Installing the deprecated API (in-process) Server Role for a .NET web application
Only install the deprecated API (in-process) Server Role if you have a pressing reason to do so (for example, because you have legacy code that you are unwilling to migrate). Otherwise, install the API (RESTful) Server Role.
About this task
Installing the deprecated API (in-process) Server Role involves registering .NET Server Controls, configuring Profiling & Personalization, and setting up the Ambient Data Framework. The API (in-process) Server Role is typically installed on the staging or live website, and takes care of resolving dynamic links between content items.