API Translation Layer for Legacy Software Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companies face challenges in upgrading to newer software versions due to the high costs and time required for integration development, often leading to the continued use of legacy systems, which limits the benefits of newer software.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that facilitate data flow between a first API and a second API by using a plurality of modules to receive, convert, send, and return function and data results, including a function receiving module, function converting module, sending module, result receiving module, result converting module, and returning module, along with an interfacing and logging module, to enable seamless communication between legacy and newer software versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If companies upgrade to newer software versions, then functionality and features are improved, but integration development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that sits between the legacy application and the new software version. This translation layer converts function calls from the old API format to the new API format, allowing the legacy application to communicate with the new software without requiring direct integration development. The intermediary handles the complexity of protocol translation, data format conversion, and interface mapping, thereby resolving the contradiction between gaining new functionality and avoiding integration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If companies implement new software, then desired features are obtained, but financial and time costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer is pre-configured with knowledge of both the legacy API structure and the new software's API structure. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately begin translating function calls without requiring time-consuming custom integration development. The translation rules, data mappings, and interface conversions are established in advance, enabling rapid deployment of the new software while maintaining compatibility with legacy applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If companies use legacy software, then integration costs are reduced, but access to newer features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an API gateway, a data format converter, a protocol translator, and a interface adapter. This multi-functionality allows a single component to enable legacy applications to access new software features without requiring separate integration solutions for each function. The universal translation capability reduces overall integration costs while providing broad access to new features across different legacy applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating data flow between a first application programming interface (“API”) and a second API. The function receiving module receives a first function call from a calling application. The first function call is directed at one or more files comprising an API signature according to the first API. The function converting module converts the first function call according to the first API into a second function call according to a second API. The sending module sends the second function call to a processing application. The result receiving module receives a first data result from the processing application according to the second API. The result converting module converts the first data result according to the second API to a second data result according to the first API. The returning module returns the second data result to the calling application.