Software for managing API integrations.
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API Management Software are used to control and apply application program interfaces (APIs) that allow different programs, services, and software to communicate and integrate with each other. API Management Software provides a central platform (“gateway”) for the development, deployment, management, monitoring and troubleshooting of API ecosystems. Some gateways also grant analysis and visibility tools to monitor API health, control end user access to them, and apply updates and patches autonomously.
APIs are popular among businesses for their diversity and utility, and as such businesses are likely to adopt different APIs to fulfill multiple roles. An API Management Tool gateways provide a one-stop access point to manage these connections. The most important role of API Management Software is to provide a point of efficient and consistent security across all APIs, rather than relying on each individual API’s unique security features. Without an API Management Tool gateway, a patchwork set of APIs may leave gaps that increase risk to data or assets.
API Management Software and API Design Software have many overlapping features to manage, deploy, and develop APIs. The major differences lie in the depth of their respective tools. API Design Software’s management tools are geared more toward the maintenance of APIs that are developed within the tool. In contrast, API Management Software doesn’t have development tools as robust as those found in API Design Software products, but it does allow for the maintenance of multiple APIs from various sources from a single gateway.
The most common API Management Software features are:
When choosing the best API Management Software for you, consider the following:
Open source support features. API ecosystems have many avenues for open source products, which grant end users more control over their assets. However, managing open source API can be difficult due to how differently each open source tool needs to be handled. Gravitee.io is designed to fully support OpenAPI, allowing you to simplify, consolidate, or split complex open-source API options from a single gateway.
Development tools. If you are using an API Management Software to assist with the development of APIs, you may be interested in the platform’s developer toolsets. These tools can include the ability to create mock servers and endpoints, test APIs before deployment, or scenarios and simulations construction. The tools in API Management Software are proficient enough to assist with developing and maintaining more comprehensive API ecosystems. However, if you’re looking to develop an API from the prototyping phase, or you need more sophisticated design tools for a single API product, then API Design Software may better meet your needs.
Industry support. Depending on your business, you may be interested in API Management Software that specialize in industry-specific APIs. For example, API2Cart provides a platform to integrate shopping carts and marketplaces for e-commerce businesses, making it a comfortable choice for business with a customer-facing shopfront.
Deployment strategy. How you plan to use the API Management Software may be a factor in choosing the best product for you. Whether you are integrating an API Management Tool as a new asset in your existing workflow, or you are introducing it as an element of digitization, the product should be easy to incorporate and useful to your organization. This can be a complex consideration, but vendors like Axway provide on-demand advising and consultation services to provide assistance every step of the way.
Pricing for API Management Software depends on the particular plans and vendors used. Some vendors like SwaggerHub and Postman offer free versions that have restrictions on the number of APIs they will support or the types of services offered. Subscription pricing models can begin at $.10 per 100,000 events managed, $8 per month per user, or $200 flat each month. You may want to explore which of these options would be more economical for your business. Most vendors offer custom price consultation and free demos for paid plans.
The following resource may be helpful in choosing some APIs for your business:
Popular API management tools include:
