> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.enlazosystems.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why Does the Proximos API Exist?

> We built our API internally for the Proximos app — then released a version for commercial use.

## Built for Proximos, then reimagined

The Proximos API was built internally to power the [Proximos app](/) — a macOS software update enforcement tool for Mac admins. We needed a fast, reliable, cloud-hosted way to query the full macOS release history and board ID compatibility, so we built one.

Once built, we thought other admins and developers might find it useful for their own scripts, workflows, and tools — so we released it as a licensed HTTP API.

The Proximos API uses a separate, standalone API route and macOS Version Database from the Proximos Application.

## What about the MacAdmins SOFA project?

We genuinely admire the [SOFA project](https://sofa.macadmins.io/) from the Mac Admins community. SOFA is an excellent community resource for macOS and iOS update data.

The Proximos API and SOFA serve different use cases:

|                                      | SOFA                 | Proximos API                  |
| ------------------------------------ | -------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Format                               | Static JSON file     | HTTP GET API                  |
| Delivery                             | Hosted file download | Structured REST endpoint      |
| macOS history                        | Modern macOS         | Every macOS since System 0.97 |
| Specific point-release lookup        | ✖                    | ✔                             |
| Next available update from a version | ✖                    | ✔                             |
| Board ID → supported macOS versions  | ✖                    | ✔                             |
| Version → compatible board IDs       | ✔                    | ✔                             |

SOFA is a JSON file you download and parse yourself. The Proximos API is a structured HTTP API — you request exactly what you need and get back exactly what you asked for.