API Management for a New Age

APIs themselves are not even 20 years old. Naturally, we still haven’t mastered the process of designing APIs completely. As a matter of fact, managing the API development process is one of the biggest challenges vendors face nowadays.

That’s partially because API management still doesn’t have a clear definition. Therefore, IT managers all over the globe are trying to tweak their API management processes by taking unique approaches. Simply put, they are throwing things at the wall and working with what sticks.

What API Management Really Is?

Designing an API from scratch is definitely not an easy task. You have to have control over everything from coming up with a clear deadline to finding the right REST API designer tool. Now, API management doesn’t just concern the design process – it’s actually much complicated than that.

In short, this is not just a process of controlling the API – the process actually concerns the Transformation of the Digital Enterprise. We can view it as a gateway drug for the data you need to deliver to your consumers.

This process originally developed as a way to monetize and expose internal services of a given company. It’s main mission was to drive more revenue to the company and in the end, increase its bottom line. The process is there to take poorly tracked assets and publish them as APIs.

Why are APIs so Important These Days?

The question most people have – why should they try to convert every asset they have into APIs? How does that pay off in the end? Don’t we already have SOA and ESBs as solutions for connecting different IT systems?

Well, these are good solutions if you don’t have a need to make changes to your apps all the time. however, with the explosion of apps a couple of years ago, if you want to remain competitive in your industry, you need to make constant changes to your software.

And the problems don’t end here. One of the biggest problems with ESBs is that they have a tendency to slow down the growth of your apps. The giant ESB server can’t be scaled easily and every new app needs a direct connection to it.

How is API Management Better than ESB

While API management won’t help you get rid of separate systems, it will actually help you make the integration process a lot simpler. In turn, you’ll be able to supervise all of the service much easier and make your system more stable. You can do this by combining the following features:

• The Gateway: This is a policy-enforced point that this there to make the implementation of security, app logging, and rate limiting policies easier.
• The Portal: This is a consumer-friendly interface that allows the clients to browse through the documentation and a rational and easy manner.
• The Analytics: This allows the API manager to segment the classes of users, make actionable prediction, and tie everything into business metrics to justify APIs as business drivers.

Staying on Top of Things

Now you understand why API management is so valuable to such a high number of organizations out there. By staying on top of the latest trend in the market, you’ll be able to make sure that your API design process stays top-notch at all times and that you’ll always stay one step ahead of the opposition.

We hope you enjoyed our article. If you feel that we missed out on something important, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below.