4 Ways API Integrations Can Benefit Your Business
Data has taken over the current corporate world. Today, more and more vendors are focused on building flexible and scalable software. This is relevant for even API-driven development which has picked up a considerable pace in recent years. As machines and humans generate huge amounts of data, companies are sitting on a mountain of gold. As a major chunk of this data is siloed, it is reducing its value exponentially.
Companies are turning their attention toward offering real-time services such as reporting, monitoring, and comparison to historical data. If there is no integration or a binding glue in between, there is almost no communication between different applications. This makes it impossible for companies to achieve the goals mentioned above.
This is where APIs are required.
In this article, we will find out what is API integration, different types of APIs, and the advantages offered by API integrations.
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What is an API Integration?
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, companies have to deal with a bunch of complex challenges. API integrations can solve most of these problems.
Application programming interface (API) primarily refers to advanced parts of a computer code. This code allows two applications, databases, and programs to sync together and also share operations.
API integrations have become an integral part of a business ecosystem as companies are increasingly relying on cloud-based applications and tools. Did you know that an average employee uses around 36 cloud services to improve efficiency? [1]
However, when you are using so many different applications, constantly switching between them can prove to be counterproductive. APIs allow users to use different applications without having to toggle between them while simultaneously streamlining their management.
What are the Different Types of API?
There are different types of APIs. There is a strong chance you have seen or even used one yourself. Here are a few examples:
- Social media share icons: If you have ever pressed a social media share icon, you have seen how an API works. You can switch between different applications without having to switch applications manually.
- Map applications: Mapping applications share information with other applications such as Uber and Yelp to offer complimentary geolocation services.
- Software platforms: Software vendors such as Workfront, NetSuite, Salesforce, and many others provide APIs that can be integrated with important applications.
Advantages of API Integrations
Regardless of whether you are a budding startup or a well-established company, you do not want to miss out on the benefits offered by API integrations.
Let’s take a look at some of the most advantages of API integrations.
1. Automation
Businesses are looking at innovative ways to connect different applications. This is why manual efforts to shift between different applications are gradually being automated. API integrations provide a seamless transition from one application to the other.
For instance, let’s take a look at Jira’s integrations. Jira’s cloud-based business phone solution can be integrated with a host of customer relationships management (CRM) applications such as Redtail, Zoho, Salesforce, and more. When this integration is in place, any employee receiving the call will see a pop-up on the screen which displays customer information.
This allows the recipient to focus on things that are more important. Instead of spending time looking up the caller’s details in your database, you have the caller’s information ready with you.
2. Relevance
Technology advancements have fueled the evolution of different industries. As the competition heats up, it is important to ensure that your customers do not forget you. This means that you need to find ways to integrate different applications they use and trust.
APIs offer cross-functionality with existing and new applications that are most used by customers. The tie-ups and partnerships with trusted applications add credibility to your brand.
3. Product Development
API integrations have the power to mold a new new product altogether that can become a core offering. In the digital environment, adding new functionality between various applications can create new services that did not exist before.
For instance, the integration between map applications with service-request interfaces has paved the way for driver-on-demand applications such as Lyft and Uber.
Similarly, many more combinations between different applications can become recipes for new applications.
4. Futureproof Your Company
Technological advances are showing no signs of slowing. With the arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and smart wearables, the enterprise IT landscape is expected to witness a major transformation in the future.
API integration platforms can ensure that organizations are equipped with tools to integrate new technologies seamlessly. This will not only boost your internal productivity but also futureproof your company.
Increase Efficiency with Integrations
With the right API integrations in place, you can do so much more. While standalone applications are bundled with useful features, the scope of functionality is limited. However, with APIs, you can integrate different applications to create an innovative product with broader functionalities. These new products will play an important role in boosting the overall efficiency of your processes.
A plethora of small businesses and startups have successfully created good products with open APIs. As far as enterprises are concerned, they would ideally want their employees to spend less time toggling between applications. API integrations help you achieve this objective. With API integrations, employees spend less time switching between applications, and more time with customers.
In addition, APIs also allow your company to stack different applications to create a personalized platform for your niche business requirements. You can also check out the key points to focus on while creating your tech stack in 2021.
What are you waiting for? Find the best API integrations to connect all your applications and streamline your activities.
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Source:
[1] (2017) “12 Must-Know Statistics on Cloud Usage in the Enterprise” McAfee [online] Available from: https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/enterprise/cloud-security/12-must-know-statistics-on-cloud-usage-in-the-enterprise/ [Accessed October 2021]
