Atlassian Acquires Optic, Traceable $30M, Dropbox Sign Breach
The API Changelog issue 2024.19
This is issue 2024.19 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 April 29, 2024. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
Highlight of the week
Atlassian has acquired Optic for API documentation and management integration into Compass, boosting developer productivity. Optic supports OpenAPI and enhances API quality and stability, reinforcing Atlassian's commitment to developer experience.
Aidan Cunniffe, CEO and founder of Optic, shared he was approached by Atlassian in mid-December. According to Cunniffe, “it was clear early on there was really solid alignment.” He felt confident that provided the business, and legal stuff worked out, we'd end up working together.
The acquisition makes sense from a product perspective. While Optic Cloud is a great internal API portal it doesn’t offer the internal developer platform (IDP) features that enterprise customers want. Atlassian, on the other hand, has been rolling out Compass, an IDP that doesn’t offer the governance features Optic Cloud does.
The next steps for Optic, according to Cunniffe, are the adaptation of features like documentation, CI, and changelogs into Atlassian’s Compass.
This issue of the API Changelog was crafted with the help of Flotiq.
Flotiq is an intuitive content management system for designing OpenAPI-compliant APIs, offering unparalleled extensibility to accelerate development with easy-to-use SDKs, comprehensive API documentation, and a user-friendly interface for seamless API and content integration.
Announcements
CDR.fyi announced the launch of a new API for integrating reliable carbon removal data into user workflows. The API allows the creation of custom apps and bots, plus the enhancement of climate project analysis and trend tracking.
Walmart has launched a Roblox initiative to sell real-world items with digital twins and is the pilot's sole revenue recipient. The retailer integrates commerce APIs into Unity, enabling physical sales in real-time 3D experiences across metaverse platforms.
Groundsure has launched Groundsure.io, a convenient online hub for clients to access a variety of environmental data and reports. The new platform offers free, trusted data viewing, including flood risks and conservation zones, improving efficiency for environmental professionals.
Settlor launched a new API gateway enabling integrations with a partner network, offering 24/7 communication tools to agents. Alanna.ai became the first to integrate, enhancing customer service with AI-driven interactions and streamlining closing processes.
The Linux Foundation announced Paraglider, an initiative simplifying networking across and within cloud providers. Paraglider offers a unified API to manage complex cloud networks by tenant connectivity intent. See additional coverage on PR Newswire and StreetInsider.com
pdfRest announces a new API Polling Tool that helps developers integrate PDF workflows and bypasses timeouts in lengthy tasks. EIN Presswire emphasizes its role as a distributor and not a publisher of third-party content, disclaiming editorial control.
SafeLease, specializing in self-storage risk management, partners with Cubby to integrate tenant protection services into Cubby's management software. The collaboration aims to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and maximize revenue for self-storage operators.
Postman has released updates to enhance API collaboration, including workspace notifications, comment features, and Partner Workspaces. Their new Package Library and AI assistant Postbot aim to improve API design and teamwork ahead of an AI-driven future.
Microsoft introduced TypeSpec, a flexible language designed to simplify the complexities of API development. TypeSpec compiles to multiple formats, easing adaptation across various development scenarios and improving code quality.
Microsoft has launched the Defender for Identity Health Alert API for improved security monitoring. This feature integrates with dashboards and automates ticket creation, providing real-time updates and control over alerts.
AWS introduces an EC2 API for easily acquiring the Nitro Trusted Platform Module's public endorsement key. This feature is accessible at no extra cost across many AWS regions, excluding certain AWS China regions.
Twitter has delayed its paid API launch again, stating a new release will come shortly without specifying a date. The company indicates plans for a free tier allowing "good" bots to limited monthly tweets alongside the paid API with ID Verification.
Google has ceased accepting new sign-ups for API access, giving developers until June 30th, 2025 to switch from Google Fit to Android Health. The Google Fit app remains functional but appears destined for discontinuation next year. See additional coverage on Talk Android, NewsBytes, 9to5Google, and Reddit.
Funding and M&A
Traceable AI, a top API security firm, has raised $30 million from investors like Citi Ventures and lead investor IVP. Other contributors include Geodesic Capital, Sorenson Capital, and Unusual Ventures. See additional coverage on SecurityWeek, TechCrunch, Yahoo!finance, and businesswire.
WSO2, specializing in API and IAM services, was bought by Swedish investor EQT, valuing the company at over $600M. EQT Private Capital Asia sees WSO2's global customer base and AI-driven security demand as attractive for long-term digital transformation growth. See additional coverage on The Fast Mode, news.cision, and Yahoo!news.
AI
Yelp's AI chatbot, Yelp Assistant, enables users to engage and find professionals using easy commands. Customers can ask questions directly and receive assistance through this innovative feature. See additional coverage on Yelp and TechCrunch.
OpenAI enhanced its fine-tuning API with features for deeper training control and better performance insights. They also updated the Custom Model program offering assisted fine-tuning collaboration.
Postman introduces Postbot, a generative AI for auto-generating API tests and documentation, enhancing collaboration in its version 11. CEO Abhinav Asthana emphasizes the tool's role in handling the soaring number of service-exposing APIs more efficiently. See additional coverage on MorningStar and businesswire.
Fintech
The Bank of London introduces TBOL AI, simplifying integration for clients to develop banking apps and services using their APIs. TBOL AI enhances The Bank of London's Developer Studio, boasting a comprehensive UK API suite for seamless, secure embedded banking. See additional coverage on The Paypers
Standard Chartered unveiled its new Open Banking Marketplace, a platform for clients to explore and test APIs in a sandbox. The marketplace aims to accelerate open banking adoption by offering an enhanced user experience with over 100 API products. See additional coverage on Investing.com.
QNB, the largest bank in the MEA, launched Qatar's first Open Banking API for corporate clients. The service aims to transform corporate banking with increased efficiency and a superior user experience. See additional coverage on The Peninsula.
The Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) API delivers real-time financial data for market analysis, enhancing investor responsiveness to volatility. Comprehensive access to historical data via FMP facilitates predictions of stock crashes using technical indicators and Python for data processing.
Abillio's new API platform aids gig economy sites with payment and EU tax compliance, proven by integrations with Vaqat and Supply Family. The API streamlines tax reporting and payouts, enhancing operations for platforms and helping comply with KYC and AML regulations.
Tata Capital has introduced a user-friendly API ecosystem for retail and corporate clients, enabling businesses to co-create tailored solutions for efficiency and productivity. The APIs will simplify digital collaborations, provide a comprehensive range of solutions, and aid in continuous innovation. See additional coverage on Financial Express.
Security
The UK introduces laws to boost smart device security, mandating strong passwords and user prompts to change default ones. Experts welcome the change but call for further legislation and emphasize API security and the holistic cybersecurity ecosystem.
ThreatX enhances its RAAP service for continuous API security from development through runtime, improving vulnerability management within one platform. RAAP's use of eBPF technology ensures persistent observability and protection against attacks for seamless DevOps and Sec collaboration.
Microsoft Teams will release Approvals Graph APIs in June 2024, enabling app approval management from various applications. This integration aims to enhance security and mitigate phishing attacks by overseeing app installations within Teams. See additional coverage and related news on Medium, SC Media, GBHackers, and The Hacker News.
1Password and Postman have partnered to streamline secure API development and testing. The integration, featuring 1Password's SDKs, enhances security and collaboration for Postman Enterprise users.
Dropbox disclosed a breach affecting Dropbox Sign, compromising user data but not account contents or payment information. The breach, isolated to Dropbox Sign, prompted password resets and increased cybersecurity measures. See additional coverage and related news on SC Media, LegalDive, CRN, Cyber Security News, HelpNetSecurity, and Forbes.