The Great API Debate at NTEN

via an email and blog post from NTEN

This should be a pretty interesting live audio debate about the state of APIs – application programming interfaces – in the nonprofit sector, featuring the major players in the nonprofit software arena.   The description says: 

You’ll hear where vendors on the panel are moving and what the tangible benefits will be for nonprofits. The speakers will also give their opinions on why openness matters and what open APIs mean for the open source movement.

It's taking place on Friday, October 20, 10:00 am PST - check the NTEN site for call-in instructions. NTEN is also calling out to its member to blog or email their opinions on the issue and they'll aggregate them on their blog/web site.

My preliminary thinking ...

While I wouldn't know an API from Ape if it stood right in front of me beat its chest, however, I have seen the results of open APIs in social media apps like Flickr.  The openness sparks creative solutions, collaborations, accelerates partnerships, and sharing.   And it could save some money.  The nonprofit sector could benefit from these innovations that this openness has the potential inspiring.

Again, preliminary thinking outloud, but I hope to learn more listening to the debate.  Damn, I'll be on an airplane .. but wait they plan to podcast it!