Evaluating the Current State of Application Programming Interfaces for Verifiable Credentials

Author(s):  
Nikesh Lalchandani ◽  
Frank Jiang ◽  
Jongkil Jay Jeong ◽  
Yevhen Zolotavkin ◽  
Robin Doss
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 059-069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashila Dullabh ◽  
Lauren Hovey ◽  
Krysta Heaney-Huls ◽  
Nithya Rajendran ◽  
Adam Wright ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Interest in application programming interfaces (APIs) is increasing as key stakeholders look for technical solutions to interoperability challenges. We explored three thematic areas to assess the current state of API use for data access and exchange in health care: (1) API use cases and standards; (2) challenges and facilitators for read and write capabilities; and (3) outlook for development of write capabilities. Methods We employed four methods: (1) literature review; (2) expert interviews with 13 API stakeholders; (3) review of electronic health record (EHR) app galleries; and (4) a technical expert panel. We used an eight-dimension sociotechnical model to organize our findings. Results The API ecosystem is complicated and cuts across five of the eight sociotechnical model dimensions: (1) app marketplaces support a range of use cases, the majority of which target providers' needs, with far fewer supporting patient access to data; (2) current focus on read APIs with limited use of write APIs; (3) where standards are used, they are largely Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR); (4) FHIR-based APIs support exchange of electronic health information within the common clinical data set; and (5) validating external data and data sources for clinical decision making creates challenges to provider workflows. Conclusion While the use of APIs in health care is increasing rapidly, it is still in the pilot stages. We identified five key issues with implications for the continued advancement of API use: (1) a robust normative FHIR standard; (2) expansion of the common clinical data set to other data elements; (3) enhanced support for write implementation; (4) data provenance rules; and (5) data governance rules. Thus, while APIs are being touted as a solution to interoperability challenges, they remain an emerging technology that is only one piece of a multipronged approach to data access and use.


Author(s):  
Joshua Ofoeda

Digital platforms continue to contribute to the global economy by enabling new forms of value creation. Whereas the Information Systems literature is dominated by digital platform research, less is said about Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), the engine behind digital platforms. More so, there is a dearth in the literature on how developing economy firms create value through API integration. To address these research gaps, the author conducted a case study on DigMob (Pseudonym), a digital firm that focuses on the sale of indigenous African music to understand how it created value through API integration. Based on Amit and Zott's value creation model, the findings suggest that DigMob's value creation occurs on a broader value network comprising suppliers (e.g., payment service providers) and customers. For instance, DigMob generated value through the API-enabled platform by ensuring that music lovers purchase their preferred songs at competitive prices. DigMob has also been able to increase their revenue and brand image. Similarly, musicians have been able to rake substantial amounts of money through the sales of their music on the platform.


Author(s):  
Ivaylo Atanasov ◽  
Evelina Pencheva

The paper presents a new mark-up approach to service creation in Next Generation Networks. The approach allows access to network functions exposed by open application programming interfaces. Based on ontology analysis of the application domain, language constructions are synthesized and formally defined. Language supporting tools are developed. The approach functionality is tested by simulation.


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