PPlatformAppStores

Workato

General SaaS

Workato, Inc. · General SaaS app marketplaces

Best for: Developers building enterprise iPaaS connectors who want code-level control.

Overview

Workato is an enterprise-grade iPaaS whose connector ecosystem targets mid-market and large B2B rather than the SMB/no-code crowd. Developers build custom connectors with the Ruby-based Connector SDK; connectors are private by default and can be shared with open or closed source, with versioning and automatic update notifications. Alongside connectors, Workato ships over a thousand pre-built connectors and a large community library of reusable recipes, so distribution happens through both the connector catalog and recipe templates.

Workato's most distinctive channel is its Embedded/OEM platform: SaaS vendors embed Workato's integration engine inside their own product and expose a marketplace of connectors to their customers. The Embed Partner Program rewards partners with credit equal to 10% of a customer's first-year ARR toward their Embed contract. Pricing is enterprise-quoted, and the platform emphasizes governance, security, and orchestration depth over self-serve simplicity. Choose Workato when your integration story is enterprise B2B, when you need robust connector versioning and governance, or when you want to embed a white-labeled integration marketplace inside your own SaaS.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Scaffold a connector in Ruby using the Connector SDK (in-browser via Tools > Connector SDK, or locally with the SDK gem/emulator)
  2. 2Define connection/authentication and the object definitions
  3. 3Implement actions and triggers as Ruby lambdas that call your API
  4. 4Test the connector against live requests using the SDK's debugger/emulator
  5. 5Keep it private by default, or submit a pull request to Workato's connector repository for review
  6. 6On approval, the connector gains global scope and is listed for all customers

Key APIs & SDKs

Workato Connector SDK (Ruby)
SDK CLI / connector emulator
Connection, actions, triggers, object_definitions schema
custom_connector_docs (GitHub)
Workato Developer API

Integration types

Connector
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key, JWT
  • Security review: Required
  • Custom SDK connectors are private by default; public sharing and the Embed Partner Program involve Workato review and partnership.
  • Custom connectors are private by default; making one globally available requires submitting a pull request that the Workato team reviews for code quality and behavior (no publicly fixed turnaround).
  • Varies by plan/contract; recipe/task and API limits are set per enterprise agreement.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Free
Revenue share
Onboarding
Enterprise contract (varies)
Commission
Embed partners can earn 10% of a customer's first-year ARR as Workato credit
Merchant of Record
Not applicable (Workato bills the enterprise/OEM partner directly)

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Full Ruby SDK gives fine-grained control over auth and logic
  • In-browser and local development plus an emulator for testing
  • Strong fit for enterprise/iPaaS integration scenarios
  • Open- or closed-source publishing with auto-update notifications

Cons

  • Requires Ruby coding — steeper than pure no-code builders
  • Global listing gated behind a PR-based review
  • Enterprise-oriented platform, less consumer discovery

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Workato?

Custom connectors are private by default; making one globally available requires submitting a pull request that the Workato team reviews for code quality and behavior (no publicly fixed turnaround).

What authentication does Workato use?

Workato apps primarily authenticate with OAuth 2.0, also supporting API key, JWT.

How is Workato monetized?

Workato supports Free, Revenue share. Typical commission: Embed partners can earn 10% of a customer's first-year ARR as Workato credit. Onboarding fee: Enterprise contract (varies).

Is a security review required to list on Workato?

Yes, Workato requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Custom SDK connectors are private by default; public sharing and the Embed Partner Program involve Workato review and partnership.