A Unified API is an interface that consolidates multiple APIs and presents them as a single API service. Here are the key features and benefits of a Unified API:
- Abstraction Layer: It acts as an abstraction layer between an application and multiple underlying APIs.
- Standardization: It unifies the endpoints and data models of various APIs within a specific domain (e.g., CRM, accounting).
- Simplified Integration: Developers can access functions and data from multiple SaaS applications through a single, consistent interface.
- Time Savings: It reduces the effort for developers, as only one API integration is required instead of multiple individual integrations.
- Unified Authentication: It typically offers a single authentication method for accessing various services.
- Extended Functionality: Well-designed Unified APIs can complement missing features of the underlying APIs, such as webhooks or pagination.
- Scalability: It allows companies to quickly add new integrations and expand into new markets.
- Improved User Experience: End users benefit from a unified interface and easier troubleshooting of integration issues.
A Unified API is particularly useful for companies that want to offer multiple integrations without the development effort required for each individual API integration.