SmartBear Automates API Testing, Fern $9M, Okta Non-human Identities
The API Changelog issue 2025.15
This is issue 2025.15 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 7, 2025. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News Highlight
Akamai Technologies, Inc. introduced App & API Protector Hybrid to secure applications and APIs across various environments.
This solution allows users to expand WAAP's critical capabilities while securing applications and APIs in multi-cloud, on-premises, and CDN-agnostic environments. The solution aims to standardize WAF protections, reduce operational overhead, and accelerate cloud transformation without sacrificing security. It safeguards applications, APIs, microservices, and workloads against sophisticated threats while delivering resilience, scalability, and simplified security management.
See additional coverage on Stock Titan, Nasdaq, and Help Net Security.
This issue of the API Changelog is sponsored by DreamFactory:
DreamFactory is the easiest way to automatically generate, publish, manage, and secure REST APIs, convert SOAP to REST, and aggregate disparate data sources through a single API platform.
Announcements
TracPlus launches FireFlyte, a SaaS platform that delivers real-time intelligence for firefighting, emphasizing coordination, safety, and efficient resource management. TracPlus partners with Avincis, employing its software on about 220 aircraft to enhance mission outcomes for agencies and communities.
Anthem Business Software, LLC, has partnered with HawkSoft to integrate their platforms, streamlining agents' workflows by connecting client and marketing management. The integration allows a one-click data sync from HawkSoft to Anthem Software, improving efficiency and enhancing marketing efforts through automation. See additional coverage on MarTechCube.
Cloudbeds' integration with Hipcamp links campground availability and boosts visibility to a younger market. Campground revenues increase by tapping new guests, with top listings earning over $200,000 extra annually.
SmartBear's API Hub for Test automates testing by simplifying API validation throughout the development process and integrating with CI/CD pipelines. The solution aims to decrease the maintenance workload for software development teams.
Expert Insured's platform boosts MGA efficiency by enabling quick, tailor-made program launches with .NET Core technology. It offers seamless API, XL Rating tool, and third-party rater integrations like NetRate to ensure rapid, accurate insurance operations.
Insights has released a new Discovery API for seamless integration of personality insights into HR and coaching platforms. The API enhances personal development and team communication by providing insights into employee behaviors, preferred communication styles, and leadership skills.
Postman, the top API collaboration platform, has announced Ryan Reynolds as the keynote speaker for POST/CON 25. The event focuses on AI-smart API development, highlighted by a case study on Reynolds' MNTN leveraging Postman's tools.
Funding and M&A
TransFICC, a London-based fintech, secured €22.5 million in Series B, led by Citadel Securities and BlackFin Tech, totaling €45.2 million raised. The firm's unified API caters to Fixed Income, offering low-latency, scalable solutions for market fragmentation and regulatory changes.
Fern has secured $9M to streamline the automation of software development kit creation and upkeep. The funding aims to reduce developer workload and accelerate integration processes.
AI
Amazon has launched Nova Sonic, an AI model for voice processing that rivals models from OpenAI and Google. Nova Sonic boasts lower costs, and high accuracy, and is part of Amazon's strategy for developing AGI. See additional coverage on the Hindustan Times.
Kong Inc. has joined forces with BT Group to upgrade the latter's IT infrastructure and adopt new technologies like Generative AI. BT Group will harness Kong Konnect to centralize API management, enhancing efficiency and developer experiences.
OpenAI has launched the Evals API, enabling automated, programmatic evaluation of large language models within development workflows. This tool allows for custom evaluations, YAML-based configurations, and integration into CI/CD pipelines to enhance model performance consistency. See additional coverage on the decoder.
Informatica expands its cloud data management on Google Cloud with API support and compliance, enhancing enterprise AI readiness. These new features aim to streamline data intelligence across platforms and improve business outcomes in various industries. See additional coverage on Stock Titan and BigDataWire.
xAI, released its Grok 3 model via API amidst a countersuit by OpenAI, despite costing more than competitors like Google’s Gemini. While Musk touted Grok as unfiltered and controversial, prior versions showed a political lean which he aims to neutralize in Grok 3. See additional coverage on the Cryptonomist and ain.
Fintech
Hilton becomes the first hotel chain to integrate virtual card payments into its system globally, boosting efficiency and security. The collaboration with Conferma simplifies the check-in process and enhances the overall experience for business travelers.
Greece's Piraeus Bank has launched enriched transaction data to improve customer experience in digital banking. This innovation, developed with Snowdrop Solutions, offers users detailed insights including merchant information through the bank's e-services.
Rapid Finance introduces a SaaS module to aid compliance with Missouri's new commercial financing disclosure laws. The service integrates with loan platforms, providing clear disclosures and supporting growth without regulatory complexity.
Ozone API, a leader in open banking technology, has launched a calculator to estimate the cost for US banks to create their own API infrastructure. The tool considers factors like project duration, hosting costs, and even employee salaries, and has been validated by US banks for its accuracy in forecasting both initial and ongoing maintenance costs. See additional coverage on Finextra.
FinGoal, a transaction enrichment solutions provider, joins forces with Quiltt to enhance financial data management and user experiences. The partnership aims to give users personalized insights by merging FinGoal's transaction data capabilities with Quiltt's unified API platform.
Security
Salt Security has integrated with the CrowdStrike Falcon platform, offering better API security and threat insights. Their collaboration smooths out the deployment of Salt's API sensors for improved threat detection and asset discovery. See additional coverage on Mssp Alert and TechnologyReseller.
Legit Security has partnered with Traceable to help teams prioritize vulnerability fixes with API security insights. The integration allows for better prioritization and reveals risks in APIs, enhancing security across the full API portfolio.
Hive Intelligence, an AI+blockchain platform, launched its mainnet and joined NVIDIA's Inception, signaling key advancements in AI-driven blockchain applications. The platform's launch introduces a universal API that simplifies real-time, multi-chain data queries for developers and fuels its ecosystem with the $HINT token.
Okta, Inc. extends its Identity Security Fabric to include non-human identities, enhancing security across an organization's entire ecosystem. Deloitte predicts non-human identities like AI agents will rise, while only 15% of organizations remain confident in their abilities to secure them.
Cybersecurity firm Stellar Cyber launched an Open Cybersecurity Alliance to improve interoperability and threat management for enterprises and MSSPs. The alliance offers over 400 integrations with various security solutions, enabling a unified approach to cybersecurity and rapid threat detection.