In the world of business, efficiency is king. A delay of five minutes can be the difference between signing on a new client and losing them to your biggest competitor. When every minute counts, it’s crucial that you’re able to transfer data quickly and efficiently, whether it be between two departments or between you and a third party. That’s where API data integration comes in.
What is API integration?
API integration is the process of connecting applications or systems using Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs. To put it simply, API integrations allow two or more applications to exchange commands or data instead of requiring users to manually send the data as needed.
Types of APIs
There are many types of APIs. In general, APIs can be divided into four distinct categories:
Public API
Public API, also referred to as open or external APIs, are APIs available for public use. They’re easy to access and give developers a pre-existing starting point, but can be less secure due to their open nature. Social media bots that send an automated comment or message in response to a trigger event, such as the use of a specific keyword, utilize public APIs.
Partner API
Partner APIs are most frequently used for business-to-business interactions. They’re only made available to authorized users and require a clear access license. Amazon utilizes an integrated partner API called Selling Partner API (SP-API) in order to connect Amazon partners to ordering, payment, and shipping services.
Internal API
Internal APIs are used exclusively within a single business and are most frequently used to transfer sensitive data between departments. A business will often utilize an internal API in their sales team or HR department. A common form of internal API you’re probably familiar with is a cash register at a fast-food restaurant—after the cashier takes your order, it’s sent straight to the kitchen!
Composite API
Composite APIs combine two or more individual APIs to create a sequence of operations. Think of them as a “batch” API. In the same way someone at a warehouse might select items in batches, a composite API bundles several operations into one sequence. Amazon utilizes a composite API when you place an order by adding the item to your cart: creating the order, withdrawing money from a connected account or card, and so on.
How to Utilize API Integration
If you run a business, chances are you’re already using APIs whether you’re aware of it or not. But if you’re looking to streamline your workflow further, here are a few ways APIs can help:
Streamline Data Access
One of the greatest benefits of APIs is how they allow you to quickly send and access data. Whether it be internal communications, information from consumers, or third party exchanges, using an API to quickly transmit data is crucial.
Automate Processes
An API can allow you to schedule and automate tasks such as posts or scans based on preset triggers. For example, say you want to respond with a link to your support line whenever someone posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) that they’re having issues with your service. With an API, you can create a bot that posts a prewritten message to any comment that contains the appropriate keywords or key phrases, such as “having trouble” and the name of your service.
Combine Operations
As discussed earlier, a composite API can create a “batch” of operations in order to streamline a single process. This is particularly important for businesses that sell products online, as it allows you to carry out the transaction, create a receipt, and adjust the number of items in stock at once.
Protect Sensitive Info in Transit
Internal APIs allow you to transfer sensitive client data between departments with minimal risk of security breaches. While other APIs can be just as secure, it varies between types. Be sure to thoroughly review and understand the security risks involved with an API before you implement it!
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