If you have a website for your business, one of the most important things you need to consider to make your site successful is website API integration. What is an API and why do you need it? An API is an application programming interface and it is a set of rules and specifications that software programs and web applications can follow to communicate or “interface” with each other. Integrating APIs into your website means you’ll be able to connect all of your business software to make your business function more seamlessly and it means your customers will have access to web applications through your site that will make their interaction with your business easier and more successful.
Why You Need Web APIs
In the past ten years there has been an explosion in the number of web APIs – APIs for either a web server or a web browser. According to ProgrammableWeb, one of the largest online API directories and resources, their directory listed only 105 web APIs at the end of 2005. By the end of 2011, there were 4,000 APIs listed. As of February 2016, there are over 14,000 APIs on the directory. What does that mean for you and your website API integration? It means that you now have over 14,000 ways to connect your site to web applications that can help you to reach customers and access customer data, both of which will lead to increased visibility and increased profitability.
A Web API For Every Need
The most popular categories of web APIs are travel, mapping, music, social, ecommerce, sports, financial, photos, search and video. Within these categories, there are a number of up-and-coming APIs like Metwit, for weather updates and information, Riot Games, developer of League of Legends and TripIt, for travel itinerary and trip organization, along with more recognizable names like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, YouTube, Uber, WordPress and Flickr.
The Benefits Of Web APIs
For web developers, web APIs allow advanced functionality and features to be integrated into the websites they create (along with greater customization and flexibility). For end users, a good web API increases the usefulness of a website and makes it more interactive and more fun to visit. For API providers, a good web API will help to build brand loyalty, increase interest in the provider’s products and services, increase website traffic and provide useful tools to customers.
Axis Software Dynamics
To find out more about website API integration and how it can help your business to succeed online, call us at Axis Software Dynamics at (469) 535-7500 or visit us online at axissoftwaredynamics.com.
