Last month, I had the privilege of hosting a fireside chat with two incredible industry leaders: Mikko Jarva from Nokia and Mijo Soldin from Infobip. This conversation was part of the DevCon & Open Gateway Summit at MWC Las Vegas, and it turned out to be a lively and thought-provoking exchange about the future of network APIs and the business opportunities that lie ahead for telcos and CPaaS providers.
The session wasn’t just another discussion about the latest API advancements—it dove deep into real challenges and the pressing need for collaboration in our industry in order to develop scalable money making use cases. We explored how network APIs are evolving, the complex path to monetization, and the critical role of ecosystem partnerships. From harbor automation to on-demand quality in stadiums, the potential use cases shared by Mikko and Mijo were nothing short of inspiring. And yet, the conversation made it clear: there’s still a lot of work to be done to make network APIs as accessible and impactful as we envision.
Key Takeaways from the Chat:
- APIs as Products, Not Just Interfaces
Mikko and Mijo discussed the concept that APIs should be treated as full-fledged products, complete with monetization strategies, lifecycle management, and comprehensive documentation. While APIs are a familiar concept in many industries, network APIs are still in the early stages of development and adoption. The goal is to make these APIs easy for developers to access, use, and monetize, but there are significant hurdles to overcome in terms of infrastructure and ecosystem readiness. - Real-World Use Cases and Industry Examples
Mikko shared compelling examples, such as real-time remote assistance for autonomous systems used in logistics and harbors. These mission-critical applications require specialized network capabilities for security and efficiency. Mijo added insights from Infobip’s projects, including a demonstration where a car in Finland was remotely controlled from Croatia. He also highlighted the case of Brazilian banks, which has become a key market for network API-based authentication services, thanks to extensive coverage and collaboration with GSMA and the local telcos. - The Challenge of Scaling and Market Readiness
We discussed why scaling these solutions isn’t as simple as rolling them out in a new country every month. As Mijo explained, it’s not just about having the technical infrastructure in place; the business case and market understanding must also align. Market education is essential, and both speakers emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to accelerate adoption. - Supporting Startups and Innovation
Both Mikko and Mijo shared how their companies are actively engaging with startups and developers to co-create solutions. Nokia’s incubator programs and Infobip’s developer outreach initiatives aim to bring fresh ideas to the table and explore how network APIs can be leveraged for greater impact. The key takeaway here: Innovation thrives when we work together and invest in understanding the real problems that industries face. - Looking Ahead: The Road to Barcelona
As we wrapped up, we reflected on what’s next. Mikko and Mijo agreed that, leading up to Mobile World Congress Barcelona in March, we’ll see more integration efforts, exciting announcements, and perhaps even groundbreaking use cases coming to life. It’s an exciting time for our industry, but it requires patience and a long-term commitment to building and refining this digital, mission-critical infrastructure.
As we look forward, the excitement and momentum from our conversation at MWC Las Vegas set the stage for what’s next. We’re gearing up for the next DevCon Summit at Mobile World Congress Barcelona this March, where the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance will be making an impact once again. We’ll not only have a booth but will also be part of the conversation, sharing insights and engaging with the broader community about the future of CPaaS, network APIs, and industry transformation.
If you’re planning to be there, make sure to connect with us—we’d love to continue these vital discussions and collaborate on shaping the future of communications!
My lifetime in IT and telecoms has been dedicated to innovation, building bridges and creating change. From the early days of cloud communications to working with operators on innovations and business development, and currently emphasizing APIs, CPaaS/CX and AI, my journey has been one of continuous evolution.
As founding partner at CPaaS Acceleration Alliance and The Next Cloud I'm privileged to help global telcos and techcos thrive in a fast changing world - through events, community building, strategy and global business development. I thrive on challenges and change, strategizing in cloud communications, and bringing people together for mutual success. Travel and continuous learning are my passions.
I believe the global communications industry is pivoting to prioritize customer experience and impactful solutions over mere technology and platforms, and we can tackle societal challenges by merging the strengths of corporates and innovators within new ecosystems.
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