We hear about APIs increasingly as apps and Saas increase their influence on a customer's digital experience. But what are the value of APIs? Let's look at some basics to learn how they can be best managed from an analytics or business intelligence perspective.
APIs are programming protocols. They are provided by the developer of a source app or software. Their purpose is to increase development based upon an application or software, allowing additional services. Twitter is a great example. From Tweetdeck to Vine, there a hundreds of applications that rely on the API access. APIs data can take a number of standard programming formats, such as JSON or XML. (The calls to API typically take SOAP or REST protocol)
So for a developing business, what should be considered when examining an API to be used.
1. What is in the library?
Knowing the protocol included in an API sounds basic, but its formats and protocols can indicate what development is possible for a dashboard. Can the delivered data be rendered in a Javascript code or compatible for a plugin? The answer can stimulate ideas for improving reporting elements in a dashboard and determining ongoing technical needs.
2. What can you do with the data in a controlled manner?
This questions extends the first into the programming specifics that underlies the API. For example, ask "What is the rate limit for pulling data?" Twitter notes 150 calls per hour. This limits "real-time" to a certain extent and forms the reporting quality and specifications that can take place. This question is a critical one if app development is involved; it can indicate what kinds of "mashups" that can be developed.
3. How is the life cycle of this API maintained?
Are there updates or support from the platform offering the API? Examine what development support is available. APIs should to be easy to understand and document so that your business understand what should be highlighted as well as how to adjust reporting over time.
Ultimately APIs extended web presence to be useful. But understanding the data involved can provide the right means to manage the data over time and make your business as productive as it can be.
