API enablement programs nearly always begin as IT initiatives. Back in the day, it was usually to support your first mobile application. Today it may be more about IT agility to keep pace with business change or to support a massive modernization program like an ERP migration. In sum: These programs are initially about developer enablement.
An IT focus is a fine place to start: You must build the IT competency first before it can be leveraged for advancing business outcomes. But it shouldn’t end there. Ultimately, API programs must mature into business enablement. To move your API program to the next level, we have developed Forrester’s Three-Pillar API Enablement Model. It outlines three key areas that organizations must focus on to achieve an API program that delights rather than disappoints.
The three pillars for successful API enablement are:
- A comprehensive API platform. This is your tech stack. While API management is the centerpiece of the API platform, it is rarely the only piece. A comprehensive API platform encompasses API user management, supporting the SDLC phases, and crosscutting concerns like security.
- The right operating model. While API programs begin with centralized delivery and governance, this does not scale. Organizations must quickly move to federated delivery and governance. This requires a change in the organizational structure and shift in roles and responsibilities of teams, including a pivot towards platform engineering.
- Business leadership. API programs must be focused on business outcomes. For some organizations, that means API product managers creating new products or even transforming the business model. For others, it may be maximizing operational efficiency and optimizing business processes at scale.
API Enablement Starts With The End In Mind
Implementing an API program will start with tech investment in the comprehensive API platform. Then, you will evolve the operating model from a small, centralized pilot to enterprise scale. Finally, it matures to focus on business outcomes across the enterprise. But you should start with the end in mind.
- First, envision what your future API-enabled business will look like. Identify how business roles might change and how IT will need to support them.
- Then, envision the operating model and corresponding organizational structure that will support those outcomes. Identify the roadmap to get from the current organization structure to that end state.
- Finally, identify what technology you need to deliver that future. Compare that to your current state, and the gaps you find will shape your tech investment roadmap.
Forrester clients can read more details about Forrester’s Three-Pillar API Enablement Model or schedule a guidance session with me to discuss how to apply this model to your organization.
