External Entity

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a construct that enables communication between systems. Integration between systems in complex environments continues to be a business priority to support automation activities. An API can be purpose-built for a bespoke integration (typical of legacy systems), or alternatively a standard connector can be developed between industry standard systems such as ERP’s and Service Management platforms. Managing these integrations becomes a complex operational task as updates and new releases to the integrated systems (and enabling technologies), can lead to intensive release management and testing activities. Security is also of utmost concern when managing integrations as the API provides a potential entry-point from either system integration direction – the API has become a preferred target for malicious attacks on systems and networks.