hermes-skills/skills/research/api-integration-research/SKILL.md

---
name: api-integration-research
description: "Research third-party APIs and open-source self-hosted platforms for integration — online notary (RON), certified mail, digital signatures, payments, open-source CRM, VoIP/CPaaS, and other third-party services. Capture pricing, compliance, API quality, community health, and integration patterns."
version: 1.3.0
author: ShoNuff
tags: [api, research, integration, notary, signatures, certified-mail, payments, voip, cpaas, crm, open-source, self-hosted]
related_skills: [hermes-browser-setup]
---

# API Integration Research

Research third-party APIs for platform integration into IT Pro Partner or client portals. Focus on self-hosted vs SaaS, pricing models, API quality, and compliance requirements.

## Research workflow

1. Delegate the task to a subagent with specific research goals (list them)
2. The subagent should visit the actual website + API docs + pricing pages
3. Compile a structured report with: provider name, pricing, API quality, compliance, integration feasibility, recommended provider
4. Save full report to /root/api-research-report.md
5. Present summary to user with table format: Provider | Cost | API | Compliance | Verdict

### Multi-axis tool comparison (database tools pattern)

When evaluating self-hosted infrastructure tools (database APIs, no-code platforms, self-hosted alternatives), use a structured comparison matrix with these columns:

| Tool | Self-Hosted | License/Cost | REST API | Raw SQL | DB Support | MCP | Setup |
|------|:-----------:|:-----------:|:--------:|:-------:|:----------:|:---:|:-----:|

Research order:
1. Find 5-10 candidates via web search (known categories + "alternative to X")
2. **Batch-parallel the first pass** — visit GitHub, pricing page, docs for each in parallel
3. Build a matrix from first-pass data, use it to eliminate obvious rejects (wrong DB, no API, no raw SQL, enterprise-only features, unmaintained)
4. **Deep-dive the remaining 2-3** — extract exact setup commands, MCP config, real API endpoints
5. **Verify MCP/API claims** — some projects advertise "API" but it's enterprise-only or docs-gated (CloudBeaver pattern). Always check the actual docs page, not the marketing site
6. Save final recommendation + Hermes integration config to a reference file under this skill

Key trap: "open source" does not mean "API is free." Check the feature matrix between Community and Enterprise editions carefully — some projects (CloudBeaver, NocoDB) deploy API/MCP gating in paid tiers.

## Data sourcing techniques

When web_search/web_extract are unavailable, use these direct API patterns:

### GitHub API — project stats
```bash
# Basic repo info
curl -s "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}" | jq '{stars: .stargazers_count, forks: .forks_count, issues: .open_issues_count, license: .license.spdx_id, language: .language, topics: .topics, created: .created_at, updated: .updated_at, desc: .description}'

# Contributor count (read Link header for last page number)
curl -s "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}/contributors?per_page=1&anon=true" -I 2>&1 | grep -i "page=" | grep -oP 'page=\d+' | tail -1

# Release count (read Link header)
curl -s "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}/releases?per_page=1" -I 2>&1 | grep -oP 'page=\d+' | tail -1

# Latest release info
curl -s "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}/releases/latest" | jq '{tag_name, published_at}'

# Recent commits
curl -s "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}/commits?per_page=5" | jq -r '.[] | "\(.commit.committer.date): \(.commit.message[:80])"'
```

### Docker Hub — pull counts, image size
```bash
# Overall stats
curl -s "https://hub.docker.com/v2/repositories/{owner}/{image}/" | jq '{pull_count, star_count, last_updated}'

# Per-tag (image sizes by arch)
curl -s "https://hub.docker.com/v2/repositories/{owner}/{image}/tags?page_size=3" | jq '.results[] | {name, last_updated, images: [.images[] | {architecture, os, size}]}'
```

### Pricing page extraction
```bash
# Save page, extract text
curl -sL -o /tmp/page.html "https://vendor.com/pricing"

# Find dollar amounts
grep -oP '\$[\d,]+' /tmp/page.html | sort -u

# Find plan/keyword text
grep -oP '(?<=>)[^<]{3,80}(?=</)' /tmp/page.html | grep -iP '(plan|free|pro|enterprise|team|\$|price|self|seat)' | sort -u
```

### Doc site extraction (Next.js SPAs)
```bash
# Next.js embeds content in self.__next_f.push payloads — extract headings and text
grep -oP '(?<=>)[^<]{10,200}(?=</)' /tmp/docs.html | grep -vP '(svg|path|div|span|class|style|href|src|data|script|https)' | sort -u
```

## Reference file management

When a reference doc exists in both this skill and a browser-setup skill (e.g. RingLogix): keep the browser version as the primary (it can re-extract from live docs via `browser_*` tools) and this version as the condensed reference for integration planning. Prefer shorter summaries with pointers over duplicating large tables.

On this server, published HTML reference pages live at `/var/www/static/` and are served via Caddy under `core.itpropartner.com/<path>`. Add a Caddy route block under the `core.itpropartner.com` site in `/etc/caddy/Caddyfile`, then `caddy reload`. Pin the file mode to 644 or the server returns 403.

## Comparison report template

See `templates/vendor-comparison-report.md` for the structured report template.

### VoIP/CPaaS Integration — RingLogix (VoIPSimplicity)

Researched Jul 7, 2026. RingLogix is the white-label phone carrier for VoIPSimplicity. Docs at https://apidocs.ringlogix.com/ — public, no login.

**API pattern:** Single POST endpoint `https://api.ringlogix.com/pbx/v1/` with `?object=&action=` routing. 238 endpoints across 42 categories. OAuth2 password grant auth.

**Auto-provisioning flow:** Phones from any source (retail, used, previous provider) register via MAC. DHCP Options 156/66/160/43 on the customer's router point to RingLogix's NDP provisioning server. MAC registration + device linking via API, then the phone auto-configures on boot.

**Integration targets:**
- Auto-provision phones from customer portal (order → create subscriber → register MAC → link device)
- CDR export for automated billing
- DID/phone number management
- Customer/subscriber lookup and status checks
- Agent and call queue management for call centers

**Prerequisite:** OAuth Client ID + Client Secret from RingLogix support (separate from PBX credentials). Without these, no API call works.

See `hermes-browser-setup` skill references for the full API endpoint catalog and `references/ringlogix-cpaas-api.md` for the condensed integration reference.

The full DRE architecture including DocuSeal deployment details is documented in the reference file at `references/debt-recovery-platform-architecture.md` under the `docker-service-deployment` skill (umbrella for the deployed stack).

### Online Notarization (RON) — BlueNotary *(Researched Jul 7, 2026)*
- **Pricing**: Business Pro **$37-47/seat/mo** (yearly/monthly). Includes 2 free sessions/seat/mo. Additional sessions: **$10/session**. Additional signers: **$5**. Closing package: **$45**. **Enterprise (15+ seats): Contact Sales**.
- **API**: ❌ **Claims "REST API" and "white-labeled" on marketing site — but NO public API documentation exists anywhere.** The "See API Docs" button loops to the integrations page. All common API/doc paths return 404. No developer subdomain resolves. **API access is enterprise-only, sales-gated.** See `web-research-fallback` skill's `references/saas-api-claim-verification.md` for the full probe methodology.
- **Compliance**: Claims **SOC 2 Type 2**, **HIPAA compliant**, **MISMO certified**. KBA + biometrics. 10-year video/audit storage.
- **Notary pool**: Claims 20,000+ from 40+ states.
- **White-label**: Promoted (Branded Portal, Custom Workflows) — enterprise-only.
- **Verdict**: **🔴 Not suitable for self-serve API integration.** No published endpoints, SLAs, or sandbox. Competitors (OneNotary, Proof) have actual public API docs.

### Online Notarization (RON) — Proof (formerly Notarize)
- Cost: $25/notarization in-house, $10-25 on-demand network. Identity verification $4/signer. Premium tier for API access (custom pricing).
- API: REST API with webhooks. Requires Premium plan. Sandbox on Enterprise.
- Compliance: Texas HB 3496 + SB 1624 compliant. Valid in all 50 states.
- Verdict: Best fit for debt recovery LPOA notarization — on-demand notaries 24/7, no need to hire in-house.

### Online Notarization (RON) — OneNotary *(Updated Jul 7, 2026)*
- **Trustpilot**: **5.0/5.0** from **3,222 reviews** (#3 ranked in Notary Public category)
- **Cost**: **$25/notarization** (1 stamp, 1 signer). Pay-as-you-go: **$0/mo**. **Business Professional: ~$49-65/mo** (unlimited storage, API access, templates, biometric verification, unlimited team members, connect your own notary, remote I-9 + E-Verify). Enterprise: custom pricing with volume discounts.
- **API**: **Full REST API** with **public developer portal** at **dev.onenotary.us** — embedded widgets, API tokens, webhooks, custom integrations. NOT sales-gated. SSO: Okta, OAuth, SAML, Google. Embedded integration available below Enterprise tier.
- **DocuSign partnership**: Official DocuSign Notary On-Demand partner (listed in DocuSign developer docs as their notary provider).
- **Notary pool**: 45,000+ virtual notaries available 24/7.
- **Security certs**: SOC 2 (AICPA), ISO 27001, MISMO compliance.
- **Texas compliance**: ✅ Dedicated Texas page (onenotary.com/texas-online-notary-for-businesses/). Texas-licensed notaries. Automatic state-law routing per document.
- **Document support**: PDF up to 35 MB. LPOA, shipping affidavits, certs of origin all supported. e-Sign built in. No client account needed for one-time flow.
- **Integration**: **Embedded widgets + REST API** for deep integration. Also link-based email invites. Clio integration available.
- **Storage**: Unlimited (Business Pro) vs. 7 days (pay-as-you-go).
- **Hours**: 24/7.
- **Verdict**: **✅ Best RON provider for debt recovery.** Full public API docs, SOC 2, 24/7, Texas-compliant, $0 monthly option, 3,200+ 5-star reviews. Start with pay-as-you-go, upgrade when volume justifies the Business Pro plan.

### Online Notarization (RON) — OnlineNotary.net *(Researched Jul 7, 2026)*
- **Trustpilot**: 4.0/5.0 from **only 33 reviews** (too small to be meaningful).
- **Cost**: **$15/signer/month** (monthly billing, pay at end of month). Consumer: pay-after-use.
- **API**: Claims "RESTful API" but **zero public documentation** — no developer portal, no endpoints, no docs found anywhere.
- **BBB**: **No BBB profile exists** for this business.
- **G2/Capterra**: **Not listed** on either platform.
- **Scam Detector**: Rated **"Medium-Risk"** — flagged as "Active. Medium-Risk." on a 1-100 scale.
- **Hours**: 9AM-2AM daily (**not 24/7**).
- **Support**: Live chat + email only, no phone.
- **Texas compliance**: Generic US service — no Texas-specific pages or compliance info found.
- **Security certs**: None found (SOC 2, ISO, etc. not advertised).
- **Reddit**: 1 positive review found ("10/10 best price").
- **Verdict**: **🔴 Do not use.** Price is the only advantage ($15 vs $25). Too few reviews, no verifiable API docs, no BBB profile, medium-risk flag, limited hours. Not suitable for a legal document service at any price.

### RON Provider Comparison *(Updated Jul 7, 2026)*

See `references/onlinenotary-vs-onenotary-debt-recovery.md` for the full DRE evaluation with data sources and qualitative findings.

### Database-to-API Tools *(Researched Jul 9, 2026)*

Researched 9 self-hosted database query tools that expose SQL databases as REST APIs for Hermes integration. Targeted MySQL, SQLite, and PostgreSQL support with raw SQL execution capability.

**🏆 Winner: Faucet** — Single 47MB Go binary, MIT licensed, native MCP server. Supports all 3 target databases plus raw SQL via opt-in `faucet_raw_sql` MCP tool. Under 60 second setup.

**🥈 Fallback: Custom Python Hermes skill** — Runs in-process with Python DB drivers (mysql-connector-python, psycopg2, sqlite3). Zero external infra.

**Ruled out:** Adminer (GUI only), Supabase (PostgreSQL only, no raw SQL), Directus (no SQLite, heavy), NocoDB (no raw SQL API), CloudBeaver (API/MCP enterprise-only), PostgREST (PostgreSQL only), restSQL (no SQLite, Java, unmaintained).

See `references/database-query-tools.md` for the full comparison matrix, Hermes integration configs, and research methodology for evaluating database API tools.

| Provider | API | Pricing | Trustpilot | Texas | LPOA | Best For |
|----------|-----|---------|------------|-------|------|----------|
| **OneNotary** | ✅ Full REST API (dev.onenotary.us) | $25/session $0/mo or ~$49-65/mo flat | 5.0 / 3,222 reviews | ✅ | ✅ | 🔥 **Best overall — public API, SOC 2, 24/7, verified reviews** |
| **Proof (Notarize)** | Premium+ ($) | ~$25/session | Lower volume | ✅ | ✅ | Full API + fraud monitoring suite |
| **BlueNotary** | ❌ None public (enterprise-only) | $37-47/seat/mo + $10/session | Unknown | ✅ | ✅ | In-house notary teams only, no API needed |
| **NotaryCam** | Custom | ~$25-35 | Moderate | ✅ | ⚠️ | Real-estate / mortgage focused |
| **Pavaso** | Custom | Custom | Low | ✅ | ❌ | Real-estate only |
| **OnlineNotary.net** | None visible | $15/signer/mo | 4.0 / 33 reviews ❌ | ❌ | ❓ | **Avoid — too risky** |

### Certified Mail API — LetterStream
- Cost: $8.34/letter certified mail. No monthly fees, no minimums.
- API: REST API for document submission, tracking, and proof of delivery.
- Verdict: Cost-effective for electronic service of process.

### Digital Signatures — Documenso vs DocuSeal

**Recommendation: DocuSeal** for most self-hosted portal integrations. See `references/digital-signatures-comparison.md` for the full comparison.

| Factor | Documenso | DocuSeal | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docker image | 690 MB | **227 MB** | DocuSeal |
| Setup | PG-only, signing cert required | **SQLite optional, one command** | DocuSeal |
| Portal SDKs | Embedding in paid tier | **Free React/Vue/Angular/JS** | DocuSeal |
| Features | Core signing | **Bulk CSV, conditional, formulas** | DocuSeal |
| Compliance docs | SOC2, CFR21, ESIGN, UETA, eIDAS | ESIGN/UETA, less detailed | Documenso |
| Community | ~181 contributors | ~6 contributors | Documenso |

**When to pick Documenso:** Need audited SOC 2 or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance docs. TypeScript/Node.js shop wanting to customize source. Large-scale team management with granular roles. Unlimited API docs without per-document fees.

**When to pick DocuSeal:** Fast Docker deploy (single container, SQLite), embedding SDKs for portal, lighter resource footprint, richer automation features (bulk send, conditional fields, formulas).

### Open-Source CRM Platforms — TwentyCRM, EspoCRM, Krayin CRM

**Researched Jul 7, 2026** for DRE (Debt Recovery Experts) — ~10 staff, ~50-200 active claims, self-hosted on netcup KVM VPS.

**Summary: TwentyCRM recommended** — best API (GraphQL+REST+MCP), 52K GitHub stars, self-hosted Docker Compose with 2GB RAM minimum, custom objects-as-code via TypeScript. EspoCRM second — lightweight (1GB RAM), 10-year track record, straightforward REST API. Krayin CRM third — MIT license best for commercial, but heavier (3GB RAM) and less mature email integration.

See `references/open-source-crm-comparison.md` for the full comparison with deployment details, feature matrix, and per-vendor analysis.

### Payments — ACH preferred over credit cards
- Stripe ACH: 0.8% capped at $5 vs 2.9% + $0.30 for cards
- Stripe Connect platform model: debtor pays platform, platform disburses to customer minus fee
- Processing fees can be passed to debtor
- Physical checks also accepted

### Per-claim cost estimate (debt recovery)
- Notarization: ~$25-35
- Identity verification: ~$4
- Certified mail: ~$8.34
- Processing (ACH): ~$5 max
- Total: ~$42-52 per claim (pass to debtor)

## API research report storage

Full detailed reports go to /root/api-research-report.md. The subagent creates this file with pricing tables, comparison matrices, compliance details, and recommended architecture.