Guest Post
Learning everything you need to know about API management and why an API management platform is exactly what you need if you’re looking to scale your company.
To start this easy guide, let’s first define what API management is:
API management is the process of creating, developing, monitoring, testing,
and securing application programming interfaces (APIs) within an organization.
Through good API management, companies and developers get to ensure that their public and internal APIs remain secure to use. Remember, the needs of applications are constantly changing, but API management means you can stay on top of these needs and make sure they are being met by the APIs they’re using.
Create Your API Management Plan
There are many different steps and API management tools involved when it comes to creating an API management plan. Luckily, this guide is here to provide you with some pointers so that you move in the right direction and have excellent API management solutions in place.
API Management Gateway
Firstly, use an API management gateway. In a nutshell, an API gateway sits directly between your users and backend services, providing them with a single point of entry. When a user makes a request, the API gateway then routes the request to the relevant backend services, gathers the relevant data, and then delivers that data back to the user for them to absorb. The major positive here is that it drastically boosts your overall security level while preventing APIs from being overused.
Developer Portal
The developer portal is absolutely key for API management. Through the developer portal, your team of developers can build and test how apps integrate with your API, report bugs, document everything, and a whole lot more. Without the developer portal, it’s almost impossible to develop applications to a high standard.
Analytics
API analytics are incredibly important in the API management process. You get to look at API event data in a variety of different formats, such as tables and maps, which can then be used to make smarter (and more data-driven) decisions, whether it’s establishing new controls or setting up new security policies. You’ll generally find that API analytics are invaluable, especially if you’ve been struggling with API-related problems for a while and haven’t been able to pinpoint certain problem areas.
What Are the Benefits of API Management?
You won’t be surprised to learn that API management comes with a boatload of exciting benefits for developers, companies, and end users. What are some of the best API management benefits? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Improved Cybersecurity
API management ensures better cybersecurity from top to bottom. This is great for both internal employees and (of course) the users who interact with your applications, whether they’re web or mobile apps.
Workflow Automation
Who doesn’t love workflow automation? API management platforms help you to achieve workflow automation in record time, as you can finally automate and streamline tedious manual tasks that were taking up too much of your developer’s time before.
Stay Competitive
Lastly, API management enables you to stay competitive in your industry. You won’t have to worry as much about sudden costs or unexpected downtime due to the simple fact that your APIs are being managed and monitored in a professional way, which is definitely something to celebrate.
