Newsworthy Web services

Factiva has released an application programming interface allows developers to create customized applications that integrate Factiva's content and functionality into users workflow systems.

The Factiva Developer's Kit is said to enable developers to create customized user interfaces to Factiva content and functionality, providing users with Factiva's external news and business information as well as internal information through a single point of access. This XML-based API provides developers with maximum flexibility and a simplified development path to customization that previously would have required months of co-development, claims the company.

Factiva explains the developer’s kit is application-agnostic, platform-independent, XML-based and uses standard Internet technologies. It provides a set of transactions that can be used to develop applications that interact with the content and functionality of the Factiva platform. Customers can choose to have their own internal IT staff handle development or use Factiva’ Professional Services consulting group to assist in the integration and development process.

The company further adds that developers are provided with access to the Factiva Developer's Portal, from which they can download documentation, source code, application samples, and view tips and techniques. The offering is also available to third-party application developers seeking to integrate news and business information into their vertical or job-specific business applications.