7 Features every API / Integration Project must have.

Introduction

When it comes to integration projects, whether you are doing it via API calls or Webhooks calls, you should have the following critical specifications for it to be successful. Some technical leaders underestimate the criticality of integration projects, while others will not view it as a critical project at all.

In this article I'm going to go over the most important specifications / features you should look for when starting an integration project.

Why build an integration layer?

This section is for those who are wondering why you need to have an integration layer! , well, most companies tend to use many different solutions to leverage their overall capabilities. For example, they may use an MS Dynamics HR system, while their Finance system could be running on another 3rd party type of system. In this example, in order for the HR system to run their payroll process, they will need information from the Finance System, and this will require an integration between both systems, otherwise there will be a huge daily or weekly or monthly type of work that the IT department need to do in order to make sure the data is being transferred correctly between both systems.

So, what are the main specifications & scope we shall consider?

Development Specifications & Scope:

1- Integration (Real-Time Integration);

It's critical to have real-time integration for all critical types of applications. Thus, it should support event or transaction-based integrations that react to changes in real-time

2- API Designer;

Many of the new API integration tools provide web-based interface/s for designing, documenting, and testing APIs.

3- Flow Designer;

Having a flow designer will enable the R&D team to roll out a system with higher quality integrations and better coverage of the business integration needs. Such capability will allow for integration development through the visual development of integration logic flows.

Integration options?

4- Pre-Built Connectors;

Having pre-built connectors will expedite the R&D process, so that time to release / deployment will be much faster, shortening the overall R&D lifecycle. So, I believe having a pre-built API-platform templates, and examples, will make the overall development and deployment much faster and less buggy.

Management

5- Custom Connectors:

In this paragraph, we will be discussing API Custom Connectors. Custom connectors allow you to extend the functionality of your application with third-party services without having to write any code. This can be useful if you want to add new features or integrate with an existing service. API Custom Connectors can be used to connect to a variety of services, including but not limited to social networks, email, and cloud storage.

APIs catalog

API catalogs act as a directory of all the available APIs, which makes it easier for developers to find what they need. However, there are many big names that have built their own API catalogs, such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Therefore, you can check those API Catalogs and learn from them how you can build your own corporate API catalog. This will lure us into the following question: So, what are the benefits of having an API catalog?

The benefits of using an API catalog can be many. Not only can it save time by allowing developers to access specific functions in a centralized location, but it can also help to streamline processes and improve communication. By providing a single point of entry for management and access to APIs, companies can reduce the need for multiple support teams and offer a more efficient customer experience.

6- Reusable connectors

Reusable connectors can have a number of benefits. First, they can save time. By using reusable connectors, you can reduce the amount of time that you need to create new connections. This is because you can reuse the existing connections that are already in place.

Second, reusable connectors can improve the quality of your work. This is because you can reuse the existing connections that are already in place. This means that you can avoid making mistakes that can occur when you are making new connections. You can also avoid having to redo work that has already been done.

7- Security Scope:

Implementing proper API data security can help protect your company’s intellectual property and customer data, as well as mitigate potential security breaches. Proper API data security can also help speed up the development process. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your company’s API is both secure and efficient.

Developers need to be aware of the legal consequences of their work. If you are developing an app that deals with personal user data, the law requires you to take reasonable security precautions to protect the data and to disclose what information you collect and how you use it. Developers also need to be aware of laws that govern user-generated content and user privacy, such as defamation, obscenity, and copyright law. You should consult a lawyer if you have any questions about how the law applies to your app.

Other important scope items:

• Multi-tenant architecture
• Monitoring and logging
• Notification Routing
• Orchestration Data Mapping
• Performance & Low response time
• Last but not least Quality assurance.