02 May 2023
Research commissioned by Nokia and conducted by Analysys Mason revealed that network API exposure is a top 5 priority for 73% of communication service providers (CSPs), who are turning to open APIs (application programming interface) and SDK (software development kits) to enable software developers to create programs that offer new 5G services to customers..png?lu=194)
In addition, the research found that around 60% of software developers are keen to write software programs that enable developers to enrich their applications for customers with new services, such as improved quality on demand.
Enlisting software developers, at scale, is increasingly essential to the creation and delivery of 5G services. Telecom service APIs have a significant role to play in monetizing 5G because they can expose the deep functionality and data within telecom networks; allowing developers to then develop new use cases for their customers, both enterprises and consumers.
While CSPs and software developers are broadly aligned in their assessment of the most important network APIs, around half of developers cited network issues, like the need for more insight and control of how network quality affects the performance of their applications, as a major challenge when trying to utilize cloud and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) services.
Further, some 76% of software developers said that network APIs must be easy to use and indicated that complexity and the lack of API documentation from CSPs currently deter them from using network APIs.