But I would claim that this is an existence proof - if the management will and focus is there for an API enabled business (it was) this case study proves that is not sufficient to create the kind of company that Amazon became. An API program isn't a magic bullet (as everyone knows by now I guess!)
- An API program is a necessary, but not sufficient condition to replicate Amazon’s success
You’re right that this case study proves that it alone is insufficient to create the kind of company that Amazon became, but does it also prove that it’s unnecessary to create the kind of company that Amazon became?
I think that the testamentary on this thread from current Amazon employees that they have ditched API requirements is evidence that it is also unneeded to sustain the kind of company that Amazon is.
But I would claim that this is an existence proof - if the management will and focus is there for an API enabled business (it was) this case study proves that is not sufficient to create the kind of company that Amazon became. An API program isn't a magic bullet (as everyone knows by now I guess!)