API management is the process of controlling, distributing, and analyzing APIs connecting data and applications across enterprises and the cloud. API management allows organizations to monitor activity, ensuring that the needs of developers and applications that are using the APIs are met.
API management could vary between organizations. However, the basic functions are more or less the same, including:
- Monitoring
- Security
- Version control
Why is API management important?
API management helps organizations respond to brisk changes in the demands of their customers. Most organizations deploy a microservice architecture that accelerates software development to meet demands. In such an architecture, most organizations prefer HTTP-based APIs. These APIs connect all microservices together.
API management allows organizations to ensure APIs used are compliant with corporate policies. You can also ensure governance by implementing the right levels of security since different services may require different security policies. API management allows organizations to scale, analyze, secure, and govern API programs.
API security is an important part of API management. It safeguards APIs against threats and unauthorized access. Organizations must establish policies to ensure that sensitive data is not leaked. You can use API management platforms to define policies that protect APIs.
API governance is also equally important because it creates a consistent experience for users. Developers can ensure that each API fulfills a particular goal that adds value to the organization.
Benefits of API management
- Allows organizations to make data-driven decisions by providing useful insights gained through API analytics.
- Protect against security threats that could impact the APIs
- Allows organizations to create API documentation for better information
- It makes all API connections visible to the organization in one place
- Create a positive user experience
- Create an agile, flexible, and innovative ecosystem where people, technology, and processes can work together.
Checklist for API management
Here is a checklist of the key tasks for API management:
- Start by activating your user account on the API Manager
- Log in to the user interface of your API Manager
- Create your own catalogues. APIs are made available in a Catalogue so that developers can access them. You can create your own catalogues, such as a production catalogue, to host your APIs.
- Add users, assign roles, and manage their level of access to your Catalogues
- Configure security protocol for authenticating access to your APIs
- Move your products from the Catalogue to the publishing stage to make them available to application developers.
- Analyze your API usage
- Manage and control access to your provider organization
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