Communication Between Computers
We have recently taken a look at the way that new technologies are affecting the business realm; cryptocurrencies and the effects they have and even disruptive, or innovative, technologies that turn markets upside down. Today we are going to discuss Web Services and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) because it is impossible to talk about Web Services without mentioning APIs – the two are irrevocably connected.
Before Web Services and APIs.
Once upon a time, some 20 years ago, your average United States citizen was not able to fully utilize Web Services. This meant that all of the data collected through a web page had to be manually gone through and analyzed; which actually meant that no one was doing so because it required ridiculous amounts of time and man power. Then APIs came along, and completely revolutionized the game.
Web Service analysis was no longer subjected to human error (if properly set in place). APIs allowed data collected to forgo the physical number crunching and analysis by utilizing machine-to-machine communication (XML, JSON), unlike the original human-to-machine communication (HTTP). This transitional phase rapidly expanded markets, and allowed for all new applications to revolutionize the way we handle web services.
Application Programming Interfaces
So what exactly is an API and why does it help me and my business? Great question anonymous reader. An Application Programming Interface is a collection of definitions, rules, and tools that a proper programmer can utilize to build application software, or a computer program. As a widely applicable program it utilizes different back end communication languages, the XML and JSON mentioned above, to pull data and useful information faster than any human ever could … and doing so across multiple platforms or websites.
More Than Convenience
APIs and Web Services are the reason Amazon runs as smoothly as possible. For example, when a consumer wants to purchase a book and Amazon does not have the exact item in stock; Amazon’s advance Web Service and APIs are already at work. They communicate with other APIs from publishing companies, local and non-local bookstores, and anywhere else the book could possibly be to find the product. If you have ever used Amazon then you know the rest, the book comes by mail as quickly as possible … because it is all about the maximizing the customer experience.
This is what most people would tell you about APIs, and they would not be technically lying to you. APIs and Web Services are meant to streamline processes, but if properly utilized it may also be implemented towards data analysis and search query research. Two more tasks typically assigned to a physical person, replaced with faster and smarter technologies.
Why You Should Be Interested
API’s effect on Web Services is drastically changing markets; it is an undeniable fact which Amazon has so kindly shown us. The “new standard” they managed to set, when it comes to applications and web service technologies, has given the rest of us a path to follow.
PartsBase is heavily invested in APIs and Web Services as we are able to provide similar resources Amazon utilizes. Our Web Service provides device-to-device interaction, like previously mentioned, between your internal systems and PartsBase Web Service Platform. By making use of our APIs and Web Services offered the user can automate part searches, receive RFQs, and update your inventory without manually logging into PartsBase.com.
PartsBase’s Web Services are built to process and consume the vast catalog of PartsBase’s Application Programming Interface by supporting both XML and JSON formats. This service allows you to fully automate your business, your RFQs, and optimize your experience with PartsBase. This will result in the reduction of the inefficiencies typically seen in aviation and aerospace parts procurement industry.