API Integration Services
Connectivity is the keyword of our days. Whether we like it or not, we are surrounded by devices that communicate with each other. In the world of software development, components interact and “communicate” with each other, thereby enabling the construction of more complex solutions. Thanks to APIs, two or more independent systems can work together and achieve results that would otherwise not be possible.
In light of this, nowadays, a good API is no longer just an ideal technology to implement; it has become a mandatory element without which an application or platform could not be developed correctly and used to its true capacity.
What is an API integration?
API (Application Program Interface) can be understood as a specific set of protocols, tools, code specifications and routines that are used to determine how software components should interact . It is an interface that allows communication between two or more programs, devices, data or services.
A good metaphor is that the API is a helpful waiter that connects the restaurant table to the kitchen, tells the kitchens what customers have ordered, and brings them when they’re ready – even though the waiter himself doesn’t prepare no food, without this connection it would not be possible to eat, i.e. to collaborate and have a two-way conversation.
Why is the API so important?
You may not believe that programmers are artists, but programming is an extremely creative profession. It's creativity based on logic.- John Romero
Custom API development or using Open API?
Each operating system, each website or application can have its own set of APIs. Usually, operating environments such as Windows, Google Maps, Twitter, Facebook or Amazon provide APIs to facilitate the writing of applications by third parties, but using their solutions. These public tools are called Open APIs and you can access them without restrictions. There are over 15000 such APIs!
Another type of API would be a Partner API, where specific permissions or licenses are required to use them. Some APIs are also used internally by certain organizations or companies to improve their products and services. Others, such as composite APIs, combine different data APIs and services, running synchronously without a systematic request. They all have a very important role in communication and interconnection.
Benefits of integrating an API
Developer benefits
Thanks to API integration services, it is much easier to build a solution robust software, because the components are provided in advance. Since independent functionalities do not rely on their implementations, it is possible to develop them without compromising each other. This translates into increased development speed and a possibility to reuse complex but repetitive processes. The same with the integration of data and applications in the backend, which thanks to the implementation of the API are easy to do.
Benefits for your business
Since implementing the API is a direct productivity boost for the team and a huge time saver, developers can focus on the most important aspects of each sprint, quickly delivering business value. Thus, the range of API integration services becomes a tool used to expand business capabilities. APIs enable organizations to grow faster than ever before, reducing technology barriers and simply innovating faster.
What API technologies do we use:
When it comes to public APIs, the most popular and therefore commonly used are Web Service APIs, which use WWW addresses (say URL- uri) to provide access to the services behind them. Here are the four most popular Web Service APIs:
SOAP
XML-RPC
SJSON-RPC
REST
SOAP
SOAP uses XML as its default data transfer format. It defines the message structure and communication methods. SOAP publishes a definition of its interface using the Web Services Definition Language. It is feature-driven and has very strict rules and advanced security to follow. It also requires more bandwidth compared to other solutions.
XML-RPC
SOAP uses XML as its default data transfer format. It defines the message structure and communication methods. SOAP publishes a definition of its interface using the Web Services Definition Language. It is feature-driven and has very strict rules and advanced security to follow. It also requires more bandwidth compared to other solutions.
SJSON-RPC
JSON-RPC is a remote procedure call protocol written in JSON, a simple data exchange format. Instead of using an XML format to transfer data, this protocol uses JSON. Although it is focused solely on data, it only supports text and numbers and is known for being less secure. But if performance is your major goal, then this is the way to go, not to mention the simplicity and consistency of this method.
REST
REST is not a protocol, it is a set of data-driven architectural principles that have certain characteristics. It includes simple interfaces, quite easy to identify within the required resources. REST also allows manipulation of these resources, and at the same time, REST usage guidelines are quite clear and allow flexibility in the development process. Last but not least, REST uses a minimum of allocated bandwidth.
ZONK Digital – Your partner in API integration services
API is a mandatory link between systems and devices, which undoubtedly brings a lot of benefits. Because the API is critical for both developers and the customer, it’s important to work on its implementation with a partner who understands both worlds at the same time and has what it takes to ensure these dots are connected.
At ZONK Digital we are aware of the significant impact of APIs in your business. At the end of the day, we are business people too. At the same time, we are tech savvy and proficient when it comes to software development. Because of this, we make it easy to leverage the benefits of technology on your business as well. Our experience and work ethic, together with a culture of open communication, are excellent skills that you benefit from when you cooperate with us.
What Our Clients Think About the Provided Services
Our clients opinions' are crucial to us, serving as the ultimate validation of our work. Each review is analyzed constructively, always seeking to improve the services we offer and the B2B relationship we build together with our partners.
OPERATIONS & PARTNER MANAGER @ ERP RISK ADVISORS
Thanks to ZONK Digital’s work, the website loaded in under two seconds, had better security and analytics dashboards, and achieved a 70 score on PageSpeed Insights out of the box. The team provided excellent availability and met a tight deadline. Their focus on improvement and creativity stood out.
EXECUTIV DIRECTOR @ DESTINE BROKER
The new websites were received well and helped increase traffic by 80% and revenue by 40%. ZONK Digital communicated effectively and kept the project moving forward efficiently, while their excellent customer service contributed to the positive experience. Their site was easy to use and intuitive.
MARKETING & COMMUNITY MANAGER @ VASTINT
We highly recommend ZONK’s services, both for their work approach and promptness in addressing all the company’s needs, and for the professional and extremely friendly team, always eager to provide you with the best advice! Keep up the good work, guys!
ADMINISTRATOR @ UNSICAR
Great collaboration, and I hope we can extend it to other projects as well. I received a perfect 10+ website, and even though there were a few minor hiccups in communication, the result is exceptional.
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