We got the chance to speak with API expert Liad Bokovsky who currently works as Vice President Pre-Sales Consulting at Axway about the transformative power and benefits of APIs in the business landscape. How APIs can enable faster innovation, strengthen partnerships, and enhance customer experiences. He also provides practical guidance on bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions for successful API programs. Unleash the power of APIs to transform your business operations and unlock new possibilities.

devmio: At first glance, APIs are just technical interfaces. But why are they more than that for companies? Why are APIs becoming important for business? What benefits can they offer?

Liad Bokovsky: APIs offer business benefits to companies. They enable them to deliver solutions faster and more efficiently. APIs can help companies build long lasting relationships with partners and consumers while at the same time, open their services for outside innovation.

devmio: In your keynote, you describe the challenges for API programs, especially at the moment when the focus is no longer only on the technology but also on the business. Why is this often a critical point in an API program?

Liad Bokovsky: It’s the classic “too many cooks” situation. Each stakeholder will have a goal they need to achieve, they will have a timelines, success criteria and an idea of how to get there.

But having a secure, scalable and fast API program is not a business strategy. Reducing time to market, growing the business by x%, improving customer experience, increasing productivity, and reducing operational costs, these all have a business context which an API program can help achieve.

Making sure that everyone is aligned, that the ship is pointing in the right direction is important.

devmio: Perhaps you can give us an example and address the day-to-day challenges an API program manager faces in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions?

Liad Bokovsky: Of course, I can give you two examples of how API can bridge the gap and lead to business benefits.

1. Real-Time Inventory Updates: The business wants to provide accurate real-time inventory updates to customers to prevent overbooking and ensure a positive shopping experience.
2. Personalized Recommendations: Personalized product recommendations based on user behaviour and preferences to increase sales and customer engagement.

Both these business initiatives are driven by an API program but you will need to first understand the business objectives. Conduct a technology assessment to understand what exists and what needs to be created, who owns the various sides of the business etc.

devmio: API landscapes are often evolved structures. How do you get order in the system?

Liad Bokovsky: This is a very short question with a very long answer. Each organisation should have a governance model they follow. I will share a generic one but most organisations will probably need to adapt it to their needs.

1. Inventory and audit existing APIs
2. Categorize APIs and prioritize based on functionality
3. Create a governance model
4. Implement api standards
5. API documentation and discovery catalogue
6. Version management
7. Security and access control
8. Monitoring and analytics
9. Lifecycle management
10. Collaboration and communication
11. Training and education
12. Continuous improvement

devmio: Can you share some of the best practices of other organisations that have successfully overcome similar challenges in scaling their API programs?

Liad Bokovsky: Apart from the governance framework as mentioned above, treating and managing APIs like products is the single most important rule in my opinion. The reason is that products are managed entities that undergo a defined lifecycle with a set budget and release cycles, all of which are aligned with specific business objectives. Follow this rule and most things will fall into place. 

devmio: What do you think are the key lessons for API program managers and organisations that want to effectively align technology and business requirements?

Liad Bokovsky: I think there are a few things that most program managers can do better but I’ll focus on three of those.

1. Clear understanding of business goals: API program managers must have a deep understanding of the organisation’s business goals and objectives to ensure that technology solutions (APIs) are aligned with these goals.
2. Effective communication: Strong communication between business stakeholders, development teams, and API owners is crucial. Ensure that everyone understands the business needs and the role APIs play in meeting those needs.
3. API governance: Establish clear governance models, ownership structures, and decision-making processes for managing APIs. This helps maintain consistency and accountability.