This is issue 2024.08 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 12, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
Join us at LEAP 2024: The API observability conference on Feb 29, 2024. This free, 1-day, virtual conference promises to elevate your API observability skills. Hear from industry-leading speakers from Miro, Dynatrace, ServiceNow, Dash0, Checkly, Tracetest, and more as we explore all aspects of API observability.
Unlock the business value of observability, immerse yourself in the practicalities of observable platforms, and network with experts from around the world! Are you ready to take the leap with us at LEAP 2024?
Announcements
Verizon and Vonage have agreed to collaborate on integrating Verizon's network services into Vonage’s developer platform. The partnership aims to drive innovation and monetization using new and existing network APIs, enhancing enterprise digital transformation and customer engagement. See additional coverage on UC Today, RCRWirelessNews, Silverlinings, telecompetitor, and TelecomTV. Also related coverage on Silverlinings.
FLARBO collaborates with OwnerRez to simplify Florida vacation rental management via a new API integration. The service offers direct booking power, personalized interactions, and a subscription-based pricing model starting at $199 annually.
Shippo unveils Addresses API, aimed at enhancing shipping reliability and customer satisfaction. This new API helps verify and organize shipping addresses to reduce delivery mishaps.
Voltron Data unveiled Ibis 8.0, adding streaming backends for Apache Flink and RisingWave to its Python dataframe API. Ibis 8.0 now supports 20 query engines, enabling versatile data processing across batch and streaming without code changes. See additional coverage on datanami.
Advise Wise introduces online applications for Legal & General plans via API integration. This update allows members to submit product applications directly from the Advise Wise platform.
SMILE API, Asia's top employment and income data service, unveils its new OCR feature to revolutionize income validation. The OCR technology allows quick digital extraction and verification of details from income documents for lenders and employers. See additional coverage on bnn.
Bitly Inc., a leader in connection platforms, unveiled the first API for easy generation of 2D Barcodes, enhancing product data capture and consumer engagement. This innovation aligns with an industry shift as GS1 U.S. predicts 2D Barcodes will become standard for CPG and Retail by 2027.
Tesla has introduced Fleet API, ushering in new personalization opportunities for its vehicles. The release signals a transformative era in automotive development, emphasizing software integration and user customization.
Traefik Labs updated its API gateway to support WebAssembly, OpenTelemetry, and Kubernetes Gateway API. Newly appointed CEO Sudeep Goswami highlighted the integration of cloud-native applications through Traefik Proxy v3's release. See additional coverage on Yahoo!finance, StreetInsider.com, DSA, and businesswire.
Ngrok launched its API gateway as a service, aiming to simplify ingress management and bolster security. This service indicates a shift toward cost-effective and agile digital infrastructure consumption. See additional coverage on Yahoo!finance, SD Times, and database.
Funding and M&A
Feever, a Swedish Powertech firm, secured €10 million for expansion, product development, and partnerships across Europe. The platform connects energy assets to improve grid resilience and efficiency, integrating renewables seamlessly. See additional coverage on ArcticStartup.
Brassica Technologies Inc., a fintech API infrastructure company, has been acquired by BitGo, a Palo Alto-based tech company. The deal's terms were undisclosed.
Cybersecurity startup Wib, specializing in API security, has been bought by F5. The purchase price remains undisclosed but is speculated to be tens of millions.
AI
Kong has launched an open-source AI Gateway with new AI-specific features like prompt engineering to simplify integrating LLMs into applications. This gateway is an extension of Kong's current API gateway, centralizing AI access and offering AI response transformation capabilities. See additional coverage on AIThority and ISP Today.
Akto has unveiled a pioneering GenAI Security Testing platform, aiming to secure AI-driven APIs against rising vulnerabilities such as prompt injections or DoS attacks. The solution offers over 60 test cases and paves the way for automated, scalable security for companies utilizing AI, as highlighted by Ankita at the Austin API Summit 2024. See additional coverage on Yahoo!finance and HelpNetSecurity.
Rafael Chamusca launched Edgen, an open-source server for running generative AI locally, offering a private alternative to the OpenAI API. Edgen works offline, supports multiple programming languages, optimizes AI models for edge deployment, and keeps data private.
Fintech
Banks are enhancing their API accessibility for better integration with third-party services, driving innovation and customer-centric digital platforms. This shift towards unified interfaces allows for personalized banking experiences and gathers insights that inform tailored solutions for customers.
Changelly, a prominent crypto exchange, integrates with Tangem's wallet app, offering users over 500 cryptocurrencies for swap without service fees from February 14-21. The partnership promotes Changelly's white-label services and advances security in hardware wallet transactions, while also holding a contest and AMA on X and Telegram.
Security
Citi Securities Services has launched FIX API connectivity on their ACES ETF portal, enhancing order management and onboarding. The integration is timely with the ETF industry's growth and the upcoming shift to T+1 settlement, improving efficiency and market timing. See additional coverage on InvestmentNews.
Vorlon, a SaaS security startup, now offers a solution enhancing API visibility and tackling API attack surfaces with a "shift-right" approach. Their service, aimed at managing third-party API risks, is available on a subscription basis with various access tiers.
Cequence Security reports increased scammer activity on dating apps pre-Valentine's Day, exploiting users for financial gain using bots. The company's Unified API Protection mitigates threats, supporting major organizations by securing billions of daily API calls. See additional coverage on SecurityBrief and StreetInsider.com.
PureCipher™ unveils its new Universal Multiplex Watermarks™ (UMW) API Release 1, featuring a suite of APIs for advanced security measures. The release encompasses encryption, digital signatures, steganography, and data tampering detection to uphold data integrity.
Salt Security announced a crucial partnership with CrowdStrike, signifying a major step for companies needing strong security. This alliance aims to enhance business defenses against cyber threats.