What is API-led Connectivity?
API-led connectivity approach is a methodical way of connecting data with applications through reusable and purposeful APIs. This approach changes the way IT operates and promotes decentralized access to data and capabilities, while not compromising on governance. API-led connectivity approach defines an operating model that could help businesses and companies organize their assets.
What are the APIs that enable API-led connectivity?
In the API connectivity approach, the APIs are based on three layers: System, Process, and Experience.
- System APIs- These APIs usually access core systems like ERP, billing, proprietary software, etc. It helps the users in getting users to the records of the systems and insulates them from any complexity or changes to the systems. The user doesn’t need to understand the working of the core systems to access data from it.
- Process APIs- A process API handles the logic and orchestration of the data. It doesn’t connect to core systems but with the system layer APIs to access data. The process APIs interact with one system or multiple systems and helps in breaking data silos.
- Experience layer APIs- These APIs help in reconfiguring the data as per the audience’s needs. Enterprise data will be accessed by many audiences. Some may need data in one format, for example, JSON while others may need in XML or any other format. Experience layer APIs take the data from a common source and transform the data in various formats
What are the business benefits of API-led connectivity?
It enables you to move fast on your first project, but then actually accelerate further from your second project onwards, due to reusable assets and a built-up organizational capability; API-led connectivity liberates resources, allowing you to innovate and to move quickly.
- Connect Anything- Modern business demands the breaking of data silos and smooth data flow across the organization. An API-led integration strategy is the best way to connecting systems, data and people.
- Reduce Time and Costs- The API assets you have created are reusable wherever required. Next time, you can use the APIs assets to accelerate your project development. This helps you save time and costs.
- Designed For Change- API connectivity offers you great flexibility as they are designed with future changes in mind. As businesses adopt new technologies, the API assets can be redesigned for the changes.
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