IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy, 2024

Description

This IDC study discusses the concept of network API, focusing on its evolution and potential changes for 2024. It provides definitions of key terms such as API, network API, and service API bundle and explores the role of APIs in telecom networks. This taxonomy also delves into the concept of network and service exposure, the standalone 5G core, and the role of various API standards bodies. It further outlines the initial commercial API focus areas and the evolution of the telecom ecosystem in relation to APIs."The struggles of telcos globally to monetize their significant investments in 5G are well documented and have only intensified as the cost of capital has increased over the past few years," said John Byrne, research vice president, Comms SP Operations and Monetization at IDC. "Network APIs and service API bundles represent a new opportunity, but the ecosystem to build out this vision is still being built, and the winners and losers remain unclear."

Product Code: US51862623

IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy

Network API Taxonomy Changes for 2024

Taxonomy Overview

Definitions

Network API Foundational Elements
- Application Programming Interface
- Network and Service Exposure
- 5G Standalone Core
API Standards Bodies
- CAMARA Telco Global API Alliance
- GSMA Open Gateway Alliance
- TM Forum Open Digital Architecture
- MEF Lifecycle Service Orchestration
- 5GFF
- European Telecommunications Standards Institute
- Third Generation Partnership Project
API Categories
- Category 1: Billing and Monetization
- Category 2: Security and Device Information
- Category 3: Network/App Performance and Telemetry
- Category 4: Other
Network API Primary Focus Areas
Telecom Ecosystem Evolution: Network API Market Makers/Drivers and Likely Roles
- 5G Technology Vendors
- Communications Service Providers
- CPaaS and API Aggregators
- Hyperscale Cloud Providers
- Independent Software Vendors or Edge Platform Providers
- Industry Consortia