One API provides access to all Suomi.fi Messages features

The activation of Suomi.fi Messages and versatile use of the service will now become easier than ever after a new REST interface has been introduced to the service. Through this new API, it is possible to access all the features that have previously been in different APIs in Suomi.fi Messages. In the future, organisations using or activating the service will have no need to compare different APIs and assess which of them would be the best for the organisation’s needs. All features are found in one API. 

“We want to make it as simple as possible for public administration organisations to start sending their official mail electronically through Suomi.fi Messages. In the future, the functionality of Suomi.fi Messages will be available through one API, and all necessary features will be available to the organisation with one integration. This will help organisations in activating new features,” says Maria Juka-Lahdenperä, Business Owner at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

All new activations through the new API

The new API does not immediately require any changes to existing connections, and organisations already using Suomi.fi Messages are not obliged to switch to the new REST API immediately.

However, all new activations of Suomi.fi Messages will only be carried out through the REST API from now on. Old APIs will be discontinued in the future. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency is currently mapping out a suitable schedule and transition period for discontinuing old APIs. 

“If your organisation will soon make changes to Suomi.fi Messages, we recommend adopting the new REST API already,” Juka-Lahdenperä encourages.

Efficient exchange of messages and new features

The new API improves message delivery to recipients. It also makes it simpler to correct any errors that may occur when sending messages.

“In addition to this, we have introduced new features to Suomi.fi Messages, which make the service more versatile. For example, we have developed reminder messages so that the recipient receives reminders for each unread message. The content of the reminders has also been made more understandable. Another feature has also been introduced to the REST interface: it can be used to turn off the reminder, for example, for messages produced as a value-added service that recipients know to expect. These may include different receipts or confirmation messages that the recipient does not necessarily need to open in Suomi.fi Messages. This new functionality replaces the notification messages previously used in the service,” says Juka-Lahdenperä.

Changes have also been made to the delivery method of message status information and messages sent by end users. In the future, the status information of messages sent by organisations and messages sent by recipients and their attachments can be retrieved from the REST API. It is now also possible to send verifiable services to recipients in one delivery regardless of whether they are received electronically or on paper. 

The REST API provides the following new features:

• the possibility to differentiate message content depending on whether the message is sent to the recipient in electronically or by paper mail
• a uniform means of delivery in the electronic channel and in the verifiable service by paper mail 
• email notification management
  • the possibility to hide the sender’s name from email notifications
  • the possibility to add text personalised by the organisation to the standard content of the e-mail notification of a new message
  • the possibility to determine whether the recipient receives a reminder of each unread message 
• the possibility to format the content of electronic messages. In the future, electronic messages can use the following formatting: 
  • two levels of headings
  • numbered and unnumbered lists 
  • bold text 
  • paragraphs (previously supported)
  • links (previously supported)
• The Suomi.fi Messages printing, enveloping and distribution service (TKJ) offers colour printing and horizontal pages that were previously found in the WS API. The possibility of one-sided printing will be added as a new feature.

Additional information

Read more about the new and old functionalities of the Suomi.fi Messages REST API on the Suomi.fi for Service Developers website: https://kehittajille.suomi.fi/services/messages/functionalities 

Digital and Population Data Services Agency, Customer service for organisations, [email protected], tel. +358 295 535 115 (telephone service on weekdays 9:00–15:00)