eSIM SDK or API: What's the right choice?

In today’s hyper-connected world, eSIMs offer a game-changing solution for businesses. Whether operating in travel, fintech, or telecom, eSIMs provide the flexibility, scalability, and convenience that modern customers demand. 

Thanks to modern integrations, incorporating eSIM technology doesn’t have to be complex. With options ranging from APIs to SDKs, the key decision lies in choosing the right integration method.

Understanding the differences between APIs and SDKs will impact your development process and overall business performance. To help you make the best choice, we’ve gathered insights and advice from our team of experts.

You'll learn:

• Understanding the basics: What are SDKs and APIs?
• When to choose the Airalo Partner SDK for eSIM integration
• When to choose the Airalo Partner API for eSIM integration
• Key considerations when choosing your eSIM integration method
• Why partners trust our integration solutions
• FAQs: eSIM API vs SDK

Understanding the basics: What are SDKs and APIs?

Before diving into integration methods, let’s explore what SDKs and APIs are and how they work.

What is an API?

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that enable different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as a bridge, allowing one application to access the functionality or data of another without needing to understand its internal workings.

APIs have become an important building block for modern software development. They enable integration and collaboration across platforms and systems.

What is an SDK?

A Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation designed to help developers create applications for a specific platform or operating system. Think of it as a ready-made toolbox designed to save developers time and effort. 

Both SDKs and APIs are essential in software integration. SDKs streamline the development process by offering ready-to-use resources, while APIs provide granular control, allowing developers to design unique workflows and address specific use cases.

Miro Isikiyski, Principal Software Engineer at Airalo Partners, describes the value of SDKs as "a standardized approach to integrating with another system, making projects easier to scale and maintain over time."

When to choose the Airalo Partner SDK for eSIM integration

SDK integration is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize speed, simplicity, and reliability in their integration process. Here’s when it’s the ideal fit.

1. You have limited technical resources 

If your team has limited technical expertise or is under a time crunch, SDKs remove the complexities of an API. The pre-built functions handle common tasks like authentication, data retrieval, and error handling. Your team can focus on building core features instead of managing technical complexities.

2. You're working with tight deadlines

SDKs reduce development time by eliminating boilerplate code —  ideal if you’re working against a tight deadline or need to launch quickly. The SDK integration helps you fast-track the integration process without compromising quality.

3. You want something reliable and low-maintenance

SDKs ensure your integration adheres to best practices. They handle edge cases and potential misconfigurations internally. This reduces errors and provides a strong foundation, which gives peace of mind as your application scales.

Here’s how Gabor Blasko, Senior Technical Product Manager, describes SDK integration:

Using the SDK ensures your application consistently follows best practices and reliably manages all interactions with the API. This reduces the risk of errors, like mishandling edge cases or misconfiguring requests, which can happen with direct API calls. If you want to quickly set up and start leveraging the API's core functionalities without spending time on development or coding, then SDKs are the way to go. 

For developers, the Airalo Partner SDK offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface to interact with the Airalo Partner API. This reduces development friction and empowers developers to build robust applications more efficiently.

When to choose the Airalo Partner API for eSIM integration

For businesses with specific needs or experienced development teams, the Airalo Partner API might be the better option. Here’s why.

1. You want complete flexibility and control

Unlike SKDs, APIs offer unrestricted access to all functionalities. This empowers developers with a higher level of control. In turn, developers can design customized and tailored business solutions. 

2. You have custom use cases

While SDKs are platform-dependent, APIs are ideal for complex workflows that don’t align with an SDK’s default configurations. This makes APIs the best choice for highly specific or unconventional use cases.

3. You want to monitor and fine-tune performance

Although SDKs use an API behind the scenes, direct API calls allow developers to monitor and fine-tune performance for high-demand scenarios. In turn, you gain even more transparency and control.

Key considerations when choosing your eSIM integration method

When deciding on the best eSIM integration method for your business, consider the following.

1. Development team expertise

• SDK: For less experienced teams, SDKs offer a smooth onboarding process with pre-built functionalities and an intuitive setup.
• API: If your team is familiar with API structures and workflows, they’ll have no difficulty integrating it into your business.

2. Project timeline

• SDK: Ideal for tight deadlines, the SDK enables rapid deployment, allowing you to quickly integrate and start offering eSIMs within your app or website.
• API: With a longer timeline, your team can fully explore and leverage the API’s advanced capabilities.

3. Long-term maintenance

• SDK: Built-in best practices and tools make ongoing updates and maintenance straightforward and less time-intensive.
• API: Direct API integrations may require additional effort to ensure consistent updates and adherence to evolving best practices.

From a developer’s perspective, Miro notes: “SDKs allow developers to save time by leveraging pre-built functionalities for tasks like request handling, caching, and pagination logic.”

Why partners trust our integration solutions

At Airalo Partners, we prioritize seamless, reliable, and scalable integrations to help your business grow. Here’s why over 5,000 partners choose to work with us:

• Enjoy developer-first design principles: Both our SDK and API are built with developers in mind. We develop solutions to minimize complexity and maximize productivity.
• Sit back and enjoy continuous development and maintenance: Our integrations are regularly updated to align with new technologies and customer demands. You can trust that your integration remains future-proof and reliable over time.
• Access the Airalo Partner Platform: Gain full access to our Partner Platform, a centralized hub for eSIM integration and management. It provides all the tools and resources needed to manage your integration and grow your business.
• Tap into the world's largest eSIM platform: Airalo offers access to global connectivity, with eSIM packages available for over 200 destinations worldwide. 
• Benefit from a generous net pricing model: With net pricing, you control your profit margins. Set your own prices (provided they are above our minimum selling price) to stay competitive and maximize revenue.
• Count on exceptional customer and partner support: We provide 24/7 customer support in over 53 languages, taking the stress of customer service off your shoulders. We offer ongoing resources, newsletters, and dedicated partner support to ensure your success from day one.

FAQs: eSIM API vs SDK

Do you offer any e-commerce plugins?

Yes, we have an Airalo WooCommerce Plugin available. You can use it to set up an eSIM store on your WordPress website in less than 30 minutes.

Are there any upfront or monthly costs for Airalo Partner Integrations?

No, there are no costs for setup or maintenance. You control your profit and sales strategy and can start earning as soon as the integration is live.

What level of support can I expect during the integration process?

Airalo Partners offers extensive integration support. We provide developer documentation, onboarding resources, and access to a dedicated support team to ensure your integration is smooth and successful.

Do you provide analytics or performance-tracking tools?

Yes, the Airalo Partner Platform includes performance tracking and analytics tools. These insights help you monitor sales, manage operations, and optimize performance in real time.

Are your integration solutions scalable for growing businesses?

Yes, our integration solutions are built to scale with your business. As your customer base grows or expands to new regions, our SDK and API ensure you can meet increasing demands without disruption.