Foundations
API
A defined way for software to talk to other software — how AI gets connected to the systems you already run.
An API is a contract: send a request in this shape, get a response in that shape. Your CRM, accounting system and website almost certainly have one.
This matters for AI because value usually comes from connection. A model that can read your order system and write to your helpdesk is worth far more than one answering questions in isolation.
When evaluating an AI project, a practical early question is whether the systems involved have usable APIs. Where they do not, integration cost can exceed the AI work itself.