The API management software company 3scale has put together a free ebook (requires an email address) The API Owner’s Manual that including best practices from successful API teams.
The book recommends using Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas to define the business case for API offerings. The Business Model Canvas defines a structured way to analyze core aspects of an API program such as value proposition, revenue streams, cost structure, customer segments, channels, etc.
The book is loaded with tips and case studies and is a quick read. Definitely worth the time to download and check out.
From the download site and book:
Learn how successful API programs are built and managed, along with best practices that help to enable success. This ebook examines a number of examples of successful API programs, including Amazon, APIdaze, eBay, Flickr, Netflix, Pingar, SendGrid, Senzari MusicGraph, Stripe, and Twilio.
Best practices from successful API teams
-
Focus relentlessly on the value of the API
-
Make the business model clear from the beginning
-
Design and implement with the user in mind
-
Place API operations at the top of the list
-
Obsess about developer experience
-
Go beyond marketing 101
-
Remember API retirement and change management
Our team has also put together an ebook on how to get started with APIs. Download the guide for the steps to create a successful API strategy to fuel innovation and digital transformation.
Hi Eric,
thanks a lot for this article and mentioning our ebook. In the meantime we evolved the idea of using Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas to an API Model Canvas, which should help organisations creating an API program.
We presented this concept at the API Strategy and Practice (APIStrat) conference 2015 in Austin. Here are video and slides:
http://www.slideshare.net/3scale/api-model-canvas-for-successful-api-strategies-and-programs
Currently, we are developing this into an open-source tool.
Thanks,
Manfred