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Publicly available APIs increase integration capability

While software companies once provided integration plug-ins and custom code for their users and partners, the rapid expansion and growth of cloud applications means that providers cannot keep up with integration demand. Now, more and more software companies are helping users and other vendors do their own integrations. To allow for this, they’re providing publicly accessible application programming interfaces (APIs).

An API is is a set of rules, protocols, and code accompanying an application that describe how third-party programmers can interact with it.

The number of open cloud APIs has exploded over the past year, and will continue to grow through 2011. According to a recent report, API repository Programmable Web added 1019 APIs in 2010, twice as many as they added in 2009. According to the report, APIs from social networking sites were the most commonly added API type. The author expects that trend to only expand. He suggests 2011 may be “the year of the API.”

API growth may go beyond the enterprise as standards discussion continues

API growth may not be only limited to enterprise service providers. Adam Kleinberg at Mashable.com believes that every brand should have an API. As brands create applications with consumer appeal—the author references a collection of games from Kraft, for example—an open API can create value and spread utility through customer involvement.

While more and more unique APIs become available every day, open cloud APIs are also at the center of the cloud standards discussion. We discussed API standards with Mule CTO Ross Mason in December. Two weeks ago, API standards were discussed at the SOATalk blog. The author mentions that standardized APIs may create API lock-in.

Cloud computing still “the wild west” when it comes to standardization

We spoke recently with Ross Mason, CTO of open source enterprise service bus (ESB) provider MuleSoft. As an open source integration tool, the Mule ESB makes use of standards whenever possible. But Mason believes that standards for cloud integration will need a few years to mature.

“There’s a lot of discussions on many of the architecture boards around defining different standards for the cloud,” said Mason. “Unfortunately, I don’t think any of that is really going to take hold until we start seeing more widespread usage, and then we’ll see second generation where we might get more standardized.”

“It’s still the wild west,” added Mason.

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SaaS APIs play significant role in cloud application integration (GetApp Blog)

An application programming interface (API) is a technology that allows for one application to interact with others. In this blog post from application marketplace GetApp, the author explains why APIs play such an important role in SaaS integration: As companies look to integrate individual SaaS applications from different providers, they will rely on APIs to make that integration as smooth as possible. If a program lacks an accessible API, integrating it with others can be challenging.

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Cloud application adoption continues despite risks (Computer World)

This computer world article takes a broad look at cloud adoption trends. The article describes, among those of other users, the integration challenges of the CIO at a radiation monitor maker. The CIO needed to integrate Oracle ERP with Salesforce CRM. She chose a cloud-based data integration service provider over on-premise appliances to save money and prepare for future cloud integrations.

Celigo integrates NetSuite with Gmail (Press Release)

Cloud software and services provider Celigo today announced the availability of Celigo Gmail integration for NetSuite. The tool allows NetSuite users to to view and manage records within Gmail and attach messages to those records that will then be visible in NetSuite.

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