While I was away, Google released the Google AdSense API. They announced the release on May 31st detailing that features of the API.
- Create an AdSense account - Manage an AdSense account - Create and modify AdSense for content ad units and link units, AdSense for search boxes, and Referrals - View detailed reports to monitor performance and earnings
Developers can earn money for the publishers they sign up with the AdSense referrals program.
All the technical guidelines and specifications for the AdSense API can be found here and if you are interested you can apply to be a developer here.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld & DigitalPoint Forums.