Why APIs Matter for a Business?

Earlier, APIs were mostly related to operating systems and desktop applications. But today, they are integral part of mobile technology, cloud computing, e-commerce, social media and many other major industries. The benefits of APIs are far beyond than just an application programming interface. Technically speaking, APIs allow two applications to share data and communicate with each other for different purposes and on different platforms. For computer programmers and web developers, it is a mere technology to enhance a feature or functionality, whereas for businesses they are effective tools to enhance business functionality of applications. Businesses are able to integrate API components into their websites or applications to come up with better business solutions and move into the markets they may not have considered.

How APIs can Increase Business Potential?

To stand out in competition it is essential that businesses need to develop capabilities that differentiate them from others. It’s a constant struggle for them to discover strategies that brings in new opportunities that adds value to their business. API strategy is one such thing that if effectively implemented organizations can delve into better prospects. Using APIs businesses can modify their existing website or app to accommodate new feature or functionality of their own. 

Third Party APIs Reduce Developer’s Efforts

APIs allow businesses to empower their site with latest data on their pages. They make it possible to share data from other programs or sites without the need for writing lengthy code. Just by embedding a suitable API, the sites can have the functionality of other programs.

Remote Storage

Using APIs, businesses can leverage the feature of cloud storage to their customers. If the business service requires offering remote storage to their customers, then API for cloud allows storage of files, docs and images. The customers can upload their files through cloud API and also access & work with them whenever needed.

Better User Interface 

By integrating third party APIs, businesses can provide enhanced experience to site customers. By embedding APIs in website or app, they can seamlessly integrate user interface components like search functionality, maps for geo-locations, audio & video streaming, graphics & animation and many other features.

Allows Customization 

To provide best possible experience for customers when they interact with website or app, it is critical that the information presented should be customized to their interest. Using APIs businesses can track user behaviours and customize content accordingly. By tracking customer previous visits, purchase history or their social media behaviour, business websites can present their products that are appropriate to them or send customized emails specific to their interest.

Reach Customers Through Different Devices

Today there is a massive shift in how customers are interacting with business sites. Many of them are using mobile devices & accessing through different platforms such as IOS, windows, Android etc. If companies are merely using websites for business, then they will be restricting their customer scope. Using APIs, they can now innovate into different platforms and devices to reach wider customer base.

Business Process Integration

There are many tools or services that help businesses automate their business process using APIs. These automation tools allow them to build efficient workflow and provide better service to their end users.  As an instance, there are some specific APIs that automatically add site users to the subscription list. This will reduce the effort of manually adding them to the potential customer database. For example, Twitter has launched an API for simplifying business advertising process. The feature will allow users to integrate their social media advertising with their social CRM tools.