Alongside the explosion in the number of applications, another development is growing rapidly but receiving less attention: the proliferation of APIs. API, which stands for Application Programming Interface, simply refers to a programming interface. If we hear about them more often today, it is because many web giants, such as Facebook, Google, or Twitter, have created their own APIs. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. Today, telecommunications companies are also opening up to APIs, particularly with the SMS API. Regarding the latter, there are numerous areas of application. Without going into detail, we can mention: sending automated bulk SMS (promotions, offers, etc.), order confirmation via SMS, sending SMS to notify of a product delivery, confirming registration on a website (password sent via SMS), and granting access to part of an organization's intranet by sending a password, etc.

There are several reasons for implementing an API.

– Innovation : this is the primary goal. By providing access to some of their services, telecommunications companies allow developers to innovate quickly and abundantly.
– Creating a dynamic developer community around the API : the existence and importance of this community are assets that save time in terms of innovation. Furthermore, it fosters an explosion of creativity.
– Promoting a brand: just like an application, an API can be an integral part of a brand's marketing strategy.
– A more open internet : by allowing third-party developers to express their creativity and drive innovation, the API shows that the ideal of the web's creators—an open internet based on exchange and involving the users themselves—is still very much alive.