Point.io Launching APIflow

Point.io launched APIflow, second in a series of API-as-a-Service offerings to enable secure data access, sharing and collaboration via APIs.

The API to externalize core business processes, APIflow enables workflows initiated by an internal system to engage external participants using third-party apps effectively and securely.

Cloud providers, application developers, systems integrators and IT departments can integrate with existing applications, simplify software design and reduce development and maintenance costs, while ensuring that core processes are executed in a precise and timely fashion.

According to Forrester, “A new supply/demand paradigm is driving enterprise architects and application development professionals to a technology inflection point. The demand is for mobile apps – consumers have an insatiable appetite for more apps, developed and updated at breakneck speeds that deliver mind-blowing experiences. And the mobile app consumers aren’t just external – they’re also employees and business partners. As app-dev pros, where do we turn to supply this growing demand? Application programming interfaces, better known as APIs.”

Previously, organizations required high-cost, custom-coded integrations to engage external participants through web or mobile applications or faced the risks of exposing core systems to the Internet directly. APIflow enables core processes to be externalized through a single, simple API that allows people to participate via web, mobile, or cloud application. Externalized processes remain in-step with internal systems of record without the risks of exposing core systems to direct Internet traffic. Companies can leverage APIflow to engage third-party developers to publish new applications that expand user choice and drive unique experiences through the API.

“Today’s modern enterprises are dependent on engaging customers and partners in meaningful ways to achieve operational success,” said Ron Rock, CEO of Point.io. “While companies have historically invested big money in large BPM solutions, external engagement and collaboration often fell outside the scope of these traditional approaches. APIflow delivers this critical piece of the puzzle giving the enterprise control while unlocking the creativity of the marketplace like never before.“

Other benefits of APIflow include:

• Easy integration with existing applications – It supplements API Management systems such as Apigee and Mashery and integrates seamlessly with core systems of record including salesforce.com and most common ERP and CRM systems
• Reduced development and maintenance costs – It provides a turnkey solution to externalize processes operated entirely in the cloud and preloaded with best-practice processes based on open standards
• Eliminate AppStore headaches and unnecessary app updates – It insolates applications from the impact of process change, allowing processes to evolve independently from the apps that express them
• Simplified software design – It removes the complexity of integrating with enterprise BPM systems from developers so they can concentrate on the user experience
• Compliance with corporate security policies – It includes a suite of metadata to support audit and compliance requirements for process execution and data access across platforms and locations, enforcing corporate integrity for all transactions

“APIflow is the fastest way for a company to join the API Economy by monetizing internal processes in the market today,” said Tim Panagos, CTO, Point.io. “New customer acquisition and fulfillment are the most likely first use-cases for APIflow because they can drive new revenue. Developers can embed processes directly into their apps without shuffling prospects to a browser. Keeping the fulfillment process inside the app makes the experience natural and will result in increased conversion rates.”

The first API-as-a-Service was APIdoc, a single API to provide connections to all file-sharing and storage technologies.

APIflow is now available to organizations looking for a single, secure interface to all corporate data across all applications.