For an organization starting with API-led connectivity to integrate a siloed back-end system with a new CRM, the following approach aligns with best practices and MuleSoft's Center for Enablement (C4E) guidance:
API-led Connectivity: This model organizes APIs into distinct layers (System, Process, and Experience) to improve reusability, modularity, and manageability.
System APIs are used to expose and unlock data from core systems (such as back-end applications or databases).
Process APIs orchestrate data across multiple systems and transform it as needed.
Experience APIs format the data specifically for consumption by applications or devices, such as the CRM in this case.
Step to Support Application Network:
Create a System API for the back-end system. This API should expose the necessary data to support integration with the CRM.
By creating a System API with a RESTful interface, data can be accessed in a standardized way, making it easier to integrate with other systems and supporting future scalability.
Why Option D is Correct:
Creating a System API aligns with the principle of API-led connectivity, ensuring that data is exposed in a reusable manner. This API can then be orchestrated by Process APIs as needed to meet CRM requirements and can easily be extended to other applications.
of Incorrect Options:
Option A (creating a business process model) does not directly enable connectivity or expose back-end data through APIs.
Option B is unnecessary at this stage; assessing CRM capabilities like OAuth 2.0 support is not directly related to creating the application network via System APIs.
Option C contradicts API-led best practices by suggesting a point-to-point integration, which API-led connectivity seeks to avoid due to its lack of flexibility and scalability.
Reference
Refer to MuleSoft's API-led Connectivity resources for a detailed framework on building scalable integration layers using System, Process, and Experience APIs.