5G API Supergroup, Operant AI $10M, Automated Video Face Redaction
5G API Supergroup, Operant AI $10M, Automated Video Face Redaction
The API Changelog issue 2024.38
This is issue 2024.38 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 September 9, 2024. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News highlight
Kong Inc.'s latest Kong Konnect release at API Summit 2024 enhances API management for GenAI applications with improved performance and security. New features include better API lifecycle oversight, multi-cloud expansion, and integration with large language models to facilitate GenAI adoption.
The latest enhancements include the introduction of the Konnect Service Catalog, expanded availability of Konnect Dedicated Cloud Gateways on Microsoft Azure, the release of Kong Gateway 3.8, the launch of AI Gateway 3.8, the unveiling of Kong Insomnia 10, the introduction of Kong Serverless Gateways, new Advanced API and AI Analytics capabilities, and the addition of the Konnect Config Store.
See additional coverage on inside HPC, SD Times, WJBF.com, and SiliconANGLE.
This article is brought to you with the help of our supporter: SmartBear.
PactFlow, now featuring SmartBear HaloAI, introduces AI-augmented contract testing to its feature-rich platform. With PactFlow AI, developers and testers can automate the creation and maintenance of contract tests, saving time while enhancing accuracy across complex systems. Effortlessly scale contract testing with existing code, OpenAPI Descriptions, or traffic data and ensure tests stay current as APIs evolve. PactFlow helps prevent breaking changes, accelerates development, and empowers teams to deploy with confidence—without compromising quality.
PactFlow’s AI-augmented contract testing is available now!
Announcements
Mobile operators, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, and others, join Ericsson in a venture to standardize APIs and enhance app services. This effort, interoperating with Ericsson and Google Cloud, is set for early 2025 operation, targeting developer inclusivity and industry alignment. See additional coverage on telecoms.com, U.S.News, ericsson.com, Capacity, and CNBStv18.
Twilio has globally launched Rich Communication Services (RCS) for more interactive messaging through its APIs, also enhancing customer trust and engagement. RCS's support will reduce customer service costs and skepticism by enabling companies to provide verified and rich media messages without extra coding.
Open source forks of HashiCorp's Terraform and Vault have emerged under Business Source License terms but haven't impacted HashiCorp's growth. The forks, OpenTofu and OpenBao, continue to develop with new features, even as HashiCorp progresses and is set for IBM acquisition.
TraceLink introduced Opus Link Actions, enabling quick integration with ERP systems like NetSuite enhancing operational efficiency. This feature minimizes integration time and costs, facilitates real-time data exchange, and offers a flexible Integrate Once, Interoperate With Everyone™ model. See additional coverage on PR Newswire.
Posti Group, amidst e-commerce growth, is transforming into a customer-centric delivery entity using WSO2 API Manager for streamlined operations and faster innovation. The adoption of WSO2 solutions has expedited development, unified API management, and supported Posti's digital transformation in line with its modern logistical vision. See additional coverage on Einpresswire.
Infobip, Nokia, and GSMA showcase API benefits at the developer conference, collaborating with global telcos. A tech-automotive company, Elmo reveals a remote driving technology in Croatia, enabled by Nokia, Croatian Telekom, and Infobip's support. See additional coverage on StreetInsider and 10silicon canals.
Uber has now integrated with Tesla's API to enable destination input directly to Tesla's navigation system. This feature streamlines the ride-hailing experience for drivers and customers using Teslas rented through Hertz.
Kevel, an API-first ad-serving company, and Placements.io, a leading revenue management platform, have teamed up to enhance retail media network management. Their integration will allow for more effective ad inventory monetization and scalable, custom solutions for retailers.
Meta has updated its Marketing API to match functionalities offered in its Ads Manager for Instagram Reminder Ads. The changes, effective August 19, 2024, allow for broader ad creation and re-engagement tactics through third-party apps. See additional coverage on Social Samosa.
Edinburgh City Council has implemented a digital on-street bus tracking system, available for app development via an open API. The system, already featuring 322 trackers, provides real-time travel info and will expand with 100 more signs to enhance regional travel planning.
Funding and M&A
Iliad Group owner Xavier Niel has finished buying and will merge Ukrainian mobile and fixed operators, backed by a $435M investment plan. Vonage is partnering with SAP to explore innovative AI applications using Vonage's APIs.
Operant AI secured $10 million in a Series A to advance its Runtime AI Application Protection Platform, focusing on data-in-use security. The funding, totaling $13.5 million, adds experts to its Board and fuels product growth for proactive, cloud-native API and AI application defense.
AI
Elastic now supports Hugging Face models with native chunking for improved AI-driven search applications. The Open Inference API integration allows developers to build semantic search applications more efficiently without custom chunking code. See coverage on Datanami and Stock Titan.
Bookboost, a top CRM platform for hospitality, unveiled an AI-enhanced Unified Inbox and email ticketing to streamline guest communications and drive efficiency. The upgraded inbox combines team collaboration, complete guest profiles, AI automation, and an open messaging API to personalize and enhance guest service.
XL8 has combined its AI translation technology with OOONA's localization management system to streamline media translation workflow. OOONA's CEO highlights the integration's benefits in automating the localization process, maintaining consistency, and improving productivity. See additional coverage on destination CRM.
Coveo launched its Relevance-Augmented Passage Retrieval API, integrating large language models with its AI retrieval system. This API delivers precise, context-aware content for LLM applications, according to Coveo's president, aiming to enhance enterprise AI architecture.
Deepdub Enterprise Plan enhances AI-powered dubbing with API integration and an improved eTTS 2.1 model, responding to the rise in global demand. The firm's fivefold revenue increase in 2023 attests to this technology's acceptance among media companies, and the partnership with OOONA boosts its global reach. See coverage on StreetInsider.
Fintech and Crypto
Quidax became the first crypto firm in Nigeria to earn a provisional SEC license, marking a significant shift for fintech and e-commerce integration. Nigeria's massive $56.7 billion crypto transactions reflect its top global adoption rate, enhancing business opportunities.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) has enhanced its Apex27 CRM to include its insured scheme via API. Apex27 now enables effortless insured deposit setup and retrieval of reference numbers, benefiting agents with streamlined workflows.
Step Finance has launched a Solana Portfolio Data API for institutional players, providing real-time data and transaction histories. The service, with extensive Solana network coverage, aims to ease the data access hurdle for institutions, supporting regulatory compliance and user experience improvements.
Security
Probely highlighted that healthcare API vulnerabilities pose security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection and regular security assessments. Strategies such as using API gateways, strong encryption, and multi-factor authentication were recommended to safeguard against ransomware and phishing.
Pimloc, an AI video privacy and analytics firm, has integrated its Secure Redact platform with Eagle Eye Networks' cloud surveillance. This collaboration automates the redaction of faces and license plates in videos, aiding compliance and operational efficiency. See additional coverage on Security Systems News.
Telesign's new iOS SDK for Verify API enables secure phone number verification for both iOS and Android apps, simplifying integration. This update enhances user authentication security without sacrificing the seamless experience demanded in today's digital interactions. See additional coverage on businesswire and MorningStar.