If you ask a modern software platform how they recommend going beyond core features or free integrations, they will most likely point you to their Open API. On the surface this appears to be the silver bullet – a universal and uniform way to move data between your platforms. For anyone who has worked with an API, they understand this is not the case.
Just like people, APIs come in all shapes and sizes. They speak different (code) languages. They have quirks and nuances that differ from their documentation. They are born and as they grow they are impacted by the people who created and continue to shape them. Some become neglected and some thrive. Some are new to world and just finding their place. Some are in their twilight years. Some are superstars that inspire the world. And just like people - some don't like to work on Mondays.
Developing a great integration is a bit like being part marriage counselor and part translator. You have to understand and empathize with the nuance of both sides of the relationship. Documentation is meant to provide a roadmap, but documentation only tells part of an API's story. There are often past traumas like major lay-offs at a company that lead to technical debt, or a major shift in platform direction that can leave the APIs very far from their innocent beginnings. This can lead to communication problems in relationships with others if not properly addressed.
“APIs often reflect the people who make them. As Engineers we build to solve specific problems both now and for the future. This can lead to shortcomings in APIs. Building an integration between two APIs is like cultivating a friendship- once you know a person’s likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, you know how to interact and ultimately make each other better.”
As with any good relationship, these connections need on-going care and maintenance to thrive. When problems inevitably arise, it's best to have a trusted team of counselors and translators on your side to help you quickly resolve the issue.
At Ample Cloud, we believe that deep software connections require a deep sense of understanding. It's time to stop taking a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to integrations.
Join us in building a future of deeper data connections that empower businesses to solve problems in new, exciting, valuable, and inspiring ways. Create a free Ample Cloud Account today to get started.
