Communications APIs: What Are They and Which One Could Work for You
Blog post from Stream
Communication APIs offer a streamlined way to integrate pre-built communication functions such as text, voice, video chat, email, and SMS into software applications, saving developers from the resource-intensive task of building these features from scratch. These APIs, like Google Maps for location services, provide customizable and scalable options that can be easily integrated into apps via API keys and documentation. Several third-party providers offer communication APIs with varying features, compliance standards, and pricing models, such as Stream, Twilio, Agora, Dolby, Vonage, Mailgun, SendGrid, Plivo, and Sinch, each catering to different needs and industries. For instance, Stream emphasizes rapid integration and developer experience, Twilio supports large-scale video conferencing, and Agora offers unlimited participants for educational platforms. Compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA varies among providers, influencing their appropriateness for sectors like healthcare. Understanding the specific needs of an industry and target audience is crucial when choosing between different types of APIs, with live text-based chat often being the most universally applicable option across various sectors.