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IT has many different names and terms that can confuse even the most experienced professional. Many of these terms are acronyms from English that refer to technological solutions with great utility for the business world.

That’s the case with APIs—Application Programming Interfaces—applications that bring a series of advantages to companies, including maximizing processes in apps and software.

An API is a set of routines and programming standards for accessing a software application or web-based platform. It integrates systems, enabling data security, easier exchange of information between different programming languages, and monetization of access.

In the era of the Internet of Things, new business models, and new applications, APIs have become fundamental tools that allow different systems and “things” to communicate.

You can think of an API as a “bridge” that connects one point to another. In other words, it’s a smart door programmed so developers can access certain data from an organization.

A widely used example is social network sign-up. Many sites use Facebook/Gmail information to register new users, such as TripAdvisor and Spotify. Through APIs, the site sends a command to the servers requesting the necessary information so the user can create an account in a simple way.

Without this resource, the site would have to develop, from scratch, registration forms, pages to create new accounts, and a database to store all that information. With APIs, it uses what it needs from Facebook/Gmail servers, retrieving only what is necessary to complete the registration.

It’s worth remembering that the more fields you request during sign-up or checkout, the greater the chance the customer will drop off.

Advantages of using APIs in companies

APIs are excellent tools in the business world—including startups—since most of these companies differentiate themselves through technological innovation.

Here are the main advantages of implementing APIs in companies:

Integration

APIs enable the integration and interaction of applications and software in a simplified way. They offer maximum content and information in a practical and functional digital environment.

Internal management optimization

APIs improve the level of internal management. Many generate custom reports automatically and provide management tools, among other features that help leadership define strategies.

Service customization

One of the main advantages of implementing APIs is the ability to offer personalized services and products to the end user. Through application integration, it’s possible to obtain user information without requiring the user to fill out any forms.

Where APIs are used

Many times we use an API without realizing there is an application there expanding the reach of a product or service.

Here are a few examples:

Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest)

You’ve probably noticed sharing buttons with social network icons or “log in with Facebook/Google/Twitter/etc.” requests on sites you visit.

These applications are advantageous not only for social networks, but for businesses of all types, because they generate engagement between the company and the public.

Online payments (PayPal, Cielo, PagSeguro, Moip)

APIs allow payments and transfers to be executed without having to leave the store’s website or the service provider’s page.

With this integration, the buyer doesn’t need to enter credit card data on the website—only a PayPal username and password to authorize the purchase.

Location (Google Maps, Foursquare)

Through API integration, it’s possible to create your own applications based on your company’s location.

APIs can also display topography and geography data and even help determine weather forecasts.

Communication and integrated services

This category includes a wide range of solutions that would be more complex without APIs. This is the case of SaaS or PaaS—services that offer complete solutions and are often fully composed of APIs.

Other everyday processes are also integrated through APIs:

• SMS confirmation for sign-up sent via an SMS gateway API;
• Saving an email attachment in Dropbox or Google Drive;
• Accessing Netflix through Smart TV apps.

Do you still have questions about using APIs in companies? Talk to X-Apps.