encountered both BizTalk Server and Azure Logic Apps. Both are capable integration platforms, but they serve different needs and suit different scenarios.
Having implemented both platforms across dozens of organisations, here's our practical guide to choosing between them.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | BizTalk Server | Logic Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premises or IaaS VM | Cloud-native (PaaS) |
| Pricing Model | Per-core licensing | Pay-per-execution |
| Development | Visual Studio, technical | Visual designer, low-code |
| Connectors | Adapters (often custom) | 400+ built-in connectors |
| Best For | Complex B2B, legacy systems | Cloud integration, SaaS |
| Scaling | Manual (add servers) | Automatic |
When to Choose BizTalk Server
BizTalk Server has been Microsoft's enterprise integration platform for over two decades. While it's sometimes seen as "legacy," it remains the right choice for specific scenarios:
Choose BizTalk When:
- You have complex B2B requirements (EDI, AS2, RosettaNet)
- You need to integrate with legacy on-premises systems
- You require complex message transformation (large, complex schemas)
- You have existing BizTalk investments and expertise
- Regulatory requirements mandate on-premises data processing
- You need batching and debatching of large message sets
- You require Business Activity Monitoring (BAM)
BizTalk Strengths
- Complex transformations: BizTalk's mapping capabilities handle complex, multi-schema transformations that would be painful in Logic Apps
- B2B protocols: Native support for EDI standards (X12, EDIFACT), AS2, and trading partner management
- Orchestration: Long-running, stateful orchestrations with compensation handling
- Performance: For high-volume, consistent workloads, BizTalk's dedicated infrastructure can be more cost-effective
When to Choose Logic Apps
Azure Logic Apps represents Microsoft's modern, cloud-native approach to integration. It's become the default choice for many scenarios:
Choose Logic Apps When:
- You're integrating cloud services (SaaS to SaaS)
- You want rapid development with minimal coding
- You need to integrate with Dynamics 365, Office 365, or other Microsoft cloud services
- Your integration volumes are variable or unpredictable
- You want automatic scaling without infrastructure management
- You're building new integrations without legacy constraints
- You need quick time-to-value
Logic Apps Strengths
- Connectors: 400+ pre-built connectors to popular services—Salesforce, ServiceNow, SAP, and more
- Low-code development: Visual designer means faster development and easier maintenance
- Serverless pricing: Pay only for what you use—great for variable workloads
- Integration with Azure: Native integration with Azure services (Service Bus, Event Grid, Functions)
- Rapid deployment: New integrations can be deployed in hours, not weeks
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: CRM to ERP Integration
Requirement: Sync customer and order data between Dynamics 365 and an on-premises ERP.
Recommendation: Logic Apps with On-Premises Data Gateway
Logic Apps has a native Dynamics 365 connector and can reach on-premises systems via the data gateway. Development is faster, and you get automatic retry handling.
Scenario 2: EDI Trading Partner Integration
Requirement: Exchange purchase orders and invoices with 50 trading partners using various EDI standards.
Recommendation: BizTalk Server
BizTalk's trading partner management, EDI validation, and document tracking make it the better choice for complex B2B scenarios.
Scenario 3: Event-Driven Notifications
Requirement: When a high-priority case is created in Dynamics 365, notify the team via Teams and create a task in Planner.
Recommendation: Logic Apps
This is exactly what Logic Apps excels at—connecting cloud services with minimal effort. You could build this in an hour.
Scenario 4: Legacy System Migration Bridge
Requirement: Maintain integration with a legacy mainframe system while gradually migrating to modern systems.
Recommendation: BizTalk Server (potentially with Logic Apps hybrid)
BizTalk's adapters for legacy systems (Host Integration Server, custom adapters) handle scenarios that Logic Apps can't easily address.
The Hybrid Approach
Increasingly, we see organisations using both platforms together:
- Logic Apps for cloud-to-cloud integration and simple on-premises connectivity
- BizTalk Server for complex transformations, B2B, and legacy system integration
- Azure Service Bus as the messaging backbone connecting both
This hybrid approach lets you use each platform's strengths while building a cohesive integration architecture.
Architecture Tip
When using both platforms, standardise on Azure Service Bus for messaging between them. This decouples the platforms and makes it easier to migrate workloads over time.
Cost Considerations
BizTalk Server Costs
- Per-core licensing (can be significant)
- Infrastructure costs (servers, storage, networking)
- Operational costs (monitoring, patching, backups)
- Specialist skills required
BizTalk makes sense when you have consistent, high-volume workloads that justify dedicated infrastructure.
Logic Apps Costs
- Pay-per-action pricing
- No infrastructure management
- Connector-specific costs for premium connectors
- Can be expensive at very high volumes
Logic Apps' pay-per-use model is cost-effective for variable workloads but can surprise you at scale.
Cost Calculation Tip
For Logic Apps, estimate your monthly action count and include connector costs. For BizTalk, factor in licensing, infrastructure, AND the operational overhead. Don't forget the cost of specialist skills for either platform.
Future Direction
Microsoft's investment is clearly in the cloud. While BizTalk Server continues to be supported and updated, Logic Apps is where innovation is happening:
- New connectors are added regularly
- Integration with AI and automation capabilities
- Logic Apps Standard offers more BizTalk-like capabilities
- Azure Integration Services provides a comprehensive platform
If you're making new investments, Logic Apps should be your default choice unless you have specific requirements that mandate BizTalk.
Making the Decision
Here's a simple decision framework:
- Start with Logic Apps as your default assumption
- Choose BizTalk if you have complex B2B, legacy requirements, or existing investments that make it worthwhile
- Consider hybrid if you have diverse requirements that span both platforms' strengths
- Factor in skills—what can your team support, or what partner support do you have?
Need Help Deciding?
We have deep experience with both BizTalk and Logic Apps. We can assess your requirements and recommend the right approach for your organisation.