APIs
Businesses are beginning to understand that if they want to truly communications-enable their business processes, they need to do some of the work themselves. Application programming interfaces (APIs) are the first step in creating bridges between a business's own applications and third-party software programs. Just as more websites and apps are popping up every day, so is the use of APIs, as they are the backbone of digital experiences, and more companies are using them. For example, Sears uses APIs to enable developers to create apps that facilitate product searches and identify store locations. Salesforce.com generates nearly 50 percent of its annual $3 billion in revenue through APIs. Also, businesses of all types are using APIs to integrate their UC applications with their productivity suites. This type of integration enables things such as driving employee presence based off calendars, and offering click-to-dial options within a document.
The use of APIs is important for businesses because they allow programmers to build tools that help people do their jobs more effectively, and that will always be a trend.