An API lets one system ask another system for data or to perform actions. It is a way for systems to
talk to each other, and exchange data in real-time.
Public and Private APIs
Growth in public and private APIs has been exponential. Directories and marketplaces exist to catalogue and market them. The volume of Private APIs under lock and key is several times that of those made available to the public. The difference between them is that public APIs offer free-for-all consumption whereas private APIs require pre-qualification, an agreement and often payment i.e., a subscription. With over 200,000 accessible APIs - still expanding rapidly - it is an art to know which ones to invest time in and effort in.
Commercial Opportunities
APIs exposing data and functions can generate new revenue streams, enable fast partner integrations, bring operational insights and efficiencies by automating processes and reducing manual data sharing, saving time and reducing errors. It becomes easy to use or sell insights based on API data, from analytics, priced product optimisation, trends, or aggregated customer behaviours. Importantly, gaining access to new data sets can provide significant competitive edge.
Internal teams can use APIs to rapidly experiment with new services or combine data sources for insight which speeds up decision making. Open APIs can enhance public trust (e.g. in government or public services) by making data more accessible to whoever needs it. The challenge is how to onboard and consumer APIs without the technical know how.
Commercial teams that fail to exploit APIs risk falling behind in speed, scalability, and competitiveness. They enable seamless data sharing, faster integration with partners, and the creation of new revenue streams through data monetisation and embedded services. Without them, teams rely on manual processes, miss real-time insights, and struggle to meet the expectations of modern, tech-savvy customers.
In a data-driven economy, API prowess is a key gateway to agility, innovation, and unlocking untapped commercial value. Ignoring them is like patiently standing at the bus stop, knowing that the bus won't come - whilst waving farewell to market share.
Data Governance
Governance teams often show up after the fact, fixing inconsistencies post-hoc, once damage is already done — conflicting reports, missed targets, or leadership confusion. Commercial teams build fast, move fast, and rightly prioritise speed and delivery. Data governance needs to be built in, not butt in.
Instead of slowing down commercial teams, modern governance needs to:
1. Reliable and accessible data sources
2. Offer lightweight guidance
3. Automation through tools that do not require technical know-how
4. Work in partnership as “data product managers” embedded in teams, not as auditors
5. Help accelerate delivery and consistency
If governance waits until the end, it’s reactive and too late. If it’s collaborative, API-aware, and embedded into commercial workflows from the start, it becomes a strategic enabler, not a blocker.