An API is a set of programming code that enables data transmission between one software product and another — and it also defines the terms of that exchange. API integration is the range of techniques and technologies that let applications talk to each other and share information.
Put another way, an Application Programming Interface facilitates communication and connectivity between two or more software applications. API integration is that seamless connectivity in action: it allows organizations to automate business processes and improve how data is shared and embedded across different applications and systems.
When you need API integration
- You need to connect cloud apps.
- You need your best-of-breed solutions working together.
- You need to create new APIs quickly and easily.
- You need to unlock the value held in existing and legacy data sources.
- You need to compose new apps with ease.
- You need your teams to become more strategic.
- You need to improve team productivity across the board.
- An API integration platform is easier than managing each API individually.
- Because it is better than doing it alone.
- An API integration platform future-proofs your enterprise integration.
Why an integration platform beats managing each API individually
API integrations connect the different components of your tech stack, making them talk to each other and transfer data seamlessly. Their real value lies in building automated workflows across the applications you integrate: you eliminate time-consuming manual labor, and you move data that would otherwise require manual input — with all the versioning issues that entails. The result is time saved and faster performance.
Private, partner, and public APIs
In terms of release policy, APIs fall into three categories: private, partner, and public.
Private APIs. These application software interfaces are designed to improve solutions and services within an organization. In-house developers or contractors use them to integrate a company’s IT systems and applications, or to build new systems and customer-facing apps on top of existing ones. Even when those apps are publicly available, the interface itself remains accessible only to those working directly with the API publisher. A private strategy gives the company full control over how its APIs are used.
Partner APIs. Partner APIs are openly promoted but shared only with business partners who have signed an agreement with the publisher. The most common use case is software integration between two parties. A company that grants partners access to its data or capabilities benefits from extra revenue streams — while still monitoring how its exposed digital assets are used, verifying that third-party solutions built on its APIs deliver a decent user experience, and maintaining its corporate identity within partner apps.
Public APIs. Also known as developer-facing or external APIs, these are available to any third-party developer. When properly executed, a public API program significantly increases brand awareness and creates an additional source of income.
APIs matter beyond software development
The importance of APIs is not limited to software development — they also power business collaboration. These machine-readable interfaces, designed for resource exchange, work like delivery services under the hood, quietly enabling technological connectivity.
How Techlancer can help
Techlancer helps each client solve two key tasks at once:
- choosing the API best suited to the specific business needs of the company;
- defining an efficient way of using it.
Explore the rest of our expertise or contact us to discuss your integration project.