After you have defined the appropriate API strategy for your business, you can embrace your organization’s legacy and adopt APIs.
You’ll want to follow these 6 steps to get started:
Step 1 Define the API The first thing to do is determine what data and processes will be exposed via your API, and how you can make its design consumer-centric.
Step 2 Map the API to your legacy systems The next step to realizing a functional API is to map the data elements and functionality of the new API to existing systems, whether these are databases, ERPs, internal APIs, etc.
Step 3 Implement the integration layer There are several approaches to implementing an API. If the goal is to extend existing legacy data and processes, then this is about system integration rather than new app development.
Step 4 Implement security Since APIs expose your company’s chosen data and functionality, security is paramount. Security should be built into the APIs themselves, but threat protection, identity services, infrastructure security and compliance must also be considered.
Step 5 Scale to fit You don’t want a sudden surge in the use of your API to bring down your backend systems, so it’s important to always be aware of transaction volume
Step 6 Document the API Typically, a well-designed API is relatively self-explanatory, but additional documentation within the schema is very helpful to third-party business partners, system integrators, mobile application developers, etc.