Meanwhile, Ericsson is pursuing a different API strategy with a joint venture involving 12 of the world's largest telecom operators. Nokia, however, has no plans to join this venture, stating that its approach is about enabling multiple API ecosystems through its platform. The company currently has at least 27 partners, including BT, Dish, Google Cloud, Infobip, Telecom Argentina, DT, Orange, and Telefonica, as part of its Nokia NaC program.
Key takeaways:
- Nokia has purchased Rapid’s API technology and hub in an effort to reach developers on their own terms, contrasting with Ericsson's supply-side strategy of aggregating network APIs across participating operator networks.
- Rapid, originally known as RapidAPI, was founded in 2015 and grew to support 4 million developers worldwide before facing financial difficulties and layoffs, leading to its acquisition by Nokia.
- The acquisition will allow Nokia to bridge the software community with the telco world, with the aim of enhancing applications through the power of 5G and programmable networks.
- Nokia's strategy is to enable multiple API ecosystems through its platform, and it currently boasts at least 27 partners in its Network as Code (NaC) program, including BT, Dish, Google Cloud, Infobip, Telecom Argentina, DT, Orange and Telefonica.