Are AI Agents The New API's?

Before I get started on this one, it’s largely a thought exercise on where we could be taking Agents and the impact on the traditional API integration model.

The API landscape will shift. Just as APIs revolutionised how applications communicate, AI Agents are likely to emerge as the next solution for system integration. This transformation isn’t just about new technology – it’s about fundamentally changing how our software systems interact, learn, and evolve together.

What is it?

The journey of application integration reads like a technological evolution story. We started with simple file transfers (sometimes backed by standards), used things like database links, then embraced APIs, and now we’re entering the era of AI Agents. These agents are fundamentally different from traditional APIs – they’re autonomous, adaptive, and can understand context in ways that fixed endpoints never could.

Think of traditional APIs as rigid highways between applications – they work well, but only along predefined routes. AI Agents, on the other hand, are more like intelligent courier services that can figure out the best way to deliver information, adapt to changes, and even anticipate needs before they arise.

The real driver here is that major software vendors are already embedding these agents directly into their applications. Salesforce’s Agentforce, and similar initiatives are early indicators of this shift. Unlike APIs that require strict protocols and gateway management through tools like those from WSO2, these agents can communicate more naturally, understanding intent rather than just following predefined patterns.

(Funnily enough – the communication between agents is likely to be via the Agents API so API Gateways like those from WSO2 could help address AI Agent management.)

What does it mean from a business perspective?

Not embracing this shift could leave organisations stuck in an increasingly outdated integration paradigm. Here’s what businesses risk leaving on the table:

Reduced Integration Costs: AI Agents can automatically adapt to changes in connected systems, potentially reducing the large amounts of IT budgets typically spent on integration development and maintenance.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: While traditional APIs require extensive documentation and developer intervention, AI Agents can interpret needs and establish connections with minimal human oversight.
Accelerated Innovation: Organisations can deploy new integrations in days rather than weeks or months, as AI Agents can understand and adapt to new systems without requiring extensive custom coding.
Improved Resilience: Unlike rigid API connections that can break with changes, AI Agents can adapt to system modifications, reducing downtime and maintenance needs.

What do I do with it?

Here are concrete steps to prepare for and leverage this transformation:

Start Small but Think Big: Begin by identifying processes where AI Agents could replace traditional API integrations. Look for areas with high maintenance costs or frequent changes.
Evaluate Current Vendors: Assess your software vendors’ AI Agent strategies. Are they developing embedded agents? How do they plan to support inter-application communication?
Develop an Agent Strategy: Create a road-map to understand where and when this technology fits. Consider security, governance, and compliance requirements.
Invest in Skills: Build internal expertise in prompt engineering and AI Agent management. These skills will be as crucial as API development is today – speak to your Enterprise Architects office.
Create Pilot Programs: Implement small-scale tests of AI Agent-based integration between compatible systems to demonstrate value and learn from real-world applications.

The shift to AI Agents represents more than just a new technology trend – it’s a fundamental change in how we think about system integration. The organisations that start preparing now will be the ones leading the way in this new era of intelligent system communication.

Are AI Agents The New API’s?

What is it?

What does it mean from a business perspective?

What do I do with it?

Further Reading