There are two main options if you want to add video conferencing functionalities to your application (whether it's an existing or brand new app):

1. Building from scratch

Provided you have the resources (enough budget, manpower, time, etc.,) you have the option to build the video conferencing functionality from scratch.

By building your own video conferencing solution, you’ll get absolute freedom in designing the solution as you see fit: what features to include, how it will be designed, what branding elements you will include, and so on.

However, building from scratch can not only be expensive, but the process can be very complex and time-consuming if you are not experienced in the field. Not to mention, you’ll need to handle various nuances related to running and managing the solution, including ensuring data security and integrity, as well as the reliability and the scalability of the solution.

There will be ongoing costs on top of the upfront development costs for maintaining the solution, continuously adding new features to meet the growing customer’s expectations, upkeep costs of hosting the servers, and ensuring the reliability of the solution to minimize downtime and continue to work with all browsers. All of these can add up quickly, making the solution very expensive to maintain.

2. Integrating a video conferencing API

Another viable option is to integrate a video conferencing API from a reliable vendor into your existing app (even if it's a brand new application you've just built with a free tool.) With this option, you can bypass the lengthy, complex, and expensive software development process.

In short, a video conferencing solution "lends" its video conferencing functionalities to another application via an API, allowing an easier, faster, and more affordable way to add video conferencing functionalities to an existing application or website.

While you may not get as much freedom in integrating an API compared to if you are building your solution from scratch, by partnering with a credible vendor like iotum, you’ll still get the flexibility to add your own logo, brand colors, and other branding elements while also enjoying other benefits like reliability and advanced data security.

To really answer this question, we have to first understand how APIs work in general.

The term API stands for Application Programming Interface, and as the name suggests, it is an interface between two or more applications so they can understand each other. In layman’s terms, API is a bridge connecting two different applications so they can communicate with each other.

Communication between two or more different applications can provide many different benefits, but the main use case is so that one application can “borrow” features and functionalities from another.

In the case of Iotum video conference API, the API would allow another application (even a brand new application) to add Iotum’s video conferencing features and use these features on the application with its own design and additional features.

Yes, Iotum video API offers easy, secure, and reliable integration to a website with a process similar to integrating an API into a web or mobile app. Implementing Iotum video API is fast and easy. Simply add a few lines of code to your application/website, and you can enjoy the video calling features immediately.

By integrating Iotum video conference features into your website or application, you can facilitate a virtual connection with your team members, customers, prospects, and partners without ever leaving your own platform.

Integrating Iotum video conferencing API to your website can help you ensure a seamless user experience by facilitating smooth communications anywhere and on any device.

Integrating Iotum video conferencing API to a website or application is fast and easy. Simply add a few lines of code to your application/website, and you'll get your desired video conferencing features on top of additional benefits:

• Ensure reliable and stable video conferencing sessions at all times. Maintaining 100% uptime is difficult in building your own solution.
• Freedom in branding. While you won't get the 100% freedom you'd otherwise get in building your own solution from scratch, with Iotum API, you'll still get the ability to add your own logo, brand color scheme, and other elements to an existing application.
• Reliable, built-in data security measures to protect your data. Ensuring security is another key challenge when building an app from scratch.
• Add unique features and functionalities based on your specific needs and requirements. In specific industries, you may be required to meet certain regulatory standards, and integrating APIs from established vendors will help you in ensuring compliance.