This is issue 2024.07 of the API Changelog, a mix of API news, commentary, and opinion. In this issue, you'll get to know the most relevant API-related information from the week of February 5, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
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Announcements
API trends in 2024 include a diverse, dynamic ecosystem of tooling, AI integration, and a rise in the role of API product managers for enterprise success. Enterprises will pursue flexibility in development approaches while maintaining visibility and governance to effectively manage and curate their API portfolios.
SRMS introduces DOTTA, a biometric verification API to bolster digital identity checks for businesses and government organizations. The solution aims to curb identity fraud and streamline the verification process, promising a significant economic impact. See additional coverage on Techpoint.africa.
Uber Freight has begun using a new API standard introduced by the Scheduling Standards Consortium to improve scheduling efficiency. The API standard aims to streamline transportation appointment scheduling, enhancing operational efficiency for carriers and shippers. See additional coverage on SDC Executive, The Load Star, Journal of commerce, Transport Topics, DC Velocity, Logistics Management, and StreetInsider.com.
Meta's announcement to end the Facebook Groups API is causing chaos for businesses dependent on it for scheduling and private group communication. The shutdown may compel small businesses and developers to overhaul digital strategies, facing both losses and the need for adaptability. See additional coverage on Techpoint, Innovation Village, bnn, and Robots.net.
Nylas, a communications platform, released Nylas API v3 featuring enhanced performance, developer experience, security, and AI. The update emphasizes the company's commitment to core values in the product offering.
Insellerate revamped its CRM interface for lenders, prioritizing user-friendliness based on feedback from over 250 loan officers. The updated UI integrates with their advanced API and supports various lending channels, enhancing customization and flexibility.
MuleSoft introduces a Policy Development Kit for Anypoint Flex Gateway, allowing customized API security and governance to bolster digital business. This tool streamlines policy creation and management, supporting MuleSoft's role in Salesforce's integration-driven enterprise deals.
BlueBox Systems has added KLog.co as a new South American client for its air freight tracking API, strengthening the company's market presence. KLog.co utilizes the BlueBox API for enhanced real-time tracking, reinforcing its role as a leading digital freight forwarder in Latin America.
Backblaze, a cloud storage company, launched a new program to help businesses integrate storage solutions easily. Despite no profitability this year, investor confidence seems to have risen given its recent positive market performance.
Mabl introduces new performance testing features for APIs and browsers, enhancing software quality with AI and low-code test creation. The platform also rolls out flexible packaging and pricing, allowing unified testing across various functions without punitive costs.
GridMatrix released an API for integrating its traffic analytics into various applications, enhancing transportation data usage across platforms. This new API promises scalability and visibility, marking a significant advancement in urban infrastructure and community improvement.
SilverDoor has launched an API allowing direct comparison and booking of serviced accommodation alongside hotels for TMCs and RMCs. Their new offerings, including a carbon calculator, aim to integrate seamlessly with clients' platforms and enhance serviced accommodation accessibility for travelers.
AI
Senzing has partnered with Esri to integrate its entity resolution API into ArcGIS Knowledge, enhancing insights into geospatial data. Users of ArcGIS can now access Senzing's AI-powered entity resolution in the Esri ArcGIS Marketplace, streamlining data analysis and decision-making.
OpenAI introduces watermarks on images from ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 to differentiate AI-created content, aiming for transparency. The watermarking won't prevent metadata removal by social media or screenshots but marks a step towards authenticity verification.
Fintech
Geidea partners with Fils to integrate sustainability into digital payments, fostering environmentally conscious transactions. The collaboration aims to reduce carbon footprints by allowing customers to support carbon offset projects effortlessly.
Legal & General Home Finance introduced an API with Advise Wise to streamline lifetime mortgage applications and research for advisers. This innovation, including instant KFI generation, is part of their effort to improve adviser support and customer outcomes in financial planning. See additional coverage on MortgageSolutions, The Intermediary, and Legal&General.
Napier introduces two new AML offerings, Continuum Live, and Continuum Flow, aimed at enhancing financial institutions' compliance capabilities. The solutions provide AI-driven compliance tools with a focus on swift implementation and integration into existing infrastructures.
Halo Wallet, a prominent Web3 social wallet, now features seamless cryptocurrency trading by integrating the OKX DEX API. The integration ensures optimal liquidity, best prices, and zero fees through OKX DEX's X Routing technology.
Security
F5 has introduced new API security features powered by AI to enhance protection against threats. These features aim to automate anomaly detection and improve defense mechanisms for APIs.
Escape's team found over 18,000 critical API secrets on various platforms, with a 67% increase in secret exposures in 2023. To combat this, they suggest centralizing token management and enforcing regular rotations and restricted scopes.
Google settled for $350 million in a lawsuit for allegedly covering up a Google+ API privacy flaw. The flaw, dating back to 2015, potentially exposed users' private data to 438 external apps.