Why API?
When we talk about AI (like generative AI) we need to remember they can't do much alone. They need APIs, which are like bridges, to connect them to other applications or software in general. This way, AI can get the data it needs and tell other systems what to do. Think of AI as someone who wants to cook but needs someone else to bring the ingredients and turn on the stove. That helper is the API.
"Integration is the backbone of digital transformations and APIs are the building blocks of every SAP customer who sells, buys or transports their products with its use" - Michal Krawczyk
Why APIs are Important for AI - communication layer?
Figure 1 - AI cannot exist without API as it needs it to communicate
APIs help AI in many ways:
Getting Data: AI needs lots of information to learn and make decisions. APIs bring this data to AI from different places.
Working Together: Different programs and applications (event from SAP Ecosystem) don't always speak the same language. APIs help them understand each other so AI can be part of the team.
Creating New Things: With APIs, people can make new smart tools by using what's already there, like mixing different ingredients to bake a new cake.
Things to Watch Out For
APIs make a lot of things possible, but there are some issues, like keeping data safe, making sure private stuff stays private, and getting different APIs to work well together. Making APIs secure, protecting privacy, and making them fit together better are big tasks for the people who make them.
What's Next for AI and APIs (and iPaaS like SAP BTP Integration Suite)?
As the world gets more connected and smart, AI and APIs will become even more important. We need better, safer, and easier-to-use APIs so AI can do more cool stuff in areas like health, money, making things, and moving around. In the future, we need APIs that can handle big tasks, keep data safe, and work well with all kinds of systems. This will help AI do more for us, making life easier and more interesting. When reading articles like iPaaS Emerges as the Dominant Platform for Automation and Integration all of a sudden you may understand why we might see such a big expenditure shift in iPaaS technology like SAP BTP Integration Suite.
Figure 2 - Figure 2 - iPaaS Dominates the Automation + Integration Technology Market from linked article
To Summarise
Just like a chef needs a good kitchen team, AI needs APIs to bring its smart ideas to life. Without APIs, AI can't do much. But with good APIs, AI can help us in many ways, making our world smarter and our lives better. As we move forward, making better APIs will help AI do even more amazing things.
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