Building a new application or web solution from scratch is both time and resource-consuming. In today's fast-paced world, when businesses need to be fast to reach their customers, you must embrace an effective way to develop an app that ensures optimum business growth.
In our previous blog, we have discussed third-party integration and its benefits in detail. We have also talked about how these third-party APIs help developers build applications or websites that accelerate business operations and functions. While this system is an excellent programming shortcut for businesses with limited time and budget and is known for making the development process fast and effective, it has drawbacks. Thus, if you embrace this technologically advanced process to develop your web solution, do not overlook its flipsides to avoid costly mistakes.
Potential Concerns with Third-Party Integration
We all know that third-party integration refers to the reusable software components used instead of creating codes for developing a web solution or application. This process increases the quality of the final product by improving the efficiency of the process. Apart from efficiency, it reduces the app development cost while saving your time significantly. However, instead of so many benefits it offers, your web solution can face many critical issues with third-party APIs. Here are some common yet essential concerns to be noted while using third-party software in your app development process.
- Less Flexibility
One of the significant drawbacks of using a third-party solution is less flexibility. If you are not using the default methods supported by the APIs, you need to go through challenges to make the most out of the provider's tools. Though an experienced developer can help you adapt to the provider's tools, it is usually expensive. Additionally, finding a third-party solution that can help you build an original application feature is genuinely challenging.
Also, while making use of third-party APIs, do not forget to consider the migration costs. It is very common to change a few features according to the market specificity and user needs. Here, you require a custom code for the betterment of your application. Remember, the cost of migration differs from project to project. Thus, always consider the cost at the project's outset before jumping on the third-party bandwagon.
- Multiple External Dependencies
Most entrepreneurs want their web solutions to be technologically advanced and high-performing and thus, end up using many third-party APIs in their applications. Integrating too many APIs can create a mess and disrupt the overall structure of your web solution. Remember, the stability of your application is essential for its overall performance. Depending upon multiple external solutions for the optimum performance of your web services can lead to havoc on your core application. It might also cause difficulties in further migration for the betterment of your web solution.
- Access Issues
Accessing and reaching out to the service provider in the third-party API integration process is genuinely challenging. Most providers use tools and platforms that are out of the user's knowledge or reach. The access issues primarily arise when the user copies and pastes the codes to test the product on different devices. This is a common reason for User Interface disturbance and breakage of the product momentum.
- Variation in Latency and Uptime
With different application environments, there will be extra latency and uptime. To add features to your web solution, you need to extract data from various providers, each with its own performance time. Variation in the performance time might slow down the application and impact your users' experience. Thus, it can be a disaster for both your business and your customer.
- Forced Investment
The third-party API providers change their features and data policy quite often. These are situations when your API requests do not work correctly and provide you with expected results. These cause issues when specific options of your application or web services become non-functioning. Here, to smoothen your application's user experience, you are forced to invest more money in app development and maintenance. To fix such issues, you are compelled to hire developers, which is again a costly affair.
- Lack of Control
Many third-party service providers pay less or no attention to their customer service. Thus, if an API feature or tool stops working correctly, you might not get timely issue resolutions. Here, you either have to rely on developers for a temporary fix or wait until the service provider fixes the issue from their end. Both the options are costly and time-sensitive.
- Limitation in Choosing technology
Most third-party integration providers develop APIs based on the demands of their narrow audience. Thus, when it comes to integrating APIs in your application to meet your personal needs, you do not have the freedom to choose but simply use the offered technology. Therefore, most of the APIs available in the web market might not fit your project perfectly. You might need to compromise your functional and technological requirements while developing an application or a web solution.
Overcome The Third-Party Integration Problems
To overcome the third-party integration issues, you must gather knowledge about all the available APIs and their device compatibility, UIS, supporting digital platforms, etc. Before choosing a third-party service provider, ensure that they are easily reachable and accessible. You can also hire a tester with proper knowledge and management skill with API integrations. Verify if the API you are purchasing is a perfect fit for your application and provides an optimum user experience. Also, remember while adding codes or upgrading features of your application, you might attract bugs and face issues like feature omission. To eliminate this challenge, ensure the testing of all the changes and upgrades before the product release.
So, if you are looking for an effective way to integrate highly functional APIs in your web application while avoiding the problems related to this process, feel free to consult Copper & Vine today. Backed with a skilled and experienced team, we can help you design the perfect web solution that provides you with maximum return on investment.
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Resources
https://lform.com/blog/post/main-pros-and-concerns-of-third-party-integration/
https://gbksoft.com/blog/third-party-integration/
https://www.zithas.com/third-party-integration-problems-and-how-to-overcome/
