Ashish’s World!

Talk about open APIs! Just read this - United States Postal Service (USPS) has released an extensive set of Web APIs to let somebody integrate a variety of USPS Web Tools in their website, shipping operation or customer service center, for no additional cost.

The different Web APIs they expose are as listed in the USPS WebTools website:

• Address Information APIs: Make sure your mailing addresses are correct.
• Delivery Information APIs: Check estimated delivery times prior to mailing or check the delivery status of your package after mailing.
• Rate Calculators APIs: Determine postage rates based on weight, class of mail, and origin/destination information.
• Shipping Labels APIs: Need to print shipping labels?
  Print everything from single-ply Express Mail® to First-Class Mail® labels (parcels only) with no fee or reduced fee Confirmation Services.
• Carrier Pickup™ APIs: Submit a request online to have your carrier pick up your packages when your carrier arrives with your regular mail delivery.

Java Entrepreneur has a nice post about the same.

This looks very interesting to me. I know that there are services out there that already offer some of these types of services. However, the fact the USPS is offering this now somehow makes me think the cat is completely out of the bag with Web 2.0. I mean if a big lumbering institution like the USPS “gets it” than everyone else should as well… I would hope so at least. This once again gives me confidence that those of us working in the IT industry will have lots of opportunities in the next few years.

Definitely something which further strengthens the belief that ‘Open API’ and ‘Open Standards’ is the way to go!