Now that the dust has settled from the mobile app gold rush, we are now seeing some of the most useful apps releasing their technology for others to use. By opening up databases to developers, rich data can be pushed and pulled with the help of open API technology. The North Face’s Trailhead app has been pulling from EveryTrail.com for years. And while you may not always be checking in using the FourSquare app, FourSquare’s location data powers other top apps like Uber, Instagram and FoodSpotting.
Let’s take a look at companies and brands who have opened their APIs and the apps that they’ve powered, from shopping to fitness to wine pairings and more. Walk away with resources to solve problems and inspiration to build the next killer app.
5. API = Application Programming Interface
An API is a set of rules of how one computer
system can talk to another to exchange data or
access a site’s features
Photo: Ajari Photo
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6. +
Easy sign up using data stored in Facebook
Access to Facebook
friend activity
Integrated sharing to your
Facebook Timeline
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8. +
Ability to book a reservation
on OpenTable.com
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9. Quality auto components are the foundation
for an innovative new car
PayPal payments API allowed eBay to
focus on building a better commerce site
Diagram: Georg Rill
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10. These companies have all been around
for quite some time.
Why have they opened or integrated now?
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11. Sharing is a good for business
1
Photo: Cam-Fu
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12. Travel booking sites are sharing their
availability, pricing and reviews in
exchange for lead generation
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13. Netflix opened their API to allow streaming
compatibility for more devices to
extend distribution
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14. +
Nike allows start ups like FitCause to tap into
their API to help drive demand
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15. PayPal is now a payment option on many eComm sites,
creating a massive revenue stream from each
transaction fee
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16. But not all products and services have opened their API
yet. Imagine what we could do if they did ...
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17. But not all products and services have opened their API
yet. Imagine what we could do if they did ...
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18. In addition to open APIs being good for business,
they also push innovation.
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19. In addition to open APIs being good for business,
they also push innovation.
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21. Web 1.0 Web 2.0 Web 3.0
Company Focus Community Focus Individual Focus
Home Pages Blogs / Wikis Lifestreams / Waves
Owning Content Sharing Content Consolidating Content
Web Forms Web Applications Smart Apps
The Digital Ecosystem has Evolved
Adapted from a chart by: Dr. Dan A. McDougall
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