API Integration Platforms: All You Need to Know

Given just how closely most companies worldwide have come to rely on a complex network of systems to run their operations, a growing need for API integration platforms has been felt. They are just platforms that help connect two or more software via their APIs (application programming interfaces). This enables applications to exchange data with each other. The API integration acts as a driving force for companies across many industries to help organizations synchronize data, collaborate more effectively and create new software solutions for businesses.

Further, API integration of platforms allow businesses to communicate information between multiple APIs. For instance, if a business with an eCommerce API can also set up internal operations API, as well as a marketing API. And, the information from all of these APIs could be integrated by using an API integration management platform.

Now, let us move on to see exactly why we need API integration platforms:

1. Extract data from existing databases: It goes without saying that companies that have been around a while have historic data that is, more often than not, simply stashed away in some database where it does not really serve any purpose. Interestingly, the not-serving-a-purpose bit about such data is owing to the inability to access said old data and integrate into their newer systems. API integration platforms are able to help in this regard by offering up APIs that ease the process of extracting data from such databases, etc.
2. Enhanced productivity: One of the most compelling benefits of API integration platforms is that they deliver a significant boost to productivity. They deliver this benefit by tending to the tasks of creation, management, and fixing APIs, thus allowing employees to focus on the more important and productive aspects of their jobs.
3. Secure data: New-age integration platforms offer plenty of features and infrastructure to ensure the integrity as well as security of your data. Furthermore, the new lot of options available in the market empower companies with the ability to seamlessly access data from a variety of systems albeit without risking bugs, data loss, etc.

Now, let us also take a quick look at the cost and features of some of the leading API integration platforms:

1. Apigee: A Google offering, Apigee comes loaded with a plethora of features and functionalities, including the ability to build modern apps, to glean actionable insights, etc. This enterprise-grade offering is available with customized pricing plans.
2. Microsoft Azure API management: This multi-faceted platform offers features such as serverless API management, automated scaling, and instant provisioning among others. Use it for microservices management or publishing APIs to external as well as internal customers. For costs, you can check out the company’s pricing calculator.
3. Oracle API platform: With this one’s design-first approach to creating APIs, the Oracle API platform offers a collaborative set up, role-based access, analytics dashboard, etc. As for pricing, companies have a lot of flexibility since Oracle offers pay as you use, monthly flex, and non-metered monthly payment options.

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, a quick overview of the purpose API integration platforms can serve for your organization and some of the leading options currently available in the market. As you can see, API integrations are crucial to the functioning of any modern business, no matter the industry they may be operating in. So, if you too want to make the best of your systems and what APIs have to offer, you ought to now start looking for a trusted service provider to help you with that. And as you look for vendors, we also recommend that you start putting together an application integration strategy. This will go a long way in accelerating the process and also ensuring the success of your efforts.