Many API programs get launched without a clear understanding as to WHY the API should exist. Rather, many are focused on WHAT the API consists of and HOW it should be targeted, implemented and leveraged. This presentation focuses on establishing the need for a clear WHY proposition behind the decision. The HOW and then WHAT will follow from that. This presentation also uses the history of the Netflix API to demonstrate the power, utility and importance of knowing WHY you are building an API.