Hi,
We are using microservices architecture in our enterprise and all data related tasks are performed using rest APIs.
We want to use Appian as UI layer for our application. So my first question is it Appian recommended for such scenarios, when all data related operations (Get data, add, update data) will be performed using API integration?
If yes, Will Appian features like Data Sync, Records relationships useful/supported while using Open API connected systems for records?
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As of now, synced records are not supported with web services. The reason is that sync only works when Appian knows how to update the local cache and the external storage at the same time.
Said that, I have a global client who is using an API based layer to abstract data storage. With some clever design decisions in Appian and well performing low-latency APIs, this is no problem.
Thanks Stefan,
Can relationship between records be achieved while working with web services as related data will be fetched from different API call?
Also is there any recommended design pattern by Appian product team when working with web services?
No. This is a feature only supported for synced records.
The one caveat to Stefan's answer is that you can use a web service as the source for a synced record type if you only need to update the data once every 24 hours. I realize that may not be frequent enough for your use case (especially if you want the data to be updated immediately when the source system changes). However, there still are some valid use cases for synced records with web services to pull in reference data that doesn't change frequently.