--- title: "Modern vs Legacy VMS Software: How Open APIs are Changing the Game" description: Discover the importance and power of choosing a modern vendor management system (VMS) that has built-in APIs, compared to legacy VMS without APIs. image: https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/A%20modern%20vendor%20management%20system%20has%20Open%20APIs%20for%20easy%20integration.91.1.jpg --- - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) [![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-FINAL-1.svg) ![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-V2.svg)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/) [![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-V2.svg)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/) - VMS 101 - - [What is a VMS?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/what-is-a-vendor-management-system-vms) - [VMS Benefits](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system) - [How to Choose the Best VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/how-to-choose-the-best-vendor-management-system-vms) - [Modern vs Legacy VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/legacy-vs-modern-vms) - [What is a White-Label VMS?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/white-label-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Reduces Costs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-vms-cost-savings-) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Reduces Risk](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-risk-reduction) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Increases Workforce Visibility](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contingent-workforce-visibility-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Hiring](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/improve-contingent-workforce-hiring-performance) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Operational Efficiency](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/increasing-operational-efficiency-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Time-to-Fill](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-improves-time-to-fill) - [Contingent Workforce Management | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contingent-workforce-vms) - [VMS for Staffing Agencies | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-staffing-agencies-guide) - [Managing Vendors with a VMS | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/what-is-vendor-management) - [Managing Staffing Agencies with a VMS| Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/managing-staffing-agencies-with-a-vms-guide) - [FEATURES](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - SOLUTIONS - - **My Role** - [Procurement](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-procurement) - [HR & Talent Acquisition](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-talent-acquisition) - [Contingent Workforce](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-contingent-workforce-leaders) - - **My Business** - [Mid-Market Programs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-vms-for-mid-market-contingent-workforce) - [MSP](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-msp-managed-service-provider) - [Staffing Agency](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-staffing-agencies) - - **My Industry** - [Manufacturing](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-manufacturing) - [Warehousing, Distribution and Logistics](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-warehouse-logistics) - [Healthcare](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-healthcare) - [Education](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/education-behavioral-health-staffing-vms) - [Government](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-government) - [Consulting Firms](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-consulting) - - **MY SITUATION** - [Getting Started with Your 1st VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/getting-started-with-your-first-vendor-management-system) - [Changing Your VMS Provider](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/how-to-switch-vendor-management-system-vms) - [Build Your Own VMS vs Buy](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/build-vs-buy-vendor-management-system) - [PRICING](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - LEARN - - [All Resources](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-resources) - [VMS Buyer's Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/now-updated-free-2026-vms-buyers-guide) - [Grow Your Staffing Agency Revenue Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-grow-staffing-agency-revenue-with-vendor-management-system) - [VMS Education Center](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-education-center) - [FAQs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog) - COMPANY - - [About Us](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) - [How We Are Leading AI Innovation in VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/ai-in-vendor-management-vms-conexis-vms) - [News & Events](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/en-us/news-events) - [Our Commitment to Customer Care](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-nps-customer-satisfaction-adoption) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-awards-and-recognition) - [Client Testimonials](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/testimonials) - [Case Studies](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-case-studies) - [Take an Online 2 Min Tour](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) - [About Conexis VMS (Video)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/watch-why-choose-conexis-vms-2-minute-overview) - CONTACT - - [Contact Us](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contact) - [Book Private Consultation](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-consultation) - [Book a Demo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [Partner](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/partner-with-conexis-vms) - [VMS Education Center](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-education-center) - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) 2 January 2026 # Modern vs Legacy VMS Software: How Open APIs are Changing the Game [![Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wayne100.png?width=30&height=30&name=Wayne100.png) Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/author/wayne-burgess) - - - Not all Vendor Management Systems are alike. Technology has evolved such that the more modern VMS are quite different from traditional legacy vendor management systems.  In this article, we are going to look at why it's important that you know the difference between a legacy VMS and a more modern one that has built-in APIs - so that you can seamlessly connect your VMS within your IT infrastructure. ## The Importance of Custom VMS Integration A key factor when choosing a VMS is how it will integrate with your other workforce and procurement systems, so that data flows seamlessly from one system to another. Integration is a critical step in ensuring you have easy and complete visibility into your entire workforce not just your contingent workforce program and that all hiring managers are following standardized processes.  ## How legacy vendor management systems communicate with other systems Traditionally, legacy VMS systems were built with native functionality that allowed them to perform tasks such as managing background checks, scheduling interviews, or sending email notifications.  When an organization required the vendor management system to “talk” with other systems, the IT teams would have to build native custom integrations on a client level with custom codes implemented into both systems that needed to communicate with one another. While these native integrations achieve results fine, they are far from simple to implement. It takes significant resources, specialized expertise, and unique knowledge of the company’s specific requirements to implement. As expected, this means they are incredibly expensive.  System integrators have grown exponentially as a result, building new integrations, and conducting ongoing maintenance for organizations that simply do not have the resources in-house to do so. Not only that but the more of these custom integrations are built the more the vendor management system becomes bogged down. As latency, downtime and patches grow over time, legacy VMS systems with custom, native integrations become a point of user frustration. When internal teams become frustrated with their vendor management system, they start looking for ways to “cheat the software”. Rather than working within the VMS, team members and hiring managers start to work outside of the system, resulting in a lack of visibility and reduced program control that impacts the success of the company’s contingent workforce program. Organizations that need modern technology that can seamlessly talk with other systems at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional VMS software should move away from these custom VMS integrations and instead look at modern systems with a built-in API. ## How APIs are Changing the Game An application programming interface, more commonly known as an API, is a set of definitions and protocols that determine how two or more computer programs communicate with each other.  APIs are used to build and integrate application software, making it possible for multiple systems to talk to each other and share data. So, why is this evolution in software development important when it comes to vendor management systems and your contingent workforce program? Rather than using the native, custom codes of legacy vendor management systems, the newest VMS tech stacks are making use of APIs that make it easy, fast and cost-effective to integrate with other systems that also have an API.  ## So, what does this mean for your business? When you use one of these modern vendor management systems, no longer will your organization have to build and maintain native integrations. Instead, you’ll have access to a system that already includes pre-built integrations with dozens of the most popular complementary systems, including: - HRIS - ATS - ERPs - Talent marketplaces - Scheduling - Clock-in systems - And so many more. This makes it easy for your technical teams to integrate a VMS within your IT infrastructure, less expensive for your business, and increases VMS buy-in from your team who will no longer be frustrated by complex technologies and slow systems.  ## The Benefits of using a modern VMS Software with Open APIs ### **✔️ It saves your business money** To get the benefits of an API in legacy VMS systems businesses would have to work with a system integrator to build a custom code for the systems they want connected, as well as to maintain the integration over time. Modern vendor management systems with a pre-built API means businesses no longer need to work with a system integrator, enabling them to save significant amounts of money. ### **✔️ Easily connect your VMS with other systems for greater visibility** With a pre-built API your vendor management system will be able to communicate and share data with all other necessary systems within your organization’s IT infrastructure, such as your HRIS. This makes it far more seamless for your business to improve visibility into its [contingent workforce management program](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contingent-workforce-management-guide), giving you the insights you need for continued improvement.   ### **✔️ Enhanced automation** Through the use of APIs, your business can automate and integrate manual tasks with your team’s manual tasks to come up with a smooth and seamless transition between the linked applications. Integrated and automated business processes can help your business cut costs, save time and improve the internal efficiencies of your team.  ### **✔️ It saves your team time** Modern VMS systems that are designed with the latest technology and have a pre-built API will simply work. The only requirement is that your other systems also have an API to connect. Once that is in place, everything will simply work. You won’t need to worry about maintaining that connection, saving your team a huge amount of time. ## Additional Reading - [VMS Trends: How Open APIs are Changing the Game](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/legacy-vms-vs-modern-conexis-vms-with-apis) - [Open APIs in VMS: A Game Changer for MSPs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/msp/why-vms-with-open-api-is-critical) - [Why VMS Integration is Key to Seamless Contingent Workforce Recruiting](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/why-vms-integration-is-key-to-seamless-contingent-workforce-recruiting) - [Top Questions to ask a VMS Provider about Open APIs and Integration](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/free-vendor-management-system-guide) ## Learn more about the Benefits of a Modern VMS Learn more about the Benefits of a VMS and what to look for when choosing the best VMS for your organization.  [Download our free VMS Buyer's Guide Here:](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/free-vendor-management-system-guide) [![Everything you need to know about Vendor Management Systems](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/9ad5634f-c8fc-44d7-ac23-49cded1aacec.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/9ad5634f-c8fc-44d7-ac23-49cded1aacec) ## The Conexis VMS Difference Conexis VMS is an [award-winning](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-awards-and-recognition) vendor management system built for organizations that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost. Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis VMS delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored, personal service you require. Learn more about our [Company](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) and what makes [Conexis VMS different](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis). ## Discover the Power of Conexis VMS Conexis VMS is trusted by staffing agencies, MSPs and leading organizations to modernize and manage their contingent workforce programs. Here's why organizations choose Conexis VMS: - [Modern VMS Technology](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - Built on the latest AWS microservices architecture and Open API - [Fast Implementation](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) - Get up and running in under a month, free setup and training included - [Fully Branded White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) - Your Logo. Your Domain. Your Branded Communication - [Flexible Pricing](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - No setup fees, with free implementation, training and account management - [Personal Attention](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-nps-customer-satisfaction-adoption) - Experienced senior account management from implementation onward ## Switching Your VMS or Just Getting Started? We work with teams at every stage, from first-time buyers to companies replacing outdated platforms that can't keep up. Either way, we'll show you what a modern VMS looks like, up and running in under 30 days. | [![Book a private consultation with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a) | [![Take a self-guided tour of Conexis VMS ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641) | [![Book a Demo with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559) | | --- | --- | --- |   [![VMS Integration | Open APIs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/a0df50af-39a2-4996-8dbe-22d149416e7e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/a0df50af-39a2-4996-8dbe-22d149416e7e) ![Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/Wayne100.png) #### Wayne Burgess Wayne Burgess is the Co-Founder of Conexis VMS, a technology company focused on helping organizations get control of their Contingent Workforce. ### Popular posts ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/how%20do%20they%20do%20it-Conexis-VMS-Open%20api_%201200x627-44.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast) 17 September 2026 ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-white-label-vms-1200-627-60.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) 24 June 2026 ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-implementation-1200-627-59.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) 1 June 2026 ### Subscribe to the Conexis Monthly Newsletter ![Conexis Logo - White](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square-White-V2.svg "Conexis Logo - White") [![Conexis VMS Reviews](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/www.conexisvmssoftware.png)](https://sourceforge.net/software/product/Conexis-VMS/) - [VMS BENEFITS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system) - [PRICING](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - [COMPANY](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) - [CONTACT](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contact) - [CONEXIS VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - [LEARN](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-resources) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) ![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**USA** 350 S NW Highway, Suite 300 Park Ridge, IL 60068 ![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**Canada** 100 King Street West, Suite 5600 Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9 ![phone-icon](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/2021/Images/icon-phone.svg)[(312) 776-2006](tel:13127762006) ![SIA\_Corporate Member Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SIA_CM_Member_2018%20copy.jpg?width=300&height=74&name=SIA_CM_Member_2018%20copy.jpg)   Copyright © 2026 Conexis VMS - All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Wayne Burgess" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-22T10:07:30 PM", "datePublished" : "2026-01-02 05:00:00", "description" : "Discover the importance and power of choosing a modern vendor management system (VMS) that has built-in APIs, compared to legacy VMS without APIs.", "headline" : "Modern vs Legacy VMS Software: How Open APIs are Changing the Game", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 40, "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/conexis-favicon.png", "width" : 40 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/legacy-vms-vs-modern-conexis-vms-with-apis", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Modern vs Legacy VMS Software: How Open APIs are Changing the Game", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 73, "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/Conexis%20Logo%2001-1.png", "width" : 80 }, "name" : "Conexis" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "sales", "telephone" : "+1-647-370-8987" }, "name" : "Conexis", "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/" } ```