Application Programing Interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols and tools for building software applications. An API is a software-to-software interface. APIs allow applications to communicate with each other without the end user even realizing that there were separate applications communicating. The end user only sees the one interface and doesn’t even know when one application sends information to another application.
Wireless Temperature Monitoring Sensor with API
Application Programing Interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols and tools for building software applications. An API is a software-to-software interface. APIs allow applications to communicate with each other without the end user even realizing that there were separate applications communicating. The end user only sees the one interface and doesn’t even know when one application sends information to another application.
Developing a good API is an important service to customers. It opens up the system to work in conjunction with a company’s software infrastructure, instead of separate and apart from it. Having an API is also a good way to support unanticipated future uses.
A good description of APIs in general, as well as examples of some government APIs can be found at http://www.howto.gov/mobile/apis-in-government. Many big social networking corporations have a developer section on their website, where they list instructions for using their APIs. To view what kind of information large companies provide developers for using their APIs, see the examples below:
- Facebook (http://developers.facebook.com/)
- Google Maps (https://developers.google.com/maps/)
E-Control Systems has released its FusionLive™ External Framework API, which was designed with customers in mind. All components were written using standards-based Web-API and XML, making integration easy. With only limited resources, a developer can create a meaningful application in a matter of 2 hours. The API also comes with a sample application showing how to use some of the most common features.
The integration of the FusionLive™ database to enterprise facility management systems, such as building automation, energy management, HVAC controls, and maintenance/preventative maintenance systems, provides an all-in-one system. This integrated system can provide alarms and reports in real time to improve the efficiency of the operations and save a tremendous amount of time and money, without having to invest in a new platform.
