Deutsche Telekom announced the commercial launch of network APIs under the brand “MagentaBusiness API”. This new service allows developers and business customers to build apps and services that communicate seamlessly with Deutsche Telekom’s network in Germany.
The MagentaBusiness API platform is powered by Vonage, which is a division of Ericsson. It serves as a one-stop shop for access to communications and network APIs, allowing developers and business customers to embed communication functions like video, voice, messaging, and other capabilities into their products, applications, and workflows.
The companies describe the launch of network APIs service as a significant development for the telecommunications industry, as it opens up new possibilities for businesses of all sizes to innovate and develop new products and services. The MagentaBusiness API platform could be used to develop a wide range of applications, such as:
- Smart city applications that use real-time traffic data and other sensor data to improve transportation and other services
- Industrial IoT applications that connect machines and devices to the cloud to enable real-time monitoring and control
- Customer relationship management (CRM) applications that use network APIs to integrate with customer communication channels
The following three network APIs will be made available by the MagentaBusiness API Portal (powered by Vonage):
Quality-on-demand
This API allows an application to request a certain quality of service for a SIM card. Data can be transferred with stable latency or bandwidth, even under high load conditions in the network. Teleoperated driving, for example, requires low latency at all times for safety purposes. This was successfully showcased at the International Motor Show Germany together with partners from the automotive industry.
Device Status – Roaming
The Device Status – Roaming API will be implemented to determine whether or not a device is in international roaming mode, and in which country. This has use-cases for example in credit card fraud detection, where a banking app can instantly check whether a customer is likely to be making a payment abroad.
Device Location
The network can verify the location of a SIM card within the mobile network in Germany, independent of GPS availability. One successful trial with a major logistics company saw delivery vehicles tracked and routed to the correct loading ramp of a freight plane, increasing efficiency and minimizing the risk of delay.
"In the future, our network itself will enable new growth opportunities for businesses through APIs. We invite our customers to explore new use cases or optimize existing business processes by participating in our friendly adopter program," said Claudia Nemat, Board Member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom. "Together with Vonage and Ericsson, we are the first to expose network APIs in a one-stop shop portal. APIs are a key strategic focus for Deutsche Telekom. This is underlined by our status as a founding member of the CAMARA alliance, which aims to make standardized APIs available internationally."
"We are excited to be working with Deutsche Telekom as our first strategic CSP partner. Together, Deutsche Telekom, Vonage and Ericsson will leverage our strengths to help companies enhance user experience and growth opportunities with both communications APIs and new network APIs," said Rory Read, Vonage CEO and SVP, Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform for Ericsson.
