I think the article should just say "because it's in vogue" and "because Twitter did it", or something along the lines.
I would say there are few startups that need APIs the way Twitter needed, for example.
I would say there are few startups that need APIs the way Twitter needed, for example.
The thing that always bugs me about the API debate is that an API is just another word for "Business Tier with User Authentication". So 90% of the work that you put into making an API is work you should already be putting into your business layer to begin with.
Startups should create an API/Business Layer up front and then use that to build their own app. Then they can decide whether they want to open it to the public