What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. The basic function of an API is that it allows different software programs to interact with each other and mold their best features together. An API is used to enhance these features and add to the functionality of both applications. For example, a search on Yelp or other mobile applications that integrates with Google Maps brings back results along with their locations. There is an API that connects Yelp and Google Maps together to integrate their systems with each other and display where a restaurant is along with its review. Without API’s, mobile apps, social media, ecommerce and many more online industries would not be as advanced as they are today.

Why do API’s matter for a business?

So why are they so important? Most companies today have several software systems - one for accounting, CRM, sales, etc. Giving the software the ability to work together is becoming increasingly important for both synergy and financial reasons. It also can help simplify incredibly difficult or time-consuming tasks into much easier processes.

Companies have also realized the possibilities API’s can provide for their customers, and have created their own tools to enhance their own systems. Twitter just launched an API that will allow users to integrate their social media advertising with their social CRM tools and simplify the advertising process. For MyCommerce, our API’s are designed to help our clients automate many of the processes that were formerly done manually. Our customers will have the option to fully integrate with our systems without requiring them to log into a web browser, and will give customers complete control over their stores and the ability to create their own environment.

With API’s, developers can quickly and inexpensively launch useful tools to benefit both the business and their customers'.  With an increasing number of businesses creating and adopting API’s into their systems, the best is yet to come.