API Design • Integration • Security • Governance

APIs don’t fail in code. They fail in the contract.

Most integration problems come from unclear expectations: inconsistent payloads, missing error standards, and versioning that isn’t enforced. We design APIs that are predictable, secure, and easy to evolve.

Clear contracts
Fewer integration failures
Security by default
Docs teams can use
Stableintegration behavior
Less guesswork, fewer surprises.
Securedefaults
Auth, roles, and scopes that match reality.
DXthat speeds teams up
Docs, examples, and conventions.
request/response contract

API design and integration

Fast self-check

  • Do integrations break after “small” changes?
  • Do teams interpret the same field differently?
  • Do errors vary by endpoint and service?
  • Does security feel bolted on?
The real issue

Teams ship endpoints. But they forget the experience.

API problems show up as integration delays, brittle systems, and security gaps. The root cause is usually missing standards and unclear ownership.

  • Inconsistent schemas — the same concept has multiple shapes.
  • Error chaos — clients can’t recover reliably.
  • Version drift — breaking changes appear without guardrails.
  • Security late — identity and access don’t match business rules.
client → gateway → services
API contract and error standards
How we work

Design the contract first. Then build with confidence.

We keep APIs simple, explicit, and consistent. Our goal is fewer integration tickets and faster delivery.

1) Map the domain

We define ownership, boundaries, and the concepts that matter.

Output: domain + API surface.

2) Define standards

Naming, pagination, errors, idempotency, and versioning.

Output: API style guide.

3) Secure the design

Authn/authz, scopes, roles, and audit requirements.

Output: security defaults.

4) Deliver DX

OpenAPI specs, examples, and docs that reduce support.

Output: spec + docs + examples.

Frameworks and standards

  • OpenAPI / Swagger
  • OAuth 2.0 and JWT patterns
  • Idempotency and retry-safe design
  • Consistent error models
  • Versioning strategies that teams follow

What you get

  • Clean API contracts and conventions
  • Specs teams can generate from
  • Security built into the workflow
  • Docs and examples that reduce support
  • A governance pattern that scales
Credibility

Integration gets easier when the contract is stable.

Fewer breaking changes

Versioning and standards reduce surprise outages.

Stability builds trust.

Better security posture

Security rules match real business permissions.

Less rework, fewer gaps.

Faster integrations

Clear docs and examples reduce back-and-forth.

Teams move faster.
API lifecycle
API design outcomes

Mini case study (swap with a real one)

A team had multiple services exposing inconsistent endpoints. Integrations were brittle and security was uneven. We defined API standards, produced OpenAPI specs, and aligned authentication/authorization. Result: fewer integration failures and faster onboarding for new consumers.

More detail

API Design Excellence

A deeper look at standards, security, and developer experience.

FAQ

Common questions about API work.

Do you work with REST, GraphQL, and event-driven APIs?

Yes. We design REST and GraphQL APIs and also help teams define event-driven integrations. The right style depends on the workflow, data ownership, and how teams evolve the system over time.

What usually breaks integrations?

Unclear contracts, inconsistent naming, missing error standards, and versioning that isn’t enforced. Security and identity decisions made late also cause costly rework.

Can you help us secure our APIs?

Yes. We design authentication and authorization approaches, define security requirements, and help teams implement secure defaults. We also help create governance that keeps security consistent as the API grows.

Do you provide documentation and developer experience (DX) support?

Yes. We produce OpenAPI specs, examples, and clear documentation so teams can integrate without guesswork. Good DX reduces support tickets and speeds delivery.

Next step

Want an API teams can rely on?

Send a note. We’ll respond with the fastest path to stabilize your APIs and integrations.

Prefer email? info@taliferro.com

What to send us

To make the call useful, send whatever you already have. Even partial info helps.

  • What systems need to connect
  • API style (REST/GraphQL/events) if known
  • One integration that keeps breaking
  • Auth approach (SSO, API keys, OAuth) if known
  • Any deadlines (launch, partner integration, audit)

Screenshots, logs, and a short description all work.

Integration broke somewhere
Tell us what’s stuck. We’ll map the first fix.