“A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.”(1)
This is the definition of API (Application Programming Interface) from webopedia.com, which also gives us an example of a successful API that is Microsoft, and how their API is good for both users and programmers by the systems having similar interfaces (like brands?) and that programmer can write applications that are consistent with the operating environment.(1)
In publishing good API’s are very rare to come across, as for some reason they are just not a common thing to develop in this type of business.
From reading various articles I have found that a lot of knowledgeable people are recommending publishers to develop a good API to try and prevent them going out of business, but in order to do this they must try and understand the different mediums they could use to go ahead.(2)
Publishers may be shying away from API development because they are worried about partnering up with certain companies, for example if publishers partnered up with Apple to produce content for the IPhone they may have to sign a contract binding them so they can only distribute content through Apple’s methods, especially as Apple are currently in and out of court with Samsung and Google.(3)
In my opinion Publishers will have to develop a good tactful API in order to continue on in this digital age, as we the users of all these new technological devices demand free sharing to all of the devices we own, but with restrictions within certain brands and/or companies not being able to support certain formats, we are at a roadblock when it comes to this desire.
Statements of the future are for free sharing, so if publishing companies don’t think fast and adapt they will be left behind in this digital era for sure.(4)
References:
(1) API definition on Webopedia.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/API.html
(2) 'The importance of API'S' By Edward Nawotka on 26/04/2011.
http://publishingperspectives.com/2011/04/publishing-importance-of-api/
(3) 'Google reacts to Apple's US patent victory over Samsung' By BBC News Technology on 27/08/2012.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19389732
(4) '3 Ways API Can Benefit Publishers.' By Mac Slocum on 21/03/2011
http://radar.oreilly.com/2011/03/3-ways-api-help-publishers.html
(Word Count: 315)
This is the definition of API (Application Programming Interface) from webopedia.com, which also gives us an example of a successful API that is Microsoft, and how their API is good for both users and programmers by the systems having similar interfaces (like brands?) and that programmer can write applications that are consistent with the operating environment.(1)
In publishing good API’s are very rare to come across, as for some reason they are just not a common thing to develop in this type of business.
From reading various articles I have found that a lot of knowledgeable people are recommending publishers to develop a good API to try and prevent them going out of business, but in order to do this they must try and understand the different mediums they could use to go ahead.(2)
Publishers may be shying away from API development because they are worried about partnering up with certain companies, for example if publishers partnered up with Apple to produce content for the IPhone they may have to sign a contract binding them so they can only distribute content through Apple’s methods, especially as Apple are currently in and out of court with Samsung and Google.(3)
In my opinion Publishers will have to develop a good tactful API in order to continue on in this digital age, as we the users of all these new technological devices demand free sharing to all of the devices we own, but with restrictions within certain brands and/or companies not being able to support certain formats, we are at a roadblock when it comes to this desire.
Statements of the future are for free sharing, so if publishing companies don’t think fast and adapt they will be left behind in this digital era for sure.(4)
References:
(1) API definition on Webopedia.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/API.html
(2) 'The importance of API'S' By Edward Nawotka on 26/04/2011.
http://publishingperspectives.com/2011/04/publishing-importance-of-api/
(3) 'Google reacts to Apple's US patent victory over Samsung' By BBC News Technology on 27/08/2012.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19389732
(4) '3 Ways API Can Benefit Publishers.' By Mac Slocum on 21/03/2011
http://radar.oreilly.com/2011/03/3-ways-api-help-publishers.html
(Word Count: 315)