Why API Management Solutions Are Important For Your Organization

In the most basic terms, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the links through which different software elements, products, or services communicate. They are sometimes described as being like the waiters that link customers and the kitchen in a restaurant - you place an order (send a request), the waiter relays the message to the kitchen (the system), which deals with the request and sends the meal (response) back out via the waiter. In software systems, APIs are continually carrying requests and responses back and forth between components and applications.

By defining how software components interact - both internally within an application and externally with third parties - APIs are the framework that most modern software applications are built around. Whether you are searching for flights, checking the weather on your phone, or paying for something with PayPal, APIs are working in the background to connect you with what you require.

Software developers use APIs as a simple way to connect applications with new functionality, features, or data sources. They are fundamental to the increasingly popular microservices architecture pattern, which depends on APIs to allow self-contained (micro)service components to communicate with each other. As applications become increasingly complex and inter-connected, they rely on APIs being stable, secure, and performing as required. At a time when every second does make a difference to conversion rates, businesses can’t afford to have APIs slowing down processes or restricting expansion. They also can’t run the risk of APIs being vulnerable to cyberattacks that could cause huge damage to the wider organization. And this is where API management comes into play.

API management is essentially the system of governing API deployment and usage, ensuring that the needs of developers and applications that use APIs are being met. It also involves designing, monitoring, analyzing, scaling, and (where possible) monetizing APIs in a secure environment. Some of the key benefits of good API management include:

• Better protection against threats and vulnerabilities that affect APIs.
• Clear and accessible API documentation to inform decision-making and continuous innovation.
• A centralized system to control and monitor API usage and performance.
• The ability to make informed decisions based on API analytics.
• The creation of a more agile, effective, and scalable IT system.
• A simplified process for monetizing APIs.

With the digital transformation accelerating and the Internet of Things (IoT) demanding more connectivity across devices and applications, we are becoming increasingly dependent on sophisticated and high-performing APIs. It’s not surprising, then, that API management is becoming an essential IT service, and market research reports show that the API Management market is set for rapid growth over the coming years.

A large number of tech organizations offer professional API management solutions - a platform through which any business can control, monitor, analyze, and leverage APIs. Providers include the main global players such as Google (though Apigee), Microsoft (Azure), Amazon (AWS), and IBM as well as many smaller companies. Whichever the provider, most API management solutions will include the following core components/capabilities:

API Gateway - This is arguably the most crucial component of an API management solution. It provides a single, secure access point for all clients, intercepting incoming requests and directing them to the relevant software component. One of the common functions of API gateways is user authentication/authorization, which safeguards software systems against unwanted access and cyberattacks. This ensures an organization’s backend services are only ever exposed formally and securely.

API Catalog - This is another central API management component, and should include a searchable/browsable list of all APIs used in the organization. This can save time by allowing developers to easily discover and access the relevant APIs with standardized definitions and documentation. It should also ensure there is no duplication of efforts in the creation and deployment of APIs. An API catalog is often considered a key feature of a developer portal (see below).

Developer Portal - The primary function of a developer portal is to serve as a hub for software developers to access, share, and engage with APIs. These developer portals provide onboarding capabilities, key documentation, and allow for feedback on all aspects of API performance They open a channel for communication and community-building that should support ongoing improvements in API management.

API lifecycle management - This allows organizations to control the full life cycle of their APIs, from the initial design and creation phases through to testing, deployment, and performance monitoring. This holistic approach supports the ongoing refinement of APIs and even includes processes for the retiring (or ‘sunsetting’) of APIs that are no longer useful or relevant to the organization.

Analytics - A comprehensive management solution will provide key insights into API traffic and performance. It will also likely include a dashboard to make it easy to visualize and interpret all the raw data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools can also be used to analyze API data and make assessments or predictions about future behavior. The information gathered can help organizations diagnose problems quickly and make better-informed decisions about their applications and services.

API Monetization - As an increasingly valuable product, high-performing APIs can be an important driver for generating new revenue. This could be achieved either through directly charging consumers for the services or resources that APIs provide, or indirectly via revenue sharing or affiliate agreements. This capability enables API providers to package, price, and publish their APIs so that partners and developers can easily discover, purchase, or access what they need.

When applied successfully, a comprehensive API management solution can help API developers unlock the full benefits of API connectivity and integration for business organizations. To find out more about how our team of skilled Latam developers can help you develop and leverage APIs, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

--

If you want to stay up to date with all the new content we publish on our blog, share your email and hit the subscribe button.

Also, feel free to browse through the other sections of the blog where you can find many other amazing articles on: Programming, IT, Outsourcing, and even Management.