API Services: What They Are and Why You...

API services are interfaces that provide a program with a description of how to interact with a system in order to retrieve and/or change the data within it. API stands for Application Programming Interface, and it is a common way for applications to communicate with each other in a standardized and secure manner.

API services can be used for various purposes, such as:

• Integrating different applications and platforms
• Automating workflows and processes
• Enhancing user experience and functionality
• Accessing data and resources from external sources
• Creating new products and services

In this blog post, we will explore what API services are, how they work, and what benefits they offer to developers and businesses.

How do API services work?

API services work by following a set of rules and protocols that define how data is exchanged between applications. The application that sends a request to access or modify data is called the client, and the application that responds to the request is called the server.

There are different types of API services, depending on how they are designed and implemented. Some of the most common ones are:

SOAP APIs: These APIs use Simple Object Access Protocol, which is a standard for exchanging structured data using XML. SOAP APIs are less flexible and more complex than other types of APIs, but they offer high security and reliability.

RPC APIs: These APIs are called Remote Procedure Calls, which allow the client to execute a function or procedure on the server. The server then returns the output or result to the client. RPC APIs are fast and efficient, but they can be difficult to scale and maintain.

Websocket APIs: These APIs use Websocket protocol, which enables two-way communication between the client and the server. The server can send messages to the client without waiting for a request, which makes Websocket APIs more responsive and interactive than other types of APIs.

REST APIs: These are the most popular and flexible APIs on the web today. REST stands for Representational State Transfer, which is an architectural style that defines a set of functions or methods that clients can use to access or manipulate data on the server. REST APIs use HTTP protocol, which is the same protocol used for web browsing. REST APIs are easy to use, scalable, and compatible with different platforms and languages.

What are the benefits of API services?

API services offer many benefits to developers and businesses, such as:

Improved collaboration: API services enable integration between different applications and platforms, which can improve workflow efficiency and data sharing. For example, an e-commerce site can use an API service to connect with a payment system, a shipping service, and a customer relationship management system.

Accelerated innovation: API services allow access to data and functionality from external sources, which can inspire new ideas and solutions. For example, a travel app can use an API service to get information from various airlines, hotels, and attractions, and offer personalized recommendations to users.

Reduced development time and cost: API services simplify the development process by providing ready-made functionality and data that can be reused across multiple applications. For example, a weather app can use an API service to get weather data from a weather bureau, instead of creating its own weather database.

Increased security and reliability: API services provide a secure and reliable way of transferring data between applications, by using encryption, authentication, authorization, and error-handling mechanisms. For example, an online banking app can use an API service to verify user identity and protect sensitive information.

How to use API as a Service?

API as a Service is a platform or tool that offers support for designing and deploying API services. API as a Service provides two key elements:

• The ability to build, test, and deploy one’s API services
•  The ability to connect an application with third-party APIs

API as a Service platforms typically offer features such as:

• A graphical user interface or code editor for creating custom API services
• A library of pre-built API services for common tasks or functions
• A dashboard or console for managing and monitoring API services
• A documentation or tutorial for explaining how to use API services

Some examples of popular API as a Service platform are:

AWS: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform that offers various services for building and hosting applications on the web. AWS provides several tools for creating and managing API services, such as AWS Lambda (for serverless computing), AWS API Gateway (for creating RESTful APIs), AWS AppSync (for creating GraphQL APIs), AWS Amplify (for building mobile and web apps), etc.

Microsoft: Microsoft API services are web services that allow developers to access Microsoft cloud service resources, such as Azure, Office 365, and Bing. You can use Microsoft APIs to add features like image search, spell check, email, calendar, and more to your applications.

How Enkay can help?

API services are essential for modern software development and innovation. They enable applications to exchange data and functionality in a standardized and secure way.

Enkay’s API as a Service is a platform that offers support for designing and deploying API services. API as a Service provides the ability to build, test, and deploy one’s own API services, as well as the ability to connect an application with third-party APIs.

We use Microsoft Azure Integration Services (AIS), which includes API Management, Logic Apps, Service Bus, and Event Grid, to build scalable, secure, and reliable solutions for our customers. We can also help you with B2B integrations using industry-standard protocols like AS2, X12 EDI, and EDIFACT, as well as serverless applications, cloud-based ERP, MRP, and CRM systems.