IBM is to use the cloud to deliver IT developers into a state of API Harmony.
The vendor turned service provider has launched an intelligent cloud based matchmaking technology, which instantly helps coders to find the right application programming interface (API) for the right occasion. The service, API Harmony, could save the world’s developers so much time and money that the global API economy has been predicted to be worth $2.2 trillion by 2018, according to IBM’s internal research.
The system uses cognitive technologies to anticipate the needs of a developer as they build new apps. It then pre-empts some of the delays that developers face by anticipating their interface challenges and researching the answers. It then makes useful time saving recommendations on which APIs to use, API relationships and anything that might be missing.
The API economy is characterised by IBM research as a commercial exchange of business functions and competencies in APIs. IBM says it is the driving force behind most digital transformation across industries today. By 2018, according to research company Ovum, the number of enterprises having an API program will have grown by 150%.
There are three pillars of harmoniousness in the API economy, according to IBM. Accordingly its API Harmony servicee main components: Strategy, Technologies and Ecosystems. The strategy element consists of IBM’s API Economy Journey Map, in which consultants will help clients identify key opportunities and gauge their readiness for their journey. The Technologies aspect of the service is built on the previously described intelligent me has thrapping systems and cloud delivery. The Ecosystem for the services is the fruit of an IBM collaboration with the Linux Foundation to create an open platform for building, managing and integrating open APIs.
IBM’s Watson APIs are managed by IBM API Management on Bluemix, bringing approximately 30 cognitive-based APIs to industries.
“To succeed in the API Economy enterprises need an open ecosystem and IBM is helping guide clients every step of the way,” said Marie Wieck, General Manager for IBM Middleware.