2007 was a big year for the ExactTarget integration team.  I’m thrilled with the progress and advancements we made with our APIs, so I thought it was only fitting as the year winds down to reflect on some of my favorite integration moments from the past year…

  • ExactTarget released our Web Services API on a limited basis this year, which is in addition to our industry-leading REST API.  The Web Services API allows our clients to use SOAP-based API to code their integration calls – exciting stuff!
  • We’re currently building an extensive library of calls and increasing the functionality of the Web Services API, which should be generally available in 2008.
  • Additionally, we revamped the architecture the REST API runs on to improve performance and stability.
  • This fall, ExactTarget released a GUI for content syndication (a.k.a. HTTPGet), which makes the functionality easier to use.  Our Fall 2007 Release also included data extensions for a multi-table structure for subscriber data and the new AMPScript functionality to create dynamic emails based on data extensions.
  • The exciting thing about all these new features is that ExactTarget is exposing more of our integration functionality through the UI, rather than just the API.  As we continue to expose this type of functionality in the UI, it means our less-technical user base will be able to use our integration functionality…without having a programmer!
  • The new ExactTarget Programs functionality is the beginning of an ongoing effort to automate common activities within ExactTarget (such as important, group refreshes, email sends, etc.)  While this game-changing functionality is currently in limited release, 2008 should offer these exciting capabilities to our entire client base.

Oh, and who can forget raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens?  Just kidding, of course – but in all seriousness, I couldn’t be more proud about the integration strides we made in 2007.  I hope you’re just as excited as I am to see what advancements will happen in 2008!

Jessica Koch
Integration Consultant