This year launched a new product that could potentially replace non-residential toll 411 calls. Google’s new telephone based information service is fast, user-friendly, and best of all, free. It can be accessed by dialing 1-800-GOOG-411. The service lets you search for businesses by voice and will connect you automatically if you so choose. Another convenient option is to get the number sent to you via text message, which includes a map of the business you’ve selected. You can also choose “details” to get the phone number and address, which can also be sent to you via text message.
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What is an API?
I am frequently questioned by my peers as to what exactly an API is… The acronym API stands for Application Programming Interface. An Application Programming Interface (API) in layman’s terms is simply an interface for allowing two different programs or systems to communicate. Note: API is also commonly called a 3rd-Party Integration Method or Web Services Intergration. Think of it as a universal language – like Sign Language. Now imagine an Italian trying to speak Italian with a German who only knows German. This gets them nowhere. Now imagine that they are both able to use Sign Language. The language barrier is now broken. An API is kind of like Sign Language, in that it breaks the programming language/interface barrier. All modern programming languages today are able to communicate to APIs using standard protocols. My personal favorite – the world’s most popular web programming language – is PHP. Using PHP, I am able to interface with modern online systems, as well as perform complex third-party integrations with legacy systems for our EDU Interactive clients.

Who offers an API?
Many of the larger, more reputable online companies offer API integration to some or all of their services. A few companies that have mature APIs are Google, Yahoo, Salesforce, Digg, Flickr, Basecamp, etc. With the internet’s growing number of disparate systems, programs and languages, APIs are rapidly growing in popularity and use.
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