APIs: A Strategy Guide

Chapter 2. APIs as a Business Strategy

If you live in the world of technology, you probably don’t need much convincing that APIs are an important trend with significant business impact. But if you are not immersed in the world of technology, it may not be as obvious why APIs matter to your business.

APIs are breaking out into more and more business arenas every day. The arguments we present in this chapter should help demonstrate to those outside the world of technology the importance of APIs. We also intend to offer a script for prime influencers that must convince others about the value of adopting an API strategy.

Today, we are seeing an explosion in consumption models. Why? Largely because of apps and mobile devices. We are rapidly moving from about a billion laptops with web browsers to as many as a trillion connected devices with apps by 2020, if we go by De Beer’s estimate. Most companies are seeing their customers move quickly beyond browser-based web apps. If you want to continue to be successful—or even stay in business—you need to be where your customers are!

Figure 2-1. The explosion of consumption models

Additionally, the pace of change is faster than ever. Markets are changing so fast that you can’t spend enough time to calculate market size, conduct focus groups, plan, develop, launch because by the time you do, the market niche may be gone or fundamentally ...