This week, we had the opportunity to interview Erik Wilde, a highly knowledgeable API expert on a mission to help customers do the right things in the API and digital transformation space. On February 16, 2023, he will be one of the speakers at a live event API Day on devmio, where he will share his insights on the design and professional utilization of APIs, gained from his years of hands-on experience. Here’s what he told us and what you can expect from the live event.

devmio: Hello Erik, we greatly appreciate you taking the time for this interview. Could you please tell our readers a little bit about your background and your work?

Erik Wilde: Gladly! I've spent a long time working in the API field, mostly focusing on thought leadership and evangelism. The most exciting aspect for me is that this is not just about products but also about how to maximize your investment in the API space. Almost all organizations today use APIs in some capacity, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of making the most of these investments. Helping with this is the biggest motivation in my work.

devmio: What's your take on the rapid development in the field of API management? What have been the drawbacks and milestones in recent years?

Erik Wilde: I believe we are still in the early stages. Everyone talks about digital transformation, but I often see overly technology-focused initiatives that would benefit greatly from a more holistic approach: Why are we interested in APIs and API management? How can we maximize the return on our investments? Finally, there is the big question: How do we reshape ourselves as an organization that must consider organizational and strategic aspects in addition to technical ones? The brave new API world is full of possibilities, but it is also challenging because you must look beyond purely technological discussions.

The brave new API world is full of possibilities, but it is also challenging because you must look beyond purely technological discussions.

devmio: What are the current API management trends?

Erik Wilde: We are witnessing "The Big Unbundling." The market is evolving quickly, and API lifecycle management from a single source is becoming less appealing. You must now think more actively about what problems you want to address and how, and then select the appropriate tools. This does not make life easier for API program and platform managers, but it does create a very dynamic ecosystem in which you can always find a vendor who supports your goals.

devmio: Can you give us an example of a specific application of one of the trends?

Erik Wilde: When it comes to API testing, for example, there are numerous providers available. It's partly about traditional functional testing, partly about more API-specific aspects like fuzzing, and there's a lot of activity in the field of security. Organizations are now more willing and capable of assembling testing based on their own needs. For a while, it was common for large vendors to acquire smaller companies in order to provide "full API lifecycle management." Now we are approaching the point where very dynamic areas, such as testing, will benefit from smaller, more specialized vendors being able to enter the market more easily.

Above all, I want to get the API discussion out of the purely technical corner.

devmio: You are scheduled to host a live event on devmio on February 16. What are the main points you want to convey in your live event?

Erik Wilde: API management is often perceived as a relatively narrow technical framework: there are APIs, they are secured in a gateway, and there may be API development tooling. Today, however, we see that the true value of APIs is not in their technology, but in how they connect teams and businesses. Above all, you must consider the types of connections you wish to support and promote. As technicians, we must deal with more business aspects. The business side needs to learn more about digital opportunities and risks. Above all, I want to get the API discussion out of the purely technical corner.

devmio: What are your predictions for the future of API management?

Erik Wilde: More tools aimed (also) at non-technical people would be a great addition to the API landscape. What if, for example, my API portal could also be used for business purposes? Or, for example, what if I had better tooling to manage consumed APIs and better understand what dependencies exist? APIs, in my opinion, will become increasingly recognised as essential for modern business, but there is still a long way to go before all stakeholders and all tools are at the appropriate level.