Like most firms with technology-dependent operations, your company probably uses various systems to run your business. So you’ve probably heard the term API (short for application programming interface).
What is an API?
An API is a set of protocols. Companies use APIs to build and integrate application software, creating an agreement between parties, if you will: Party 1’s software sends a remote request structured a particular way. Party 2’s software responds acceptably to complete the digital transaction and prompt action.
Three types of APIs ensure products or services can communicate with other products and services or help business and IT teams collaborate:
- Private APIs improve solutions and services within an organization, helping personnel integrate a company’s IT systems or applications, for example, or build new systems or customer-facing apps that leverage existing systems. (Even if apps are publicly available, the interface itself remains accessible only for those working directly with the API publisher.)
- Partners APIs are available to business partners who have signed an agreement with the publisher.
- Public APIs are available for any third-party developers and increase brand awareness and an additional income source when properly executed.
Why companies use APIs
APIs ensure companies create solutions that improve customers’ experiences without increasing their costs since APIs:
- Allow different platforms, applications, and systems to connect quickly and share information to carry out diverse tasks. It’s even possible for specific software to be used inside another or connected with other tools to streamline processes. Or you can use APIs to connect your infrastructure through cloud-native app development and share data with customers and other external users.
- Simplify and facilitate integration so different software can reorganize interrelationships based on your business’s specific needs. It also simplifies integrating your applications with third-party applications to optimize their functionality and improve usability.
- Enable application integration for better automation strategies and task automation (this generates a smooth, effortless transition between linked applications that saves costs, time, and effort).
- Support digital transformation and innovative business models—all achieved more quickly and at a lower cost.