Monetizing Open Network APIs: Learning from API Success Stories

With a focus on making telecom resources accessible to developers, this presentation explored the potential of APIs and the strategies employed to make them accessible and profitable. Noel Wirzius is the Product Lead for Network APIs with Deutsche Telekom and collaborates in CAMARA, an open source project within Linux Foundation to define, develop and test the APIs that works in close collaboration with the GSMA Operator Platform Group.

Today, telcos collect vast amounts of data related to devices and network operations. This data is now being made available to developers through APIs, which serve as simple interfaces for accessing and doing something useful with this valuable information.

Noel Wirzius emphasized the concept of "Quality on Demand." With API access, developers can for example determine the fastest network routes, improving the quality of their network interactions. Or it can be used to grant higher quality of service for certain applications. For instance, at crowded events like festivals, with chronically overloaded mobile networks,  small sales transactions, such as for beverages, can be prioritized to higher quality levels that ensure  smooth operations, allowing vendors to move away from having to rely on cash transactions.

APIs also play a vital role in monitoring device connectivity. Developers can check device connection statuses, ensuring seamless user experiences. Furthermore, APIs enable location verification without relying on GPS, opening up new possibilities for location-based services.

Motion data, generated by tracking the movement of people in specific areas at defined timestamps, is another valuable resource made accessible through APIs. This data allows companies to adjust their operations and services based on real-time traffic patterns, optimizing their offerings.

The presentation closed with a crucial question: How should telcos address the market for APIs?

Telco-Specific Marketplaces: Telcos could create their individual marketplaces where developers sign up and request specific telco APIs. However, this approach could result in numerous endpoints to manage, leading to complexities in collaboration.

Aggregation: Alternatively, groups could aggregate APIs from various telcos and build their products on top of them. This approach offers a more streamlined experience for developers who can access APIs directly in their cloud instances, making it an attractive proposition.

In conclusion, the presentation highlighted the transformative potential of Network APIs in the telecom industry. By opening access to valuable resources and fostering collaboration, telcos are paving the way for innovation and monetization in this evolving landscape.

For more in-depth insights from this discussion on Open Network APIs, you can watch the full recording of the presentation from the i14y Lab Summit 2023.