Back to Basics: What is a Communication REST API?

It is a thing of the past when customers only used to reach brands through voice channels such as PSTN landlines. However, with the advancement of mobile technology, customers expect to reach brands through a number of different channels. This is the reason why several companies are adopting VoIP solutions to provide customers with an added communication channel to their mobile application.

But this does not mean that companies have to spend endless hours of time and resources every time they are in need to add a different communication channel. Businesses can use communication APIs to add these channels to the mobile application and reduce development time.

In this article, we will discuss communication REST APIs. However, let us first briefly discuss communication APIs in general.

What Is a Communication API?

An Application Program Interface (API) is a piece of code that ensures two different software hosted on the cloud are able to connect and transfer information with each other. Using an API allows software developers to cut down their development time.

Think of a communication API as a type of application program interface which helps in adding communication channels to specific software. Using an API, your business can add various services such as SMS, voice, or social media among others to your application on an as-needed basis.

Having said that, there are several types of APIs for communication. One of those API types is a communication REST API.

Communication REST API

REST is an acronym for Representational State Transfer. It is an architectural pattern that describes how distributed systems are able to expose a consistent interface. The REST API is an API accessed through HTTP protocol at a predefined set of URLs.

In general, the REST API is used for sending and receiving text messages and phone calls, along with managing phone number applications. The communication REST API allows voice services to connect with one another.

Why use REST APIs?

Many businesses around the world make use of REST APIs for their applications. Following are some of the benefits of using communication REST APIs.

1. It is flexible

Communication REST APIs are able to handle various types of requests and can send data in a number of formats.

2. It is Scalable

Communication REST APIs are designed for communication between two different pieces of software. As the web application grows and the business adds more resources, REST API can handle the increasing number of requests very easily.

3. It incorporates existing web technologies

REST APIs can be incorporated with the existing web technologies of the business. This makes it very easy to build and use REST APIs. You just have to provide a URL for requesting a resource through REST API.

Final Thoughts

To offer a better customer experience, businesses can integrate voice calls with apps, websites, helpdesk, and much more. This provides businesses with the flexibility to offer a number of communication channels through which the customer can reach them.