How to use a common API layer to ground the cloud

The way technology works within the organization needs to change. APIs are a key enabler for this revolution, including using a common API Layer to ground the cloud. While many people think APIs mean moving everything to the cloud, or at least to new architectures, the reality is different. On-premise is not going away for many good reasons. But cloud applications don’t just magically work with on-premise applications.

To bridge the gap, you will need to wrap on-premise applications in a common API layer that enables them to readily talk to the outside world while still running on traditional infrastructure and architectures. This idea of a buffer API layer also extends to infrastructure elements, communication channels, mobile devices, application components, and sensor inputs that require interplay between on-premise resources and the outside world.

Plan for positive ROI

But with a variety of different projects and a pool of generic resources, where should you start? The key here is to pick “low hanging fruit”—projects that create the biggest benefit in the least amount of time. Not only will these projects deliver a quick win and help improve the performance of the organization, but they also subsidize the infrastructure that can then be deployed elsewhere and on other projects.

The other critical task is to bring budget-holding executives on board. All too often, decision makers see your expenditure requests as simply, “IT wants money for some shiny new objects.” To change their perception, it is important to help them understand the fundamental changes that are occurring—both on a macro level and for the business itself—so they can appreciate the potential value your proposed projects can offer.

AMPLIFY API Management is an example of a sensible early investment that can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise or a hybrid of the two, and used to create a common, reusable API layer that can traverse cloud to ground. Again, reusing elements in subsequent projects will reduce long-term costs and help you achieve a more compelling ROI story that should, in turn, build your case for future projects.