IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy, 2025

Description

This IDC Taxonomy presents IDC's worldwide network API taxonomy for 2025. It highlights the evolution of network and service APIs, driven by the need for telcos to monetize 5G investments. Emerging 5G capabilities offer new opportunities for enterprise developers, supported by initiatives such as the CAMARA Alliance and the GSMA Open Gateway. This IDC Taxonomy defines key technology concepts, standards bodies, and API categories, emphasizing the importance of network exposure functions and service API bundles. It also underscores the role of various stakeholders (including 5G vendors, comms SPs, CPaaS, and hyperscale cloud providers) in fostering a robust network API ecosystem.

Product Code: EUR152497525

IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy

Network API Taxonomy Changes for 2025

Taxonomy Overview

Definitions

Application Programming Interfaces
Network and Service Exposure
5G Standalone Core
Relevant API Standards Bodies
- CAMARA Alliance
- GSMA Open Gateway Alliance
- TM Forum Open Digital Architecture
- MEF LSO APIs
- 5GFF
- ETSI
- 3GPP
API Categories
- Category 1: Security and Device Information
- Category 2: Network/App Performance and Telemetry
- Category 3: Billing and Monetization
- Category 4: Other
Initial Commercial API Focus Areas
Telecom Ecosystem Evolution: Network API Market Makers/Drivers and Likely Role(s)
- 5G Technology Vendors
  - Aduna
  - Network as Code
- Communications Service Providers
- CPaaS and API Aggregators
- Hyperscale Cloud Providers
- Independent Software Vendors or Edge Platform Providers
- Industry Consortia