From API to partner network: how to build an ecosystem in the style of IBM and Cisco

In today's business world, being open to partnerships is becoming increasingly important. The ability to collaborate, exchange data and integrate services with others is the key to growth. In an era where digital transformation is a necessity rather than an option, companies are shifting towards a digital ecosystem model. This approach enables them to develop flexible business models in which partnerships and corporate collaboration form the foundation of success.

At the heart of this transformation lies the API economy, which transforms software interfaces into valuable business assets. Thanks to open APIs, companies can attract partners, scale solutions, and access new markets.

Tech giants IBM and Cisco are prime examples of how the strategic use of APIs, API management, partner platforms and networking solutions can establish a company at the heart of the digital ecosystem. From CI/CD for APIs to scaling ecosystems through partners, their experience is invaluable for those looking to build their ecosystem.

What is a digital ecosystem, and how is it created?

A digital ecosystem is a holistic environment in which digital services, APIs, internal and external systems, partners, suppliers, and end-users interact. Rather than being just a set of technologies, it is a strategically built model of interaction that enables companies to adapt to changes more quickly, expand their operations, attract new partners, and develop innovative products.

Interconnection lies at the heart of the digital ecosystem. Rather than being an isolated entity, the company becomes a platform around which new services, solutions and businesses are formed.

The digital ecosystem comprises the following key components:

• APIs as the main interface for exchanging data and functionality between services, applications, customers and partners.
• Cloud services that provide flexibility, scalability and the ability to launch new products quickly.
• A partner network that integrates through APIs, expanding the ecosystem with new values, services and customers.
• API security infrastructure that ensures access control, policy compliance, and trust of the parties involved.

These components must work together as a single unit. This includes service orchestration, centralised API management, performance monitoring and CI/CD processes for continuous improvement.

Open APIs are a key driver of development:

• Transparency: clear documentation and understandable access mechanisms.
• Accessibility: an easy start for developers and partners.
• Standardisation: the use of REST, OpenAPI and OAuth simplifies integration.

These APIs are typically published on specialist developer portals, which also offer:

• SDKs for quick integration;
• Sandbox environments for testing;
• API usage analytics.

Thus, the digital ecosystem automates internal processes and turns the company into a platform for affiliate business growth. This opens the door to the API economy, where each new participant creates new value.

IBM's approach to building a flexible API ecosystem

IBM API Connect is an API management centre

IBM API Connect is the market-leading platform for the entire API lifecycle. It enables businesses to develop, secure, manage and scale APIs in the hybrid cloud and AI era. Combining AI capabilities, cloud agility, and comprehensive security, the platform is the ideal foundation for building digital ecosystems of any size.

Key features of IBM API Connect:

• Supporting all modern API types, including REST, SOAP, GraphQL and asynchronous event APIs.
• Intuitive API development through a visual interface with AI features that speed up routine tasks.
• Automated error detection, documentation generation and API enhancement suggestions thanks to its built-in generative AI.
• Deployment in any environment, including on-premises, in the cloud, in hybrid mode or as a SaaS solution.
• The AI Gateway is a centralised access point for managing internal and external AI APIs, with LLM activity analytics and control policies.
• Reliable API security through OAuth2, OpenID, rate limiting, threat protection and Zero Trust architecture.
• CI/CD integration enables automated delivery and updates.
• API usage monitoring and analytics, including performance and business metrics.
• API monetisation through controlled partner access and billing models.

Due to its modular microservice architecture, API Connect integrates seamlessly with other IBM systems, including IBM Cloud Pak for Integration. This comprehensive solution provides enterprise integration, service orchestration and data exchange across platforms.

IBM's partner strategy involves building an ecosystem that adds value

Rather than merely providing tools, IBM builds a partner network that brings together resellers, system integrators, MSPs (managed service providers), and innovative start-ups. The open architecture of IBM API Connect allows partners to easily integrate external services and platforms.

Implementation examples:

• IBS Bulgaria скоротив інтеграційний цикл із кількох місяців до одного тижня, використовуючи IBM API Connect на своїй платформі відкритого банкінгу.
• Finologee, платформа цифрових фінансових сервісів, збудувала кастомізовані портали для своїх клієнтів, досягнувши у 6 разів швидшої конверсії.
• IBM CIO Organization заощадила 50% витрат на API і пришвидшила доставку сервісів на понад 50% після централізації керування через API Connect.

IBM API Connect has deservedly been recognised by both Forrester and Gartner as one of the strongest API management platforms for 2024–25, thanks to its functionality. It has become the foundation for many companies looking to grow their business through digital transformation, partnerships and a managed API ecosystem.

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration is a modern hybrid integration platform that brings together all the essential tools for connecting applications, data, and services within a unified environment. The platform uses artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate integration processes, improve quality and enable flexible multi-cloud integration.

Key features of Cloud Pak for Integration:

• AI automation of routine tasks: the platform independently carries out complex and time-consuming operations, thereby reducing development time and errors.
• It offers no-code integration via IBM App Connect, with templates and ready-made connectors for popular business applications.
• There is full support for API management through tight integration with IBM API Connect, enabling you to develop, test, secure and publish APIs in a single interface.
• The platform provides event-driven integration with IBM Event Streams, automatically responding to internal or external events in real time to create flexible business processes.
• High-speed data transfer with IBM Aspera supports large amounts of data and video with almost unlimited bitrates.
• Guaranteed delivery of critical messages via IBM MQ ensures reliability, redundancy, and data integrity.
• Cloud provider independence: the ability to integrate with any cloud environment (AWS, Azure or GCP) thanks to a cloud-neutral architecture.
• Extend your capabilities with IBM webMethods Hybrid Integration and manage integration in the cloud without the need for on-premises infrastructure.

Cloud Pak for Integration forms the basis of next-generation enterprise integration, addressing the security, scalability and adaptability requirements of digital transformation. Alinma Bank, FAW-Volkswagen and Norsk Tipping are among the companies already using the platform to build flexible digital services, respond quickly to customer requests and develop new service channels.

When combined with IBM's API ecosystem, Cloud Pak for Integration facilitates the development of integrated digital platforms ready for a multi-cloud environment, supporting scaling, partnerships and service orchestration.

IBM's partner network

IBM has built a strong global partner ecosystem ranging from start-ups and independent software vendors to consulting agencies, managed service providers (MSPs) and enterprise integrators. This network is powered by the IBM Partner Plus programme, which gives companies access to advanced technologies and resources for growth and scaling.

Key opportunities for partners:

• Access to innovative IBM solutions, including hybrid cloud, cybersecurity and AI-powered platforms such as IBM Watsonx.
• Monetisation and demand generation tools, including an AI lead generation engine, marketing kits and out-of-the-box campaigns.
• Training and certification: partners have access to the same educational programmes and hands-on training as IBM employees.
• Commercial support, including personalised support, participation in special tenders, deal protection programmes, and preferential pricing through the Value Seller Tool.
• A quick start procedure allows you to begin receiving benefits in just a few days.

IBM partners can:

• build their products based on IBM technologies;
• sell IBM solutions in their industries and regions;
• provide support and implementation services for IBM solutions;
• expand their presence in sectors such as the public sector, healthcare, energy, logistics and finance.

The partner programme also focuses on integrating AI into commercial solutions, modernising the customer experience and scaling AI assistants, including through Watsonx Assistant. As a result, partners can promote products and co-create innovations that transform markets with IBM.

Examples of use:

In banking, banks can create open banking interfaces through API Connect.

Retail: integration with third-party e-commerce platforms.

In the public sector, partners can help to digitalise public services while ensuring security and scalability.

Cisco: how the network and security support the ecosystem

Cisco UCS and AppDynamics

Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) combines computing, networking, and storage resources into a single system that provides high performance, flexible scalability, and efficient load orchestration for any application, including AI-based ones.

Cisco AppDynamics is a real-time application and service performance monitoring platform. It provides:

• fast problem detection and automated diagnostics;
• secure monitoring in multi-cloud environments;
• in-depth analytics support CI/CD processes, ensuring that rapid releases do not affect quality.

Cisco UCS and AppDynamics work together to create a reliable infrastructure with full performance control, enabling you to securely scale and run modern digital services.

API security: Zero Trust

Cisco is adopting the Zero Trust model as a strategic security approach, paying particular attention to API security. The idea is that no access is trusted by default, regardless of the location of the user or system. The main principles include:

• Continuous verification of users and devices — no request is automatically considered trustworthy.
• Controlling access to networks and clouds — each request is granted only the minimum necessary rights.
• Application and data protection: encryption, rights verification and prevention of unauthorised access, even within the corporate infrastructure.

Cisco Zero Trust provides layered, adaptive security across the entire landscape, from users and cloud services to APIs and industrial systems.

Cisco DevNet

DevNet is a platform for developers working with Cisco technologies and APIs. It brings together the necessary tools and resources, as well as a community, to help developers create innovative solutions. DevNet provides:

- documentation for APIs, SDKs, and data models;

- labs and sandbox environments for testing solutions;

- code samples and integrations in the Code Exchange;

- еhematic tracks on networks, security, XDR, IoT and Webex;

An active community of developers and automation specialists.

DevNet is a key entry point for Cisco partners looking to automate infrastructure, build applications and extend the capabilities of Cisco platforms.

Key technologies for an ecosystem approach:

1. API Gateway. This serves as a single entry point for all internal and external API requests. It performs load balancing, authentication, authorisation, traffic encryption and response caching. These features improve the security, stability and performance of APIs, while also simplifying traffic management in large-scale systems.
2. CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery). Automated CI/CD processes enable the rapid integration of changes to APIs, testing and the secure delivery of updates to the production environment. This is important for maintaining a high rate of innovation without compromising quality. In the case of APIs, this means that new versions, fixes, and configuration changes can be applied in near real-time.
3. Multi-cloud integration. Ecosystems often include services from different cloud platforms, such as Google Cloud, Azure and AWS. Effective API integration in such conditions implies compliance with SLAs, secure data transfer, unified authentication and constant monitoring. This enables companies to avoid vendor lock-in and scale solutions flexibly.
4. Monetising APIs. Open or partner APIs can generate revenue. Platforms such as IBM API Connect enable you to define pricing plans and usage restrictions, as well as view usage analytics. This is important for creating partnership models in which APIs act as product or service channels.
5. Service Orchestration. Complex business processes are based on the interaction of microservices via APIs. Service orchestration enables you to manage these interactions by defining the order, processing logic, activation conditions and error responses. This provides scalability and flexibility when integrating both internal and external services into a single digital ecosystem.

The benefits of the ecosystem approach for business:

• Launch new services quickly through partners. APIs allow other companies to create their solutions based on your platform, products or data. This speeds up time to market for new services, stimulates innovation and opens up additional revenue streams through partner channels.
• Scale up at low cost. Thanks to cloud infrastructure, microservice architecture and open APIs, companies can increase their presence and range of services without making large-scale investments in physical infrastructure. Platforms such as Cisco UCS allow for the flexible scaling of computing resources to adapt to growing workloads.
• Gain a competitive advantage. Ecosystem openness and strategic interaction with partners enable you to respond more quickly to market needs. Using tools such as AppDynamics to monitor and swiftly enhance APIs enables you to stay ahead of the competition and reduce time-to-market.
• Transparent interaction. Documented APIs, access controls, SLA policies and built-in monitoring tools (such as AppDynamics or Cloud Native Application Observability) build partner trust and simplify technical integration.
• Built-in security. Cisco's Zero Trust approach and solutions, such as IBM Secure Gateway verify every access regardless of user or device location. Continuous trust verification, traffic encryption and micro-segmentation reduce the risks associated with API integrations.

These advantages provide the foundation for sustainable digital development, fostering strong partnerships and technological leadership:

1. API inventory. Audit internal services and determine which are valuable to external users. These may include analytical services, payment modules, customer data, logistics or infrastructure functions. It is important to develop a clear understanding of what has the potential for monetisation or partner integration.
2. Implement the API Gateway and developer portal. Create a single gateway for managing API requests, incorporating load balancing, caching, access control and monitoring functions. Alongside this, create a developer portal with documentation, code samples, a sandbox environment and key issuance mechanisms. This improves the integration experience and speeds up the launch of partner projects.
3. Security and monitoring are essential. Ensure protection of APIs at all levels: authentication, authorisation, speed limits and encryption. Use tools such as Cisco AppDynamics or IBM API Analytics to monitor performance and detect incidents in real time continuously. Adhere to Zero Trust principles by verifying trust at every stage.
4. CI/CD for APIs. Automate your API deployment with CI/CD pipelines to test, build, release and update. This improves stability, accelerates development and enables faster response to market changes. Orchestration tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions and GitLab CI integrate with Kubernetes, API Gateway and other components.
5. Building a partner network. Invite partners to use your APIs. Provide them with convenient conditions: accessible documentation, technical support, examples of integrations, and joint marketing activities. Create a partnership programme that includes onboarding, a joint roadmap and opportunities for providing feedback to improve the API.
6. Integrate with cloud services. Ensure readiness for integration with the leading cloud platforms: AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Ensure SLA compliance, availability monitoring and secure data transfer. Use the SDKs and connectors provided by these providers to simplify integration.

These steps lay the foundation for a scalable, secure and commercially successful digital ecosystem.

Conclusion

Today's businesses are not isolated companies, but rather ecosystems in which platforms, APIs, partners and customers interact within a single digital environment. IBM and Cisco have proven that the ecosystem approach enables businesses to:

• scale their business;
• respond quickly to market changes and
• and add value through cooperation.

It is worth starting small, beginning with the streamlining of internal integration and gradually engaging partners through open APIs. Over time, this can evolve into a fully-fledged digital ecosystem operating within the API economy.

Building a digital ecosystem is a journey that should start today. Our solidity experts will support you at every stage, from internal integration to creating open APIs and attracting partners. Let's make the future of your business together in the style of the API economy.

Solidity experts will tell you how to build a reliable and efficient ecosystem in the style of IBM and Cisco - marketing@solidity.com.ua.