Many Australian organisations may find it a challenge when it comes to designing an effective long-term API strategy that allows for continuous evolution in terms of product and service delivery. 

Companies really need to have a good mix of both tangible (skills and resources) and intangible (creativity and innovation) assets to deal with complex and changing application environments. The optimal strategy will allow for the ongoing ability to seamlessly deliver a variety of experiences to users – via cloud-based solutions, consumer applications, data analytics or mobile applications.

Keeping pace with digital business 

During the 2015 Gartner Application Architecture, Integration and Development Summit, conference chair Brian Prentice suggested the two main factors driving companies to change how they develop applications are digital business and rapid changes in IT.

"The digital world is forcing organisations to evolve and change at a much faster rate than ever before," said Mr Prentice.

"If an organisation is moving at a certain pace or level, the IT organisation has to match that rhythm."

Embracing the mobile environment

According to a Deloitte survey, smartphones are now the device of choice for Australians connecting to the internet – especially for those aged under 55. 

There are about 15 million mobile devices in the country and nearly 80 per cent of us have at least one. Therefore it's little surprise that mobile application development is a major focus for Australian companies – it was ranked as the third-highest priority for discretionary spending by CIOs in 2016, up from sixth place in 2015 – according to Gartner's annual CIO survey.

At a recent IT expo, David Willis, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner, revealed his thoughts on the future of mobile technology.

"The future of mobile will provide ubiquitous services delivered anywhere, by any person or thing, to any person or thing," said Mr Willis.

"While users are constantly looking for new and compelling app experiences, the importance of apps in delivering services will diminish and the emergence of virtual personal assistants (VPAs) and bots will replace some of the functions performed by apps today." 

"Alternative approaches to interaction and service delivery will arise, and code will move from traditional mobile devices and apps to the cloud," he added.

How should companies implement a future-proofed API?

First, companies should closely monitor developments in mobile technology, so that contingency plans and strategies can be adapted when needed. Any API strategy should have a significant focus on mobile applications that can interact with other platforms such as cloud-based solutions or Internet of Things (IoT).

Much of the innovation happening in the mobile space isn't inside the devices themselves. Rather, it's the things they communicate with. Gartner estimates that a quarter of new mobile apps will talk to IoT devices by 2018.

"The app will be the preferred mechanism, because it provides a better experience and allows more sophisticated interactions and data analysis, with low-level networking and background processing," said Mr Willis.

Looking further forward to 2020 and beyond, several trends are challenging the dominance of apps.

"As new technologies grow in importance as a way to control and interact with things, app interfaces will fade," Mr Willis said.

When designing an API strategy, a strong emphasis should be placed upon measures that will help to increase enterprise mobility, streamline existing systems, and identify new streams of revenue. Cost factors to be taken into account include the number of developers required, innovation and technology costs.

An API can be deployed in a variety of ways – either on-premise only, through a private cloud or through a hybrid of both. On-premise deployment offers an organisation a high degree of ownership and more control of its data and technology. In contrast, firms that have implemented cloud-based APIs benefit by not needing to worry about upgrades or geographic restrictions.

How ANATAS can help your organisation 

ANATAS strongly recommends that you align your API and corporate strategies, and develop an infrastructure that enables customer engagement via multiple channels, raises brand awareness and increases revenue. You should avoid feeling complacent. Even if you are currently using top-shelf technology, your business could be impacted if you choose an API model that doesn't suit.

ANATAS would recommend that Australian companies implement a hybrid cloud IT architecture that can easily integrate distinct cloud solutions, platforms and services. Involving a mix of public and privately hosted cloud services, the hybrid cloud model is very flexible, and aligns well with governance, compliance and security goals.

At ANATAS, we are dedicated to working with you to understand your API management needs. We invite you to get in touch with our expert consultants who will talk to you and help develop a strategy that fits in with your existing systems and future business objectives.