The Evolving API Program – Part 2

In the second part of the series on evolving API programs, the focus is on how service and data streaming APIs are addressing complex problems by decomposing them into smaller services and supporting data analytics alongside traditional capability-based APIs. As organizations transition to microservices, the distinction between business capability and service APIs becomes crucial, with microservices allowing for isolated behaviors and adaptability without disrupting existing operations. The evolving landscape includes the integration of message-driven services, asynchronous communication, and the use of protocols like gRPC for optimized microservice calls. Data management has shifted towards handling high-volume, high-velocity data with processes like extract, load, query, transform, and analyze (ELQTA), pushing data management responsibilities to the edges of organizations. Data-oriented APIs, which focus on streaming protocols and data structure definitions, are emerging as critical components, particularly in industries with stringent data regulations. This evolution necessitates careful selection of API gateways and highlights the intertwined nature of API design and data management.