7 Reasons Why Businesses Need an API Integration Platform
Businesses struggling to handle multiple API solutions should consider implementing an API integration platform to enhance the functionality of existing systems.
An application programming interface (API) acts as the messenger behind the scenes that connects multiple systems to fulfill the business user request. For example, with API integration, companies can connect their various systems that handle financial operations, allowing users to access all data on sales, stock levels, orders, and billing on one interface.
This data management solution is also useful for external processes, such as transferring payment data during an e-commerce transaction. In this instance, the API transfers the customer information to a verification service and delivers the confirmation alert back to the purchaser.
The high functionality that API integration offers has undoubtedly affected its recent rise in popularity. However, as more systems are introduced, there is a greater need for API management. API integration platforms enable a grander scale of communication between multiple APIs and their respective subsystems.
This platform service offers an efficient way to connect applications and exchange data, allowing management to have a broader scope of their business.
Top 7 Reasons to Implement an API Integration Platform
While implementing an API integration platform may seem like a complete digital transformation, its functionality allows organizations to seamlessly adapt to modern technology. Several advantages that this solution offers include-
1. Connect to Cloud-Based and Traditional Applications
There are thousands of cloud-premise applications on the market today. Studies show that as of 2019, 90% of companies operate on the cloud. This means that, in order for businesses to interconnect their existing software or an open source, they must implement a cloud integration system.
API integration platforms are standard for integrating web-based software as well as legacy systems, such as the enterprise service bus (ESBs). Legacy systems are the traditional on-premise software that is unable to connect to other processes beyond the firewall. However, API integration platforms have the capabilities to connect to these older models so businesses can keep existing services.
2. Meet and Exceed Other Integration Solutions
Almost every task within an organization requires multiple processes to complete. Consider inventory management for example, there are sales data, stock levels, purchase orders, and demand forecasting. While some systems claim to be an "all-in-one" solution, this software does not customize to a business's needs.
Instead, many companies are collaborating with software developers to assemble their own personalized applications. API integration platforms can easily aggregate all systems to combine tools, functions, and information. This eliminates any repetitive features or data source that may populate from overlapping services.
3. Quickly Implement New APIs
Before API integration platforms, businesses had to either implement a manufactured third-party integrator or build one from scratch. Both options come with their own disadvantages, from inadequate functions to taking on a time-consuming project with high overhead costs.
Fortunately, modern application integration technology allows companies to create an API from an existing integrator. This not only saves the business time and capital but enables them to continue using their established systems.
4. Enhance Existing System Performance
Organizations that still utilize legacy systems or older data integration services typically face bogged down software from outdated information piling up. As time goes on, the database continues to collect clutter, making it nearly impossible for users to access data, or successfully implement integration technology.
An integration platform service eliminates this problem by allowing management to designate specific APIs for internal and external uses. This feature categorizes all stored data, enabling users to find and pull information easily.
5. Easily Develop New Components
The basis of many applications is dated technology that is connected using modern APIs. For example, social media and photo filters were available before Instagram, but this application was able to use an API integrator to combine these functions.
Even in modern application development, an API integration platform is used to collaborate existing services to create new innovative technology.
6. Save Time and Labor Costs
Without an API platform, data integration requires multiple employees to combine information from all existing systems manually. This process is time-consuming and requires businesses to pay hefty labor costs.
With an API integration platform, businesses can focus their time and capital on other efforts, such as business expansion.
7. Improve Overall Efficiency and Productivity
While traditional integrators require hours of maintenance from IT managers and software developers, API solutions significantly reduce time dedicated to data management. Instead, these departments can begin planning and creating new components that promote business scalability.
As modern API systems require less hands-on management, operational efficiency and productivity are enhanced with automated data sharing. Employees throughout a company can easily communicate with coworkers in or outside of their department and exchange real-time data.
Regardless of whether the API system is custom-built or third-party software, the developers are always on call in case any questions or concerns arise. This support improves customer experience and ensures help is available whenever needed.
As API systems have gained popularity over the past few years, businesses have also found that API integration platforms further enhance the systems' performance. Having access to real-time information from all solutions allows companies to have a broader scope of their operations.
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