Is there a way to integrate my (external) web application with Salesforce Contacts for all editions?

I've gotten Ruby authentication up and running using OmniAuth and the databasedotcom gem; however, I just found out that REST API access is only available for the Enterprise edition. 

Is there no way to do contact integration with editions less than Enterprise?

Hi

Is it possible to enable the REST API for other accounts than Enterprise and Unlimited?

Thanks,

Michael

I'm getting ready to release some PHP example code for the REST API, and I think I'm close but I'm hitting a problem. I've made it through the OAuth dance, but I'm receiving this error response when I actually try to make an API call:

[{"message":"The REST API is currently in pilot, and is not enabled for your organization.","errorCode":"API_DISABLED_FOR_ORG"}]

From the previous thread I understand that this is a separate permission from the main API one that's enabled by default for Developer Edition accounts. How can I turn that permission on?

Here's the code as it stands:

http://github.com/petewarden/salesforce_restphp_example/blob/master/index.php

And here's a live demo:

https://www.openheatmap.com/labs/salesforce_restphp_example/index.php