GraphQL: A Unified Solution for Data Integration and LLM Integration Through Advanced Query Planning
Enterprise IT has long been characterized by a complex web of infrastructure choices that often seem to conflict with one another. The promise of cloud computing was to simplify and streamline these choices, offering a more cohesive approach to managing resources and applications. However, over a decade of cloud-native investments have only added layers of complexity, resulting in a tangled web of microservices, APIs, and various “cloud-native best practices.” For IT professionals hoping that artificial intelligence (AI) might provide a silver bullet to these challenges, the reality is less promising. Integrating advanced AI models like ChatGPT into core systems such as CRM or ERP remains impractical due to governance and control issues.
Despite these complexities and the challenging macroeconomic climate, the imperative to develop high-quality software remains unchanged. As Matt DeBergalis, CTO and Co-founder of Apollo GraphQL, succinctly put it, “You can’t opt out of building great software.” Merely tinkering with outdated or overly complicated infrastructure will not suffice. Instead, organizations need to embrace new approaches that can enhance productivity and streamline development processes.
This is where the concept of the supergraph comes into play. The supergraph builds upon a well-established technology known as GraphQL, which many developers are already familiar with and appreciate. The supergraph offers a unified, flexible way to manage and integrate data from various sources, making it a powerful tool for modern development environments. For IT executives, especially those more accustomed to high-level strategic thinking rather than hands-on technical work, understanding and leveraging GraphQL can significantly enhance the productivity of development teams.
In the world of enterprise IT, the notion of a “greenfield” application—an entirely new system built from scratch—is a rarity. Most organizations operate in environments where new technologies must integrate seamlessly with existing systems and skillsets. As RedMonk analyst James Governor aptly notes, “While new technology comes in, it must coexist with and build upon existing skills and existing technology stacks.” This coexistence is evident in the persistence of older technologies like COBOL alongside newer languages like Java and Rust. Similarly, companies may use AWS for most of their cloud needs but still rely on Azure or even legacy systems like HP-UX and Windows NT.
The reality of enterprise IT is that subtraction is rare; instead, it’s a continuous process of addition. Organizations must navigate a landscape where new tools and technologies are added to an already complex mix of existing systems. The supergraph, with its GraphQL foundation, represents a strategic addition that can help simplify data management and integration. By offering a unified approach to handling diverse data sources, it enables developers to work more efficiently and effectively.
For IT leaders, adopting GraphQL and the supergraph model is not just about keeping up with technology trends; it’s about equipping their teams with the tools needed to thrive in a complex and evolving IT landscape. Embracing these innovations can lead to more streamlined development processes and better software outcomes, ultimately supporting the organization’s broader goals and objectives.