AT&T Releases New API Platform

AT&T launched a new open application programming interface (API) platform to help solution providers customize the quoting and ordering experience for their sales teams and business customers, the company announced this week. Third parties and channel partners will also be able to use the platform to create applications and value-added services to support the telecom giant’s solution provider ecosystem.

AT&T expects the platform to help solution providers complete faster installations and gain more control of their services, according to the company. The new API will also give solution providers the ability to instantly provide quotes for select AT&T products and have orders sent to field engineers more rapidly.

“We’re completely reinventing how we deliver services by opening up APIs. All stages of the sales cycle are being API-enabled, which can significantly reduce cycle times,” said Brooks McCorcle, president of Emerging Business Markets at AT&T, in a statement. “This wouldn’t have been possible without our collaborative and agile culture that’s been empowered to do things differently.”

The new platform will include virtual private networking, managed Internet services and Ethernet services, with additional capabilities such as the ability to monitor provisioning and customize the billing process planned for future release, according to AT&T. The platform is expected to give solution providers accelerated service delivery cycle times, increased speed for confirming addresses and sending quotes and additional automation capabilities to reduce potential system errors.

Resellers can access the API platform via a free trial to develop applications, while solution providers can access the new platform through the AT&T Partner Exchange portal.