APIs are an essential tool for getting email to work. An email API platform “negotiates the technical handshakes for each connected service,” Nylas writes. 

But there are challenges in managing APIs, whatever systems they are linking, according to a new study from Axway: “For API and MFT technologists looking to Open Everything, It’s Game-On.”

The main criterion for creating an API is security — that’s true for 30% of API users and 48% involved in the managed file transfer (MFT) process.

Almost half of the API respondents are most worried about increased challenges. The next problem — a distant second — is lack of reuse. 

Their main strategy for protecting personal data — by far — is to develop a more holistic approach to security. 

Also, 68% are worried about API sprawl—an abundance and dependence on APIs. 

These issues are not the sole concern of techies—they can affect teams in all parts of the marketing process.   

APIs are primarily used for:

• Providing IT-consulting and system integration for customers — 44%
  
• Providing cloud applications for our customers — 35%
  
• Developing a partner network — 35%
  
• Offering cloud services via APIs for our customers/partners — 34%
  
• Building new lines of business — 24%
  
• Addressing internal needs — 23% 

Meanwhile, 52% of users have increased their spend for API management over the last two years, 18% by 25% or more and 36% by 0 to 25%, while 31% have remained the same. In addition, 13% have decreased them by 0% to 25%, and 4% by 25%. 

In contrast, 49% of MFT managers have increased their budgets, 13% by 25% or more and 36% by 0% to 25%. But 47% have stayed the same. 

Where are companies located in the digital journey? The API users are: 

• Using hybrid of old and new technology — 38%
  
• Just beginning in reaching digital transformation goals — 18%
  
• Completely digital and leading innovation — 12%
  
• Brick-and-mortar and will likely stay that way — 10%

In contrast, the MFT responses are as follows:

• Experimenting with cloud and cloud services. piloting state — 48%
  
• Intentional shift toward digital apps and executive sponsorship — 20%
  
• It is a buzzword — our business is as usual — 20%
  
• Our digital strategy is a business differentiator — 15%
  
• Building and shipping consumer products — 6%

Those involved with APIs are using these cloud services:

• Public-AWS — 45%
  
• Hybrid — 37%
  
• Managed cloud services — 32%
  
• Public-Azure — 28%
  
• Private — 25%
  
• Public-Google Public Cloud — 18%
  
• Community — 13%
  
• Public-Other — 7%

Axway surveyed 1,000 IT leaders, architects, and developers. Included were 893 respondents engaged primarily in API development and 102 in managed-file transfer services. The findings are presented separately. 

Many also worry about API sprawl, including dependence on APIs, Axway reports.