Fueling business the secure way, CIO News, ET CIO
The integration of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) stands as a pivotal force driving business innovation and security. During the ETCIO Annual Conclave ‘24 in Goa, industry leaders gathered to unravel the complexities of API integration. Their discussions highlighted the critical role of APIs in expanding business capabilities while emphasizing the indispensable need for robust security measures.
Vinod Bhat, CIO of Vistara, on API integration says enterprises should consider key factors: “Have a macro picture and align it with business values. A digital transformation plan should include a sub-plan for API integration,” he advises.
Security must be at the forefront given the volume of data that APIs handle. “You cannot develop a strategy for API integration without incorporating a strategy for security,” states Arvind Ganesan, Head of BFSI and Enterprise Business at Akamai India, Akamai. “APIs will continue to proliferate, thereby requiring an evolving strategy.”
The best part of API integration is the visibility it provides. “As a global supply chain, this integration is crucial, especially to execute Plan B. In the impulse category, product availability is critical. To ensure a seamless supply chain, API integration is essential,” says Gautam Garg, CIO of PepsiCo.
The customer is king. Every touchpoint to service a customer involves API interaction with an external system. “Having proper nomenclature is important, as is security. Pagination must be in place. While APIs are pervasive, many technical considerations must be kept in mind to avoid any untoward incidents,” says Shashwat Singh, CIO of boAt.
Pinak Chakraborty, CIO of Airtel Payments Bank, adds, “Regular testing is important and should be an integral part of DevOps.”
Companies are exploring new business models. Using innovation to introduce a new business model is becoming common. “Innovation, automation, and optimization are the positive outcomes of APIs. APIs must be secure to facilitate exposure to new business models without being a deterrent,” concludes Bhat.
(With Inputs by Vaishnavi J Desai)