Where did the idea for the API come from? At large companies that like I imagine upper-management sees things like this as a cost center, which can make it difficult to try and innovate.
I believe the original set of APIs (called "Remix") were cooked up by some of the bestbuy.com architecture crew, and lately there's been increased interest and support from the management. The executives here are actually pretty forward-thinking about this kind of stuff.
heres to avoiding bankruptcy! somehow i find myself rooting for the underdog in an internet world.
I'm not quite sure I would consider Best Buy an underdog...
Best Buy is the leader in the retail market for consumer electronics.