Flexibility and scalability are key
Competing in uncertain times of rapid and often unforeseen change requires scalable and highly flexible business computing systems. As global consulting leader McKinsey sees it, application programming interfaces are quickly emerging as a central element of digital transformation.
Able to link systems and data, APIs can play a mission-critical role in making business systems more adaptable and responsive and, therefore, a key element in speeding business response.
An API defines how computer system components or entire systems can interact with a different software component or system. Because they specify how the different components relate and integrate with each other, APIs can also be thought of as a set of rules and routines and tools for building software applications.
For example, there are many companies globally that supply business and financial information to banks, investors, mutual fund companies, and so on. Frequently, these information providers have been around for a while, as have parts of their IT infrastructure.
To get information from their hybrid infrastructures out to clients fast enough to support business decisions, the service providers will often deploy an API strategy. They use APIs to directly tap into different data sources, gather the data into a central hub and then share it with clients at the speed of business.
Download this whitepaper to learn:
- Top reasons for embracing APIs
- How APIs boost self-service for customers
- Automating business practices with APIs
