Apache Camel is an open-source integration framework designed to simplify the process of connecting different systems and applications. It provides a standardized, rule-based routing and mediation engine that enables developers to define how messages and data should flow between endpoints using simple domain-specific language (DSL) expressions. Camel supports a wide range of protocols and data formats, making it highly versatile for enterprise integration. Its importance lies in its ability to reduce integration complexity, allowing seamless communication between legacy systems, cloud services, and APIs. By adhering to Enterprise Integration Patterns (EIPs), Apache Camel offers a consistent and efficient approach to building scalable, maintainable integration solutions. Organizations use it to streamline workflows, automate data exchange, and ensure system interoperability — all crucial for achieving agility in modern DevOps and microservices environments.