Like most organizations today, you are probably looking to optimize your business model. As API technologies become more advanced, with promising new functionalities, enterprises of all sizes should be aiming to embrace the utility of APIs within their wider technology strategy.

You first need to consider why you want to start an API initiative. Perhaps to expand your reach and gain new customers, government and industry standards require APIs, or you are urged on by competitive threats. For some businesses, APIs can be the missing piece when compatibility and structural concerns arise. Regardless, APIs are coming to your industry, and you need to be prepared.

Many enterprises have adopted APIs; however, it all comes down to whether or not they are “doing” them well enough. Continually checking in with APIs across the API Lifecycle means your organization can have a degree of connectivity like no other. Here’s how to know if you are ready to enter the API ecosystem and eventually scale with APIs.

1. You have a problem to solve

Firstly, question why you are executing an API initiative. What solutions do APIs offer for your company? You must identify a clear problem, rather than just implementing APIs for the sake of innovation.

Many companies are deciding to move to a microservice architectural style for their application architecture. APIs are a natural extension to microservices, providing security and access controls. If you’ve been considering this move, APIs offer an immediate solution.

Another example is that Walmart provides its developers with an API-driven cloud platform to speed time to market. The platform offers on-demand access to resources, including storage, databases, and web servers. Through the use of APIs, Walmart can reach new markets, obtain new customers, and generate new revenue.

2. You are defining your API program drivers

Today, an enterprise can’t remain competitive within their industry if they don’t have a formal API strategy. You want to treat APIs like products, and they must align with company capabilities. Therefore, if you are making a plan for API design a priority, you are ready to deploy APIs from scratch or scale with them.

Every API strategy also has a cultural component: APIs will be a significant part of your product ecosystem and will require more in-depth work within your company. If you adopt a design-first API development culture early on, you can quickly accelerate collaboration. And a platform rather than a project-based approach to API management helps make adoption more efficient and developer-friendly.

3. You know what applications APIs need to integrate with

The process of stacking up the perfect blend of different APIs with varying computer languages is known as API integration – and it is a top trend for 2022.

An API without any integrations is like a car without fuel; it may look good, but it won’t be very functional. APIs need to be able to accept integrations and integrate with other APIs. Companies must analyze the complex requirements for chaining and transforming the incoming and outgoing data across these integrations before adopting APIs or wanting to scale further.

Alternatively, API management platforms provide an easy interface for companies to connect different APIs to their ecosystem. API Lifecycle management is important for providing the flexibility of integration between APIs with internal and external environments.

4. You are considering API management platforms for enhanced security

Another sign that shows your readiness is your awareness of adhering to guidelines and standards and potential security issues API implementation could cause. An API management platform, like APIwiz, with built-in templates, could help as the standardization reduces complex issues or security breaches while increasing reusability and fostering more resilient API architectures.

Good governance is part of API-first thinking, which is essential for enterprises undergoing digital transformation or looking to expand their operations.

5. You want to maximize API capabilities

If you find you are looking for ways to expand functionality by integrating new apps or adding features to APIs, you are ready to scale with API products. At APIwiz, we’d always recommend considering reusing APIs at an early stage, instead of always building something new with a range of developers who follow different techniques.

Also, you may be considering opening your API to the public. This gives you the chance to turn your API into a new revenue stream, and third-party developers also make use of public APIs in unexpected ways (like ride-sharing systems and third-party authentication).

6. You view training staff as essential

Skilled developers are lacking as demand outstrips supply in the hiring market. But as businesses continue with their digital transformations, they could benefit from upskilling workers rather than searching in sparse pools for new talent. If you’re working towards greater training, you are setting yourself up for successful API implementation.

Look to leverage solutions such as low-code, easy-to-use software that reduces friction and helps improve productivity. API management platforms maximize the investment companies make by equipping them with the tools to scale and start their next chapters.

APIwiz helps enterprises remain competitive today, and prepares you for future success in the API economy. Try it for free!