APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have transformed how technology and businesses work together. In the early 2000s, pioneers like Amazon, eBay, and Salesforce made a big change by making web application interfaces standard. This reshaped how applications were developed and integrated, creating a network of open web APIs accessible to everyone. Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, shared what’s now known as the “Bezos API Mandate,” setting two critical rules: all software interfaces should be through APIs, and internal APIs should be designed like they were for outside use. These rules powered Amazon’s leap into externalizing its computing infrastructure and creating Amazon Web Services.
Now, in 2023, IT leaders have gained valuable insights into effective API development and use. The MACH Alliance, made up of almost 100 tech vendors, documented these lessons, putting a focus on microservices and APIs. Here are three vital principles that should guide every API strategy:
Start with an API-First Approach:
- Define APIs first, including what they do, what they need, and what they produce before writing other code.
- This way, organizations can build applications using loosely connected services, just like Lego blocks.
Create and Stick to an API Policy:
- A shared API policy ensures that different software pieces made by various teams, both internal and external, fit well together.
- It keeps things like who can access what, data format, and response times under control.
- The policy should treat all APIs the same, whether they’re meant for inside or outside use.
Build and Keep an API Catalog:
- Having a catalog of APIs is essential. It helps organizations decide whether they should build something themselves or get it from others.
- The catalog should be managed centrally, but the actual work can be done by individual or outside teams.
- A well-organized catalog and tools for finding APIs based on needs are important for making sure everything works well.
Following these principles, IT leaders can create a strong foundation for making sure APIs are easy to use, reliable, and adaptable for both the people who make them and the people who use them. These rules give a clear plan for a world full of possibilities and new ideas
