From the AXPE Consulting Cluster of Experts in APIfication (Integration & API), we have developed a reference methodological model for APIfication that allows us to assess a company’s maturity level in an API-First strategy.

This model is based on the matrix combination of five maturity levels and six key cross-cutting areas in an APIfication strategy, all defined by our experts according to market standards and enhanced with the added value of the knowledge and experience of our APIfication architects.

The five maturity levels range from an initial cultural level to a final level 5, also cultural, where API evangelization is promoted. At AXPE, we view APIfication as an essential part of organizations, as it serves as a business enabler from the initial definition of products and services.

These levels encompass cultural, technical, and methodological aspects, addressing APIfication from a strategic and product design perspective that is both Customer- and Business-Centric, with a 360-degree vision.”

Our reference model, the ‘Axpe API-First Maturity Model,’ classifies the areas of analysis into six key domains that cover the full API lifecycle:

• Business Strategies, API Governance & Design: Covers all cultural, strategic, and methodological aspects of API design and governance.
• API Architectures & Technical Strategies: Encompasses all technical aspects related to defining architectures, patterns, and technical compliance for APIs.
• Observability & Monitoring: Focuses on API control, monitoring, and observability through optimized processes and tools.
•  Security: A functional area centralizing all API security aspects, including standards, protocols, tools, and best practices.
• Testing: Brings together all artifacts, tools, and processes that ensure API quality in terms of security, integrity, confidentiality, and usability.
• DevOps: Unifies procedures and tools that enable CI/CD, API management, and related automation technologies.

How do we conduct our analysis?

Our model includes an internally developed validation tool, designed by our experts, to assess every aspect of an API-First strategy.

This tool focuses on gathering detailed information to classify and catalog an organization’s API assets, comparing them against our reference model. It then assigns a maturity level score across the five maturity levels for each of the six key areas.

A constantly evolving tool, thaks to:

Our validation tool continuously improves through:

• Ongoing learning from the API Center of Excellence (CoE) members.
• Insights gained from market trends, user and client feedback.
• Contributions from external experts, including strategic partners, clients, and Axpe professionals who provide real-world use cases and industry experience.

In the following articles of the *AXPE Reference Model for Assessing an Organization’s Maturity Level in an API-First Strategy* series, we will explore each maturity level and key area in greater detail.”