"From delivery to banking apps, we need technology that consolidates data anytime, anywhere."
Jang Young-hwi, head of WeBearSoft, said this in an interview with ChosunBiz on the 23rd of last month. WeBearSoft is a corporations that provides a solution for managing APIs (application programming interfaces).
An API serves as a window that consolidates different programs. For example, to pull location information in a delivery app, you need an API. When creating a new account in a banking app, bringing in information from other financial institutions is also consolidating data via an API.
◇ Managing financial institution APIs…maintenance within 4 weeks
Jang majored in computer communications engineering in college and worked on developing middleware web servers before founding WeBearSoft in June 2021. Middleware refers to software that consolidates different apps. The company name WeBearSoft combines Web and middleware.
WeBearSoft offers the API management solution APINEX. It enables clients such as financial institutions, public institutions, and corporations to manage APIs and certificates reliably. Jang said, "We look at who used the API, how much, and how, and we make sure no security issues arise," adding, "If a problem occurs, we respond with maintenance within 4 weeks."
WeBearSoft also provides an SSL certificate management solution. SSL is a type of encrypted communication used to protect information during internet communications. Jang said, "SSL certificates are the basics of web service security," adding, "Certificate renewals are usually done manually, and we make them renew automatically."
◇ Revenue up 240%…preparing to expand overseas, including Southeast Asia
WeBearSoft is preparing to expand overseas, including Southeast Asia. Jang said, "Wherever there is information technology (IT), APIs are needed." Jang noted, "In Southeast Asia, there aren't many corporations with API solutions, and they mainly use technologies from overseas such as the United States," adding, "If Korean corporations enter, I think they will be competitive."
WeBearSoft's revenue last year was 1.09 billion won. It rose 240% from a year earlier. WeBearSoft is participating in IBK Chang Gong, a startup incubation program run by Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK). Jang said, "After five tries, we were able to join IBK Chang Gong," adding, "We can get help with investment, market development, and mentoring." Jang added, "We are currently holding working-level meetings with a bank's business unit to discuss adopting an SSL certificate management solution."
Jang explained why APIs matter in our lives this way. Jang said, "In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), data is becoming an increasingly important asset," adding, "APIs are needed to consolidate internal data with external parties and expand the business." Jang added, "Without APIs, people would have no choice but to hustle in person and make phone calls every moment to exchange information."