When we talk about the world of Web development, APIs or application programming interfaces are part of different program components.

APIs allow products or services to interact with many other components. It is a tool that can greatly simplify the development process of an application or marketplace. Even if Internet users are not closely linked to the API, they can still actively participate through the use of Internet services.

But what is the actual use of the application programming interface in the marketplace environment?

 

Why is the API so important?

For many years now, the use of APIs has been on the rise, but now it is becoming a crucial and strategic issue for companies. Why are they so important?

Before we explain why APIs are so important, let’s go back in time and find out what an API really is.

In the field of IT (Information Technology), APIs are key tools for companies in all sectors. Indeed, from its acronym Application Programming Interface, it is a solution that allows the interconnection between different information systems and the exchange of information.

The main reason why the API is so important in the markets is that it allows innovation to take place quickly. There are few barriers to change and more and more people who can contribute to success. This is all the more reason because it also offers a double advantage: The company with an API can create better products and stand out from the competition. Finally, it makes monetization much easier.

The API in the context of marketplace software

Because of the intermediation between their interlocutors, marketplaces have to interact with a large number of parties of various kinds (sellers, suppliers, customers, flow managers, payment intermediaries, etc.) via the Internet.

It is therefore necessary for them to ensure communication between these different parties. To control their ecosystem, service management becomes an important issue for marketplaces and they must therefore integrate the API into their system.

The API is composed of a library of application components that facilitates and enables the programming of an application. It also provides out-of-the-box functionality without the need to know how its components work.

Regarding the Origami Marketplace API, it respects development standards (JSON REST api) with OAuth 2.0 authentication. Its components are simple and intuitive and contain documentation. As for the API, it integrates a paging, filtering and sorting system on the majority of endpoints to facilitate its integration.

API & Integration

API integration is a process of connecting two or more applications to “talk” to each other. This can involve applications performing a common function or simply exchanging information to ensure data integrity.

Companies use all kinds of applications, including SaaS platforms for example, enterprise software (ERP) and internal software. All these applications need to work together to ensure the success of the business.

Therefore, API integration is the solution that allows you to automate these applications and also to automatically trigger updates whenever data is changed within an application. It also allows you to maintain your main database for reporting and analysis.

APIs give an entry to information and functionality of other systems. In addition, they have many features such as being secure and monitorable.

This tool has become essential to the successful integration of systems by adding value to an organisation as it allows it to monetise assets, comply with new regulations and finally to foster innovation by providing access to company resources.

In conclusion, the API is becoming a crucial tool for riding the digital age. While companies are integrating IOT and many other smart technologies into their ecosystems, success lies in the adoption of API-based strategies.

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