title: Integration with third party system using flat file vs Web Service in BizTalk 2013
body: <p>I have to integrate third party system through <code>BizTalk 2013</code>. The third party providing below two option for integration:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>Flat files <a href="https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee253326(v=bts.10).aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">(File Adapter)</a></p></li>
  <li><p>Web Service API <a href="https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb246098.aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">(WCF-BasicHttp Adapter)</a></p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>What is the best way to integrate and what are the pros and cons of these? I am a beginner and want an expert opinion.</p>