Orange Taps Apigee to Expose Its APIs

Apigee has landed another operator customer in Orange, which will be using the API specialist's technology to expose its network assets to developers and partners, a move it hopes will enable it to launch new network-based services.

Apigee Corp. will power the application programming interfaces (APIs) for Orange (NYSE: FTE)'s business hub for developers, partners, and startups. The international operator (formerly France Telecom) already offers several APIs, including Rich Communications with joyn, machine-to-machine, search, and personal APIs, and says it wants to expand its offering throughout the year. It says its first priorities are cloud, secure access, and customer profiles.

With Apigee, it should be able to do this more quickly by tapping into its existing developer community and resources. Apigee has a developer portal through which Orange will be able to work with developers and take advantage of Apigee's predictive analytics capabilities to decide what new services to explore. (See Apigee Acquisition Brings Analytics to APIs and Apigee Puts InsightsOne Acquisition to Work.)

Why this matters
For a wireless operator, opening up APIs that let developers easily build apps and services using their network assets is critical to building an ecosystem that extends beyond connectivity. It's something all the operators want to do, but many have struggled to overcome traditional telco processes to work quickly, nimbly, and openly.

That's where Apigee comes in. It's built a dominant name for itself in APIs, expanded into analytics, and racked up impressive customer wins. It's also powering API programs for AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), Globe Telecom Inc. , KT Corp. , Swisscom AG (NYSE: SCM), Smart Communications Inc. , and Vodafone Group plc (NYSE: VOD). With Apigee acting as the API manager, operators can focus on their core business, and be ensured of the security of its APIs while still exploring new services and monetization opportunities in areas such as LTE, Near Field Communication, smart home, and more. (See Apigee Aims to Help Operators Monetize APIs.)

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— Sarah Reedy, Senior Editor, Light Reading