API Services Management

What is an API? - Application Programming Interface

APIs are mechanisms that enable two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. For example, the weather bureau’s software system contains daily weather data. The weather app on your phone “talks” to this system via APIs and shows you daily weather updates on your phone. Other examples of API's include:

Sharing flight information between airlines and travel sites
Using Google Maps in a Rideshare App
Building chatbots in a messaging service
Embedding YouTube videos into a webpage
Automating workflows between B2B software tools

In essence, the API is a messenger that pulls information from one place and feeds it to another. APIs are everywhere and have many different faces and capabilities. For example, when your car’s navigation system uses Google Maps to direct you to the airport, that’s an API. Google allows navigation systems to use its popular mapping software. Likewise, if there are share buttons at the bottom of your company’s blog posts, those are also APIs. Each one allows users to easily share content with their Facebook friends, Twitter followers, or Instagram feed.

APIs are powerful and increasingly prolific as our world becomes more interconnected.

Why API's Can Improve Your Company

The primary value of an API is that it allows a company to access information or software capabilities from another source, providing greater value without an additional investment of time, money, and resources.

For example, let’s say you own a fleet of food trucks. Customers need to know where your trucks are, so you commission a team of developers to create an app that lets users see where the nearest trucks are based on their location.

Do your developers need to spend an unreasonable amount of time and money to create a brand-new mapping system from scratch? No. By using APIs, they can incorporate Google Maps into the app. Not only will you save money and developer time, but customers also benefit from interacting with one of the best mapping applications ever made, and one they’re likely already familiar with. The API allows for a great customer experience.

There are dozens of ways your company could use APIs to make the user experience better for customers. For example, an API can aggregate positive Yelp reviews on your site or even let users post reviews to Yelp without leaving your site.

Benefits of Using API

Efficiency
Wider Reach
Leverage Government Assets
Automation
Creation of Apps
Partnerships
Integration
Personalisation
Future-Ready

Moving Forward with API's

We’ve skimmed the surface of what APIs can do for your business and highlighted the opportunities to better utilize APIs. That could mean using APIs to improve customer experiences, streamline internal processes, or even become an API provider so that third-party businesses and developers can adapt your technology in new and exciting ways (while possibly paying you for the opportunity).

As you look to the future and search for innovative ways to grow your business, APIs should be part of the conversation. We are heading into a future that will see growth in wearable technology, the Internet of Things, and new generations born with the internet at their fingertips. The potential, power, and opportunities of APIs will only continue to grow.

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