API (application programming interface) management is the process of managing different API functions, such as designing, releasing, documenting, analyzing, and monitoring APIs in a safe environment.
By implementing an API management solution, companies can guarantee that both the public and internal APIs they create are secure and consumable. API management also pertains to how APIs are developed, updated, controlled, and stored. It is also a key component related to many businesses’ success, since data integration is central to the relationships between API providers and users and can positively impact business results.
What is an API? An API, otherwise known as an application programming interface, makes it possible for disparate applications to communicate with one another. APIs provide access to another app’s data or functionality and are key to helping your business connect, communicate, and integrate your products and services with different software programs. By gaining accessibility, minimizing programming complexities, and automating repetitive tasks, APIs make data and applications more useful - both internally and externally. Because the need for speed and agility has become an essential requirement for enterprises, nearly every industry depends on APIs and can’t do without them.
API Management refers to the practices and tools that enable an organization to govern and monitor its Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Today, the term almost always means management of RESTful APIs using the JSON language.
API Management controls how the gateway passes calls to the back-end service and then hands off the response back to the invoker site. Most large companies have built out APIs for their customers and for internal use. There is a choice to have the data on-premise or in the cloud, whichever works best for the situation.
API management tools typically allow for security policy definition and enforcement, including authentication and authorization of API consumers. They can throttle API calls and limit usage based on established SLAs and resource allocation agreements.
PeerSpot users are looking for a healthy API gateway that manages transformation engines to modify requests and responses in real time. Publishing tools report access and usage policies, and manage the API lifecycle. API Management is responsible for collecting data analytics and other metrics, and monitors load balancers and debugging, especially e-mail notifications, error logs and validation errors. Clients using APIs have access to better insights into their usage because APIs impact many products and services, and API Management is critical to agile operations.
PeerSpot users want ease of use in API Management for monitoring these security gateways against malicious attacks. Aspects most important to IT include Directory Authentication, API Security, Life Cycle Management, Deployment Management and Service Registry, discovery and a repository. There should be built in API Aggregation, Traffic Management, Mobile Optimization, HTTP Acceleration and Data Caching.
IT teams specifically look for API Management to oversee encryption, decryption, credential management, URL management and prevention against XSS and SQL Injection threats. API Management will monitor exposed functionality and monetization. API Management solutions are integral to a 24/7 need to keep everything running, and running well. Good planning and project management will help IT choose the best combination of monitoring tools for API Management.
With an exploding number of applications taking over the digital world, companies are turning toward API management to expose more data so that they can provide more personalized app experiences for customers, partners, and internal users. APIs are creating exponential growth for companies and are enabling them to accomplish business goals faster than ever before. API management has proven to transform organizations by increasing efficiency, fostering innovation efforts, and helping them bring new services and products to market faster.
The tool that resides between a collection of backend services and a client is known as an API management gateway. Its programming is the single-entry point for back-end APIs and both internal and external microservices. An API management gateway enforces security, provides elastic scalability and high availability, and helps performance levels. By compiling all API requests from a client, an API gateway can determine which services are necessary and combines them into a single and seamless experience for the user.
The benefits of API management include:
Improved customer experience: API management helps companies create a rich and personalized customer experience because it is easier to deliver new levels of convenience and responsiveness, thus enabling companies to create value-added services.
To evaluate the success of your API management efforts, it is important to consider these key performance objectives:
Common features of an API management tool include:
API Management tools are essential for businesses that rely on APIs to connect and integrate various software systems and services. These tools help organizations streamline designing, building, deploying, and managing APIs, ensuring security, scalability, and performance. Several types of API management tools are available in the market, each offering unique features and functionalities. Here are some of the most common types:
API Management tools are software solutions that help organizations manage and control their APIs. These tools provide a centralized platform for API developers and administrators to design, build, deploy, and monitor APIs. Here is an overview of how API Management tools work:
1. API Design and Development:
- API Management tools offer a user-friendly interface for designing and developing APIs.
- Developers can define API endpoints, data models, request/response formats, and authentication mechanisms.
- Tools often support various API protocols and standards like REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and OpenAPI.
2. API Gateway:
- API Management tools include an API gateway component that acts as a mediator between clients and APIs.
- The gateway handles incoming API requests, performs security checks, and enforces policies.
- It can handle tasks like request routing, load balancing, caching, and protocol translation.
3. Security and Access Control:
- API Management tools provide security features to protect APIs from unauthorized access and attacks.
- Tools support authentication mechanisms like API keys, OAuth, and JWT tokens.
- Administrators can define access control policies to restrict API usage based on user roles and permissions.
4. API Lifecycle Management:
- API Management tools facilitate the entire API lifecycle, from development to retirement.
- Developers can version APIs, manage documentation, and handle API changes without disrupting clients.
- Tools often provide testing and debugging capabilities to ensure API functionality and performance.
5. Analytics and Monitoring:
- API Management tools offer comprehensive analytics and monitoring features.
- Administrators can track API usage, monitor performance metrics, and identify bottlenecks.
- Tools generate reports and visualizations to help organizations make data-driven decisions.
6. Developer Portal:
- API Management tools typically include a developer portal to engage with API consumers.
- The portal provides documentation, code samples, and interactive tools for developers to explore and consume APIs.
- Organizations can manage developer onboarding, API subscriptions, and community support through the portal.
7. Integration and Extensibility:
- API Management tools integrate with various backend systems, databases, and third-party services.
- Tools often provide connectors or plugins to enable seamless integration with popular platforms.
- Organizations can extend the functionality of API Management tools through customizations and integrations.
API Management tools simplify the process of designing, deploying, and managing APIs. They provide a centralized platform for API development, security, monitoring, and analytics and enable organizations to streamline their API operations, enhance security, and improve the developer experience.
