Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022

The State of APIs, Integration and Microservices

This is independent research conducted by Vanson Bourne.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 1

Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Section 1: Changes in API utilization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Section 2: Evolving perspectives on integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section 3: Use of microservices and service mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Section 4: The need for a unified platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Section 5: Technology is essential for sustainability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 2

Introduction

The strategic goals many organizations set to drive success data to enable organizations to make better decisions about their
are underpinned by a digital transformation journey that moves operational impact on the environment and sustainability. But use
them towards greater connectivity and innovation. An integrated of this technology presents challenges to IT departments that can
approach to this transformation remains an essential component of tie up resource and budget, or impact on ever-growing sustainability
organizations’ success, but as systems, applications and processes plans. Organizations could look to solutions that combine these
grow and change, the IT environment becomes increasingly technologies to help simplify the complexity, ensure that systems,
complex to manage. applications and processes are all connected seamlessly, and
allow greater flexibility in terms of meeting user and customer
APIs, integration and microservices are widely used to support digital needs. This type of solution could fundamentally lead to greater
transformation and organizations can leverage multiple benefits business success.
from doing so. They can also be used to bring together and distribute
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 3
1
Changes in API
utilization

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 4

SECTION 1

Importance of APIs is unchallenged and essential

to the operations of most enterprise organizations

APIs act as the gateway between applications, offering a set of

defined ‘rules’ which allow applications to ‘talk’ to each other and share
information. They are generally considered to be crucial in the use of
2021 [950] 2022 [1150]
applications, and that sentiment continues with our respondents.

The role that APIs play in organizations continues to be widely

recognized by IT decision makers, with an almost universal agreement
in 2022 that they are either extremely or very important to business Extremely important Extremely important
45% 49%
operations. This is consistent with the findings of the 2021 study.

53% Very important 49% Very important

It is likely that this relates both to the specific role that APIs have
in connecting organizations’ systems and data sources, as well as
2% Not that important 2% Not that important
the part that they play in enabling organizations’ broader strategic
objectives in relation to digital transformation.
Fig. 1: How important are APIs/would APIs be to your organization’s operations? [Base numbers
in chart] split by historical data. Not showing all answer options. Please note that no respondents
selected the option “Not important at all”

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 5

SECTION 1

APIs are being used more frequently in a

range of scenarios in 2022 compared to 2021

This variation and increased usage provides clear evidence of the growing importance of APIs in a variety of contexts. If this trend continues, it won’t be
long until APIs are embedded in all or the majority of projects related to digital transformation, modernization and innovation – it is therefore crucial that
organizations are able to manage and utilize them as effectively as possible.

It is also already very common for APIs to be used in organizations’ sustainability efforts. For many organizations, this will be a relatively new focus area,
so those that can make good use of APIs in this context are likely to give themselves a strong foundation for sustainability success.

Percentage of organizations where APIs are being utilized in all or the majority of projects
Digital transformation projects being the use of APIs to improve business operations and
86% 84% 85% 80%
deliver value to customers. E.g. the development of new digital products and services, improving 79% 74% 77%
customer experience, and improving the efficiency of existing applications and processes

Modernization projects being the use of APIs to improve the scalability and management of
IT projects. E.g. the use of APIs for improved management, scalability and resiliency in cloud
environments, the ability to quickly develop and deploy new services/applications
Digital transformation Modernization projects Innovation projects Sustainability projects
Innovation projects being the use of APIs to innovate faster and more effectively projects
2021 [950] 2022 [1150]
Sustainability projects being the use of APIs to reduce the negative impact of business
operations on the environment Fig. 2: For the following types of projects, to what extent are APIs being utilized within your organization? [Base numbers
in chart] split by historical data. “Sustainability projects” was not asked in 2021
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 6
SECTION 1

The most cloud-centric organizations

are more likely to be using APIs

A relationship exists between API utilization and organizations’ broad Percentage of organizations where APIs are being utilized in all or the majority of projects
attitude toward cloud, wherein the organizations that are embracing 97% 94% 94%
cloud most readily are also those that tend to be using APIs most often 87% 88% 87% 85% 87% 84% 87%
81% 79% 81% 82% 81%
across a range of project types. 75%

Given that APIs play such an intrinsic role in how cloud computing
works and how cloud-based applications interact with one another, this
data makes a lot of sense. It does also highlight that organizations that
are already particularly cloud-centric or that have aspirations to move in
Digital transformation Modernization projects Innovation projects Sustainability projects
this direction, considerable attention and investment in API strategies projects
and programs should be high priority.
Moving to a public cloud with an on-premise footprint [426] Moving to a private cloud with an on-premise footprint [331]

Hybrid combination of public/private cloud, in addition to Fully moving to public/private cloud [68]
on-premises [323]

Fig. 3: For the following types of projects, to what extent are APIs being utilized within your organization? [Base
numbers in chart] Split by organization’s approach to the cloud. Not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 7

SECTION 1

Organizations are likely to use composite

API Solutions for their APIs

Utilizing APIs comprised of multiple sources can bring the benefit of

APIs comprised of
multiple sources 62% enabling more flexibility for organizations in terms of what they use and
where, and this may explain why this is the most common source used
APIs provided by by organizations.
packaged apps 60%
Many are also using packaged apps or 3rd party sources for their APIs,
reinforcing that it is very common for organizations to use a variety of
3rd party APIs 56% different sources to address their API needs. Meanwhile, approaching
half (47%) are using self-built APIs, perhaps in instances where they are
unable to find an appropriate API elsewhere for certain purposes, so are
Self-built APIs 47% creating something slightly more bespoke for their business needs.

Fig. 4: What are the sources of APIs in your organization? [1150] Not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 8

SECTION 1

Utilizing APIs leads to a variety of benefits

across most organizations

The widespread use of APIs across a range of different scenarios in

organizations makes a lot of sense when considering the benefits that 66% 62% 61%
are regularly reported as a result. Organizations can witness improved
Allows cloud applications and Flexibility when it comes to the Ability to create and
communication and integration between their systems and their partners’, services to be integrated with delivery of services/ personalize custom user
other systems information experiences
while also being able to deliver greater flexibility and personalization when it
comes to providing services and user experiences.

Incidentally, flexibility and enablement of various cloud and non-cloud systems

to be integrated together were the most common benefits to be cited in 2021 56% 55% 0%

too, reinforcing the potential for organizations to achieve these things when
Easier to integrate with B2B Faster time to market for new There are no benefits to
making good use of APIs. partners products/services utilizing APIs within my
organization

Using APIs in general is very common, so organizations must look to

implement the best technology and processes available to ensure they are
getting the most out of their APIs and therefore seeing these benefits to the Fig. 5: Which of the following are the top three benefits achieved through APIs in your organization?
Combination of responses ranked first, second and third [1150] Not showing all answer options
greatest possible extent.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 9

 SECTION 1

Alongside the benefits, organizations must

overcome several challenges

Ensuring API security The most pressing challenge – as is often the case – relates to security.
19% 44% 36%
As with any technology use and development, security is taken as a key
Difficulties with lifecycle consideration throughout that process.
management and upgrades 18% 46% 35%

Lack of API-enabled technology stack Security was also the most common API-related challenge according to
18% 47% 34%
respondents in the 2021 study, indicating that securing APIs continues
Issues with creating/developing APIs 19% 46% 34% to be a challenge for organizations as the critical role and impact of
APIs continues to grow.
Limited staff skillset 19% 47% 33%
The limited availability of skilled workers for organizations has also led
Risk to scalability and quality of service 18% 49% 32% to challenges for both the successful development and management
of APIs.
Issues with managing APIs 20% 49% 31%

Not a challenge at all A slight challenge A significant challenge

Fig. 6: To what extent are the following challenges for your organization when using APIs? [1150]
Not showing all answer options, ordered by “a significant challenge” Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 10
2
Evolving perspectives
on integration

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 11

SECTION 2

Organizations prefer hybrid approaches when

running integration systems

For enterprise-sized organizations, some type of integration system This suggests that organizations are recognizing that they are better off
is almost indispensable. Modern organizations will undoubtedly be to use a system that strikes a balance between cloud and on-premises
running countless applications, IT systems and data sources, and in deployment than running solely in one or the other.
order for the organization to operate in an efficient
and streamlined way, integrating these together delivers 75%
unquestionable value. 64%

As was the case in 2021, virtually all (99%) respondents’ organizations

23%
have an integration system of some kind in place. Organizations 10% 12% 14%
are most likely to be operating an integration system on a hybrid 1% 1%
Hybrid (on-premises Cloud-only On-premises only We do not use any
environment, both on-premises and in the cloud, with use of this and cloud) kind of integration
approach having increased somewhat between 2021 and 2022. application/system
2021 [950] 2022 [1150]

By contrast, cloud-only approaches to hosting integration systems are

slightly less common in 2022. Fig. 7: Which of the following best describes where you are running your integration systems utilized in
your organization? [Base numbers in chart] Split by historical data, not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 12

SECTION 2

Integration systems are enabling time savings,

organizational visibility and improved innovation

For those using an integration system, 99.8% identify several benefits of

doing so. This highlights the importance of organizations having such
systems in place, but also identifies the clear advantage that can be Improved productivity/time saving 66%
achieved for the organizations that implement the best integration platforms
Greater visibility of data across the organization 64%
available.
Allows for improved innovation 61%

Improving productivity will undoubtedly benefit any organization from any Easier to modernize incrementally 57%
industry, while the same is true for enhancing data visibility. This holds
Cost is reduced long term 52%
especially true as organizations’ data footprints continue to grow over time.
No benefits to utilizing integration
Both of these benefits will in turn help to encourage innovation and growth applications/systems 0%

within businesses.
Fig. 8: Which of the following are the top three benefits achieved through integration applications/
systems within your organization? Combination of responses ranked first, second and third [1140]
Incidentally, the benefit of improved productivity was also the most Organizations that use an integration system. Not showing all answer options
common according to respondents in the 2021 study. This provides
consistent evidence over time of how integration systems can deliver a vital
improvement to organizations and help them become more efficient overall.
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 13
SECTION 2

Organizations are making steady improvements

over time to integration processes

In 2021, 32% of respondents suggested that their integration processes

needed significant improvement, identifying a clear need for change in
many organizations. While approaching one in four (22%) still hold this
2021 [950] 2022 [1150]
view in 2022, there is evidence that progress is being made overall.

While positive, there is still a considerable way to go with enhancing

integration processes. It is fair to assume that most organizations’ IT
5%
No improvement required -
our integration processes are excellent 5%
No improvement required -
our integration processes are excellent
environments will continue to grow in size and complexity over time,
and this will mean that integration challenges are likely to do the same.
Small improvement required - Small improvement required -
27% our integration processes are good 32% our integration processes are good
Organizations should aim to implement technologies and processes to
36%
Notable improvement required -
41%
Notable improvement required - further improve on their integration capabilities, with utilization of APIs
our integration processes are below average our integration processes are below average
and microservices holding considerable potential for doing this in a
32%
Significant improvement required -
our integration processes are terrible 22%
Significant improvement required -
our integration processes are terrible
future-proofed way.

Fig. 9: To what extent do you believe that integration processes require improvement in your organization?
[Base numbers in chart] Split by historical data, not showing all answer options Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 14
Integration challenges – often linked to complexity
and security – remain highly common

Organizations will likely need to address and overcome integration Need to empower business users with
61%
simpler integration tools
challenges if they wish to optimize their integration potential and see
Implementing latest critical
the greatest amount of integration-based benefits. security measures 61%

Rebuilding integrations as legacy

systems are modernized
60%
Security, again, is a pressing issue and one that will need to be
Keeping up with the growth of
factored into any decision making around integration systems and new data sources
57%
processes. This was also a top challenge in terms of API utilization Difficulty exchanging data between
55%
and while cybersecurity features so regularly in the news and in day- on-premises and cloud

to-day life, this concern is understandable. No challenges when utilizing integration

2%
applications/systems

The data suggests that businesses need more effective means of

simplifying their existing integration tools while also modernizing
legacy systems. In an ideal world, business investments in new
integration solutions would be able to overcome both of these Fig. 10: Which of the following are the top three challenges your organization faces with
integration applications/systems? Combination of responses ranked first, second and third [1140]
challenges simultaneously. Organizations that use an integration system. Not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 15

3
Use of microservices
and service mesh

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 16

SECTION 3

Microservices remain highly

important to organizations’ operations

Microservices are an architectural style for software and application

development, where the functionality is divided up into small 2021 [950] 38% 57% 4% 1%
services which are independent to each other, as opposed to using
large monolithic applications where all functionality is developed in
the same place, as has been the case historically.
2022 [1150] 40% 54% 6% 0%
Whether organizations are already using them or not, there is
unquestionable recognition of the value that microservices can
Extremely important Not that important
deliver. This broad sentiment holds true across both the 2021 and
2022 study, underlining the drive that organizations are likely to have Very important Not important at all
in terms of implementing microservices and then refining how and
where they can be used to deliver the greatest business benefits.
Fig. 11: How important are microservices/would microservices be to products you are delivering?
[Base numbers in chart] split by historical data

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 17

SECTION 3

The extent to which microservices are being

utilized in organizations is increasing over time

Percentage of organizations where microservices are being As was also the case for APIs, organizations are making use of
utilized in all or the majority of projects microservices more frequently across a number of different contexts.

85% 83%
Given the range of potential use-cases for microservices, this trend over
82%
78% 79% time makes sense. Organizations are likely becoming more comfortable
74% 74%
with the approach while also seeing greater evidence of benefits that it
can deliver.

Digital transformation projects being the use of microservices to improve business operations and
deliver value to customers. E.g. the development of new digital products and services, improving
customer experience, and improving the efficiency of existing applications and processes

Modernization projects being the use of microservices to improve the scalability and management of
Digital transformation Modernization Innovation Sustainability IT projects. E.g. the use of microservices for improved management, scalability and resiliency in cloud
projects projects projects projects environments, the ability to quickly develop and deploy new services/applications

2021 [771] 2022 [1126] Innovation projects being the use of microservices to innovate faster and more effectively

Sustainability projects being the use of microservices to reduce the negative impact of business
Fig. 12: What type of projects are microservices being utilized for within your organization? [Base
operations on the environment
numbers in chart] Asked to respondents whose organization currently utilizes microservices, split
by historical data. “Sustainability projects” was not asked in 2021
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 18
SECTION 3

Use of microservices is helping organizations

to be more secure, agile and scalable

Microservices becoming more widely utilized in organizations is Improved security (e.g. less
54%
widespread exposure of data)
understandable when looking at the benefits being introduced when they are
used. Over half of respondents in 2022 identified microservices as helping to Greater business agility 54%

improve security, presumably by creating many smaller attack surfaces than

Greater ease of scalability 53%
traditional, monolithic applications. This means that a successful attack
on one does not necessarily mean a breach to other applications and data Easier for different teams
to focus on their part
47%
sources. Addresses an architectural
need to support services
46%

Many identify microservices as helping with business agility and scalability, Easier to fix bugs in specific areas 46%
both of which are vital for businesses in this day and age. In the 2021
No benefits to utilizing microservices
study, greater business agility was the most common benefit witnessed in 0%

organizations using microservices, while security was ever so slightly less

common. This may indicate a growing awareness of the potential security Fig. 13: Which of the following are the top three benefits achieved through using microservices
in your organization? Combination of responses ranked first, second and third [1126] Asked to
benefits that microservices can introduce. respondents whose organization currently utilizes microservices, not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 19

SECTION 3

Despite benefits, challenges linked to

microservices are almost inevitable

This approach remains fairly nascent, so while it is now relatively common 60% 59% 59% 58%
for organizations to be investing in and making use of microservices, it is 53%

likely that many organizations still have some way to go before they are
being used in the most mature and effective way possible.

Some of the potential benefits (e.g., security, agility) that can be derived from
splitting systems into several, independently running elements also result 4%
in challenges, with complexity and difficulty with management both being Microservices Difficult to Integration of Limited staff Limited No challenges
can be complex manage the different apps/ skillset to budget to when utilizing
pertinent. (everything is not entire IT sources is utilize this invest in this microservices
in one place) environment more difficult

Notably, the 2021 study saw limited budget to invest in this as the most
common challenge. This could illustrate that budget is becoming more
readily available for investment in this area, indicating that organizations’ Fig. 14: Which of the following are the top three challenges you face when using microservices in your
organization? Combination of responses ranked first, second and third [1126] Asked to respondents
awareness of the value and need for microservice utilization is increasing. whose organization currently utilizes microservices, not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 20

SECTION 3

Many organizations are exploring use of service

mesh to help them with microservice management

One method that organizations are using to assist them with the
47% 23% 18% complexity and management of microservices is use of a service
mesh – most of those that are utilizing microservices are taking this
We have had microservices in We have had microservices We have had microservices
production for 12 months or in production for 12 months in production less than 12 approach.
more and are using a service or more and are not using a months and are using a
mesh to manage them service mesh to manage them service mesh to manage them
For those that are already making use of microservices but not yet
also employing a service mesh to help them with the management,
3% 6% 1% this is something they should be investigating as a way of
overcoming challenges more readily to be in a better position to
We have had microservices We are running a pilot project We do not use microservices
in production less than 12 now but plan to in the future embrace the potential benefits of microservices.
months and are not using a
service mesh to manage them

We do not use microservices and

0% have no plans to in the future

Fig. 15: Which of the following best describe your organization’s use of microservices? [1150] Not showing all
answer options
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 21
SECTION 3

Service mesh utilization often brings challenges

relating to implementation complexity

The vast majority identify at least one challenge related to service mesh It is complex to implement 53%
implementation within their organization, and more often than not this
Our staff do not have the skillset to
is in relation to implementation complexity and issues with staff skillset. implement this effectively 51%

This largely aligns with the findings from 2021, where complexity was Difficulty getting buy-in from
the business 47%
also found to be a key challenge, suggesting that this is proving to be a
difficult barrier for organizations to deal with. It is not mature enough for full adoption 43%

There are no challenges to service mesh

9%
For organizations to get the most out of microservices and service implementation for microservices

mesh, they must find ways to overcome these issues, which is likely to
either require them to introduce new staff or upskill existing staff, or to
invest in new technology that helps to make the implementation and
use of microservices and service mesh easier.
Fig. 16: What challenges come with/do you expect will come with service mesh implementation for
microservices within your organization? [1150] Not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 22

4
The need for a
unified platform

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 23

SECTION 4

Demand is still high for a platform that

combines APIs, microservices and integration

Despite the challenges being faced, organizations are making

considerable strides with the utilization of APIs, microservices and
2021 2022

97% 96%
integration in isolation.

However, as per the 2021 study, there is a very clear appetite for a
solution that pulls these together into a unified platform. Almost
all (96%) see this as having the potential to be at least somewhat
beneficial, with 39% suggesting that it would be extremely beneficial. [950] [1150]

Said that if it were possible, it would be extremely, very or somewhat

beneficial to combine APIs, microservices and integration together in
one platform

Fig. 17: If it were possible within your organization, would you want to
combine APIs, microservices and integration together in one platform? [Base
numbers in chart] split by historical data

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 24

SECTION 4

Productivity and flexibility boosts are considered

among the top benefits of a unified platform

The expected benefits of combining APIs, microservices and integration into a unified platform are far-reaching and bring together some of the top
benefits witnessed in relation to these technologies when used in isolation. In essence, this approach enables organizations to push their operations to
the next level and deliver improved outcomes to their employees and customers alike.

A unified platform would result in greater productivity and faster time to market, both of which are essential for successful organizations. Meanwhile,
the ability to gain better customer insights and improve customer satisfaction are both crucial for organizations striving to keep their existing customers
happy while also winning new customers.

Greater flexibility
Boosted productivity/ to adapt to user The ability to gain better
time saving
54% 53% customer insights
50%
requirements

Higher customer Long term cost Faster time to market

satisfaction
50% savings
45% 44%

Fig. 18: What do you think the benefits would be for your organization in combining APIs, microservices and integrations into one platform? [1112] Asked to respondents
who believed their organization would benefit from combining APIs, microservices and integration or if organization already does this, not showing all answer options
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 25
SECTION 4

A unified platform approach is seen as a way of

simplifying IT and delivering a competitive advantage

With organizations’ IT environments growing larger, more distributed …make IT infrastructure and processes simpler and more streamlined
and often more complex year after year, solutions that introduce greater More than
9 in 10
…give organizations a distinct advantage over their competitors
simplicity are highly desirable. There is widespread belief among
surveyed IT decision makers that a unified platform that consolidates …make life easier for IT and business end-users
APIs, integration and microservices into one place could make a
believe that having a
…reduce risk and make it easier to react to change
considerable difference in addressing this. unified platform for
APIs, integration and
microservices would… …allow greater flexibility to meet the requirements of their business
This, by extension, will make life easier for employees, while also
helping businesses to be more agile and more flexible, both of which
are vital in the modern world, thus giving organizations an advantage Fig. 19: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? [1150]

over their competition.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 26

5
Technology is
essential for
sustainability

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 27

SECTION 5

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration

for organizations

Sustainability, climate change and social responsibility have all and APIs to collate and distribute data to better support decision-
moved beyond scientific and government focus into the language and making around environmental and social impact, allowing
conversations of the wider population. Increasingly people recognize that organizations to progress further with their sustainability goals.
everyone has at least a small part to play in protecting the planet for future
generations.

45% 47% 8% 0%
Activities around these topics, such as COP26* in 2021, have increased
awareness of the responsibility that organizations have and the actions
they can take to make a difference and many have responded – for almost
It is a top priority for our business It is a consideration for our business but
all organizations, sustainability and the associated performance reporting not a priority

dimension ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) are at least a It is a priority for our business It is not considered in our business at all
consideration when formulating strategic business priorities.

There is, however, a ways to go until this way of thinking is fully embedded Fig. 20: To what extent is sustainability and its performance reporting dimension (Environmental,
Social and Governance or ESG) a strategic business priority for your business in 2022? [1150] Not
and a top priority for all organizations. Organizations can utilize integration showing all answer options

*Source: https://ukcop26.org/
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 28
SECTION 4

There is a clear link between sustainability stance

and strategic investment in technology to support
these initiatives
Operating sustainably and responsibly often requires technology It may be useful to vendors to bear this possibility in mind – to
to enable the collection and analysis of data to support decision know that their customers want to be doing more to support their
making around this. It might, therefore, be anticipated that sustainability aspirations, but do not yet have the means of doing so*.
organizations putting sustainability at the top of the agenda will *Source: Vanson Bourne internal qualitative research conducted early 2022

already be on their way to implementing technology for this purpose,

and this is certainly the case for most.
75% 68%
66%
60% 57%
Organizations claiming top priority for sustainability but without
30%
the technology in place to support this yet, may simply be in their 22% 22% 25%
18% 17%
11%
infancy in terms of rolling out their strategy. It is also possible that 5% 3% 4%

they may even be feeling the pressure to overclaim in terms of their It is a top priority for our It is a priority for our It is a consideration for
business [522] business [535] our business but not a
sustainability agenda. Where overclaim is in play, this can be priority [87]

driven by feelings of discomfort that their organization should be Technology fully implemented and used
Technology partially implemented
extensively across business
doing more*. Technology fully implemented and used Technology in early stages No technology
across parts of the business of implementation implemented yet

Fig. 21: To what extent is sustainability and its performance reporting dimension (Environmental, Social and Governance or ESG) a strategic business priority for your business in 2022? [Base sizes in chart] Split by the
extent respondent’s organization uses technology to help analyze operations and transform business processes for sustainability, not showing all answer options
Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 29
SECTION 5

Organizations need greater support on working

toward sustainability objectives

Many organizations have ESG KPIs in place and are already footprint, providing proof of sustainable operations such as use of
measuring their performance against these, again demonstrating renewable energy, paying ethical wages and recruiting with serious
the fact that sustainability is on the agenda for most. There are consideration to diversity and inclusion*.
considerable challenges for organizations to overcome in this area *Source: Vanson Bourne internal qualitative research conducted early 2022

though. While some challenges are internal issues to solve such

Collating and obtaining ongoing access to
as reaching consensus on and setting realistic goals (51%) and and quality of ESG datapoints 57%

understanding standards and terminology (42%), there are key areas Reaching consensus on and setting
51%
in which vendors can support such as the lack of access to quality realistic goals

datapoints (57%) and lack of underlying technology to automate Lack of underlying technology to automate
48%
data gathering and analysis
data collection and analysis (48%). Understanding the standards
and terminology 42%

Given the trend towards including sustainability as a strategic We do not face any challenges when
measuring performance against ESG KPIs 4%
priority, it is also likely that this is an area which could increasingly
We do not measure performance
be considered in vendor selection during procurement. Customers against ESG KPIs 2%
may start to look to vendors to support their sustainability and social
Fig. 22: What is the biggest challenge your organization faces when measuring performance against
responsibility strategies, by helping them decrease their carbon Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) KPIs? [1150] Not showing all answer options

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 30

Conclusion
APIs, integration and microservices underpin the digital transformation journey of most
enterprise organizations and therefore remain essential to their operations and products
they deliver. Use of APIs and microservices in key project types has increased since
2021 and the benefits of using all of these elements are clearly understood. However,
use of APIs, integration and microservices in isolation present multiple challenges that
have not yet been overcome by many and take up IT departments’ time to work around.

One potential solution to these challenges is combining APIs, integration and microservices
into one platform. Many organizations recognize that a combined platform has the potential
to simplify IT complexity for them, while also boosting productivity, saving time and money.
In addition, there is widespread belief that such an approach can drive higher customer
satisfaction, allow greater flexibility and innovation and bring products to market more
quickly. Ultimately many recognize that combining APIs, integration and microservices into
one platform can offer a competitive edge and precipitate business success.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 31

CONCLUSION

Simplify the truly connected enterprise with APIs,

integration and microservices from Software AG
We live in a connected world in which your employees, partners Its open architecture and multi-user UI provide the flexibility to
and customers expect a unified, connected experience. But the integrate anything easily – in the cloud and on premises. We provide
digital transformation required to meet those expectations is scalability and resilience, central visibility, and an ecosystem of
increasingly complex and difficult to navigate. connectivity to automate workflows and drive efficiency. With
webMethods, businesses are ready to tackle the next generation of
The keys to making digital transformation possible are APIs, digital transformation challenges.
integration and microservices. But managing all of these
connections is no trivial task. They can be built and hard-coded
manually, but that is an expensive, time-consuming and inflexible
To learn more about what you can do with better connections,
approach to digitalization.
visit: www.softwareag.com/integration

At Software AG, we built webMethods, a unified API, integration

and microservices platform, to be the digital backbone which
integrates everything from applications to APIs in hybrid
ecosystems so that information and insights flow freely.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 32

CONCLUSION

The Future is Sustainable at Software AG

Sustainability and social responsibility are clearly on the APIs, integration and microservices are an important part of the
agenda for many organizations, and the trend is likely to move digital backbone that support all of your sustainability efforts – from
towards placing greater priority on these in the future. There ensuring your processes are compliant, your data is tracked, your
will therefore be a key role for vendors to play in supporting “things” are running efficiently and your supply chain is transparent.
customers with their aspirations to operate more sustainably
and responsibly.

Doing good is good for business. From top to bottom, companies

are improving their environmental and social footprint. However,
it takes more than hope and good intentions to meet challenging
(but important) environmental, sustainability and governance
(ESG) goals. It takes a connected layer of technology that can
assess, track and report on everything you do.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 33

CONCLUSION

Demographics
This quantitative study surveyed 1150 IT decision makers between February and March 2022. All interviews were conducted using a
rigorous multi-level screening process to ensure that only suitable candidates were given the opportunity to participate.

This study follows on from one conducted among 950 IT decision makers in December 2020 and January 2021, allowing trend
comparison in some instances. Responses by region were the same then as for 2022, with the exception that Canada and South
Korea were new additions in 2022.

Respondents by region Respondents by organization size

350

559 1,000–2,999 employees

481 3,000–4,999 employees

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 110 5,000 or more employees

US Canada UK France Germany Nordics Middle Australia South

East and New Korea
Zealand

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 34

CONCLUSION

Demographics
Respondents by role Respondents by sector

207 184 168 155 61

Owner, MD, most senior level in
138 IT and Retail Financial Manufacturing Media and
the organization
technology services and entertainment
production
CXO, Director, SVP, senior manager
838 of unit, etc.

Department or intermediate 58 51 48 39 37
174 management, etc.
Consumer Travel and Public Private Business and
services transportation sector healthcare professional
services

37 33 29 43

Telecoms Energy, oil/gas Construction Other commercial

and utilities and property sector

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 35

Software AG is the software pioneer of a truly connected world. Since 1969, it has helped Vanson Bourne is an independent specialist in market research for the
10,000+ organizations use software to connect people, departments, systems and devices. technology sector. Their reputation for robust and credible research-based
Software AG empowers truly connected enterprises using integration & APIs, IoT & analysis is founded upon rigorous research principles and their ability to
analytics and business & IT transformation. Software AG’s products establish a fluid flow seek the opinions of senior decision makers across technical and business
of data that allows everything and everyone to work together. The company has more than functions, in all business sectors and all major markets.
4,800 employees across more than 70 countries and annual revenue of over €800m. It is
Learn more at www.vansonbourne.com
committed to its ambition of exceeding €1 billion of organic revenue and reaching
an organic operating profit margin (EBITA, non-IFRS) of between 25 percent to 30 percent
in 2023.

For more information, also follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Annual APIs and Integration Report 2022 36