Monetization and global markets - The DevPortal Newsletter #14
APIs are everywhere, but are we thinking about them the right way? In a recent podcast episode, David O'Neill (Chief Operations Officer at APIContext) shared powerful insights that challenge conventional wisdom about APIs, their role in business, and monetization.
One of the key takeaways is the idea that businesses need to monetize based on how people buy, not how you deliver your product or service. Some companies have fallen into the trap of thinking they’re in the business of selling APIs. David warns against this mindset, arguing that your value should come from your core business. For most organizations, APIs are tools that support the business rather than a revenue stream in themselves. Focusing too much on monetizing APIs can lead to a loss of direction and a disconnect from your real value proposition.
David also addressed a common misconception about APIs: the belief that they are the product itself. In reality, APIs are enablers—they are an essential component of how modern services operate, but they are not what customers are buying in most cases. This distinction is critical, yet many organizations lose sight of it.
Finally, David highlighted the importance of reliability and monitoring in the API space. Since APIs enable critical services, their continuity and performance have never been more vital. Downtime or poor performance can ripple through the entire customer experience, underscoring the need for robust monitoring solutions to ensure seamless delivery.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone working with APIs or grappling with how to align their technical strategies with business goals. David’s perspective encourages a deeper look at your business priorities and a focus on the bigger picture. You can listen to the episode here:
In today’s complex digital world, APIs have become essential tools for driving innovation, connecting systems, and opening up new possibilities. At the same time, AI is transforming how businesses operate and reshaping the API ecosystem. But how much do we really know about its impact and the best practices for leveraging it?
Join us for enlightening presentations at the AI the Docs track on the 4th, and check out the panel discussions with the 2024 DevPortal Awards nominees and jury members on the 5th.
As a long-time partner of Apidays Paris, we are delighted to share an exclusive complimentary ticket link with you and your colleagues!