Blog series (2/5)
Introduction
Consumers have ever-increasing expectations and demands for connected and user-friendly web applications. As a minimum, they expect seamless integration and a brilliant user experience.
API authentications help consumers access leading global tech giants’ products and services. Their open API approach improves the end-to-end process for the benefit of the consumer.
In this blog, we will discuss how using API authentication and creating an API-first approach will transform the way the public can interact and deliver services to people.
Consumers want applications that connect & allow for a brilliant usable experience
A consumer doesn’t worry about what technology happens in the background to make applications work together, they just expect it to happen, seamlessly. Expecting a user to log in multiple times is not considered a great user experience.
Through API Authentication tech giants offer a way into their domains and then to a variety of services and applications. This makes the user journey simple and fully connected meaning they can access the full range of services offered.
API authentication is a way to prove user identity when accessing an API, often by providing a username and password, or by using an API key. API keys are a way to give access to an API without giving away a username and password, they’re like a secret code that only the user and the API provider know.
An open API is one made publicly available, enabling any third-party developer to build tools or applications that work with it. Authentication and verification are important aspects of using an open API, as they ensure that only authorized users can access the data and functionality offered by the API.
By creating an open API, users can integrate it into a web application and customize it to their needs, removing any barriers preventing them from using its services or products. The ability to integrate directly into a company’s system gives the user far more freedom and ability to help themselves. This creates long-term buy-in from the consumer.
Securing APIs is vitally important, see this article to read further on how this is achieved through API management.
Consumer expectations & demands on public service
The public sector needs to change the way they deliver services in order to keep up with the expectations of consumers who now expect everything to be connected. In order to do this, they should adopt an API-first approach to more easily connect different services and data sources.
What is an API-first approach, and how can it help public sector organizations?
An API-first approach is designing and building the public-facing interface of an application before any of the actual business logic or back-end code is written. This allows for more modular, reusable code and can make it easier to change the way an API works without affecting the rest of the application.
An API-first approach can help public sector organizations by making it easier for them to open up their data and services to third-party developers. By having a well-designed API, organizations can give developers the tools they need to build new applications and integrations on top of existing ones. This can help increase the reach of an organization’s data and services and make it easier for people to access and use them.
An API-first approach can also help public sector organizations to better manage their data. By creating a comprehensive API strategy, organizations can control how their data is accessed and used. This can help organizations to keep track of who is using their data, and for what purpose. It can also help organizations ensure that their data is secure, as well as prevent unauthorized access.
It is important for public sector organizations to understand what consumers want and need from their services. This includes being responsive to feedback and making changes based on that feedback. Additionally, public sector organizations need to be innovative and creative in the ways they deliver services to keep up with changing consumer demands.
The public sector has long been under pressure to provide efficient and cost-effective services. Tech-savvy consumers are now putting increasing demands on the public sector IT environment, which in turn needs to quickly respond with innovative solutions. In order to meet these demands, the public sector must embrace an API-first approach.
Conclusion
We’ve seen that authenticated APIs are key to a joined-up and seamless consumer experience. In order to meet the high expectations of today’s connected consumers, it is essential that the public sector use authentication methods that allow for a smooth user experience. Our team can help public sector organizations set up a system that meets their needs and ensure their applications deliver to the growing demands of the public.
Why not book a call with us, so we can discuss your API-first approach?