Reasons Why Your Business Needs API Integration

API is an acronym used for Application Programming Interface, which is basically a software intermediary that makes it easier for two applications to communicate with each other in a business setting. A good example of API can be given of whenever we use a mobile application to check the weather or a messaging app, the application sends data to the server via the internet. The server interprets that data and performs the necessary task before sending the retrieved data back to your phone where the information is presented to you in real-time.

This is what an API is used for. When it comes to business applications, the use of API integration is critical for multiple reasons. Keeping that in mind, the following are just some of the advantages of API integration for modern enterprise IT. When it comes to data, businesses in the modern world use it daily to complete crucial processes. It’s for this reason why the following benefits are so helpful.

Better Connection to Cloud Apps

There are tens of thousands of cloud apps that are being used for various enterprise IT functions. In fact, research has shown that, on average, companies use at least 6 cloud apps to carry out various tasks within an organization, whether it’s Office 365, Google Apps, or some other application. So, it’s safe to say that since the use of cloud apps has permeated the business landscape, businesses need to move away from the use of legacy integration technology such as enterprise service buses.

Since the majority of the apps have now been relocated to the cloud, it is no longer feasible to keep the platform that connects all of these clouds locked behind a firewall. However, by using an API integration platform that operates on the cloud, businesses can connect with cloud APIs that are secure, faster, and more efficient.

Get the Best of Both Worlds When Using an API Integration Platform

Smart accounts management is the key to running an efficient business. The typical finance department of an organization has everything from accounts to billing payouts and taxes under its purview. Traditionally, the tools that finance departments of organizations have had to use have been mediocre at best as compared to the latest, more efficient cloud solutions. Not to mention, these outdated finance tools are expensive to use, along with having a steep learning curve.

This is where using best-of-breed accounts and financial solutions come in. More and more businesses are now putting together their own platforms by choosing the tools that work for them best. This has only been made possible thanks to the use of API integration platforms that allow the departments to efficiently connect with the best cloud apps to create their own sleek and efficient stack.

Create New, Customized Apps

With the use of API integration platforms, companies now have the power to create their own API with just a few clicks from an existing API integration platform. For most businesses, it is much more economical to create their own API protocols instead of relying on a SaaS vendor. This helps businesses save both time and money by leveraging their daily tasks with the most efficient technology tools available. It also reduces a business’s dependency on its SaaS provider.

Get the Most Out of Legacy Data Sources

Part of the problem that many businesses face is that the older data that they’ve curated through the years lies dormant and unused somewhere in their databases. This is mainly because in businesses, and especially older ones, the data that’s collected is often difficult to access and integrate with newer systems. The use of API integration platforms changes this forever. With the help of API integration platforms, businesses are now able to retrieve previously inaccessible information in their databases and use it for various purposes, such as creating business logic, workflows, and as a measurement metrics.

Creates a More Strategic Team

Those companies in which API creation is carried out manually often experiences various hindrances and bottlenecks in their productivity. This is mainly caused due to the fact that these companies require a dedicated team of IT staff who are there to make sure that every department within the organization is running efficiently. On the other hand, those companies that are lacking in enterprise departments and integrated stacks have no choice but to hire more staff to make sure that their apps are functioning properly.

All these challenges could easily be mitigated by an API integration platform. In fact, having a solid API integration platform in place can free up IT and developer teams who can then focus on other areas of the IT infrastructure in an organization. Apart from that, the use of an API integration platform also means you need fewer staff to ensure that all departments of an organization remain productive.

Improve Productivity

Using an API integration platform serves a huge advantage for the IT department of a company mainly because the time which would be spent on the creation, management and maintenance of the APIs can be spent on other areas of making the company more efficient.

An API integration platform is not only useful for the IT department of an organization but can also offer a number of benefits to other departments as well. The use of an API integration platform makes it possible for both large and small organizations to create stacks and manage their own APIs efficiently.

More Control Over APIs

Even when the API is created by a third party, its management and maintenance often fall on the IT department of an organization. As the use of various APIs continue to grow, it makes if difficult for the IT staff or companies to keep track of the various APIs that are in use. This can lead to having to carry out expensive and time-consuming tasks. With an API integration platform, companies are able to reduce the administrative tasks by using an efficient and powerful API integration platform.