APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the connection points that allow IT systems to link with each other when they need data immediately. APIs An API is like a door via which one IT system may allow another to access data or functionality. The system granting access can control which other systems may enter and what they can see and do. The API can also log all accesses for audit. Image These "real-time" connections mean that users see data updates as they happen, and allow systems to implement processes that involve more than one IT system. APIs can be reused. Instead of building one-off integrations for each project, we can reuse an existing integration point, thus simplifying maintenance and control. For more information about the APIs available to University developers, and the technology underlying these APIs, please contact the EA team using the "Contact Us" button above. Example use: The MyEd portal MyEd is familiar to students and staff as the University's portal for online services. In 2019, MyEd is being relaunched with a new design that focussed on providing users with the information they most often need, regardless of which system holds that information. APIs are the key mechanism for the new MyEd to access the data in the underlying IT systems. As an example, a student may update their address in the student record and this will be displayed immediately in the MyEd portal, because MyEd uses an API to get the latest information from the student record. Improving the student and staff experience of MyEd Example use: Notifications Users are familiar with the idea of notifications from their smartphones. A notification alerts them that a new message has arrived or that there is a new task for them to do. The University's notification service is software that allows IT systems to send notifications via the MyEd portal or via e-mail. For more information, please consult the Website and Communications Service. Website and Communications Service Other types of connectors For bulk data transfers, we usually use other mechanisms more suited to transferring large amounts of data. These include direct links to the databases, or copying files from one location to another. This article was published on 2024-10-08
