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.
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