User experience becomes more critical when time is limited, and customers can easily access competitors' websites. Companies use APIs to combine data and capabilities from different systems. APIs allow the software to share and communicate resources. APIs have been created significantly to accomplish tasks and maintain data across multiple applications. How can teams ensure that each API functions as expected when hundreds of them are within an organization?
What is API Management?
API management open source community includes creating, publishing, administrating, and analyzing APIs. A mix of services and tools achieves that to help provision, secure, and maintain APIs. It is essential to have visibility to ensure APIs are consumed correctly.
API Management Benefits
It is common for many companies to use APIs as part of their daily operations. For organizations that need to manage APIs for various systems and applications, rebuilding integrations can take a lot of time and resources. API management allows enterprises to reuse the API integration functionality and saves time and money without compromising security.
An API management solution can help you deploy and reuse integrations assets more quickly. Enterprises can easily share API documentation, coding, and other coding constructs between their teams by managing APIs in a centralized platform. That reduces development costs and speeds up time-to-market. API management platforms can also make existing services safer by tracking API use and integrating the latest security protocols, such as OAuth, JWT, and OpenID.
Governance and Security
API management is a way to ensure compliance with internal policies as well as external data privacy regulations. Data governance and API Security can be enforced by business owners to make sure they don't leave backdoors in their applications or sensitive data. Limiting access by requiring the API key or another authentication credential is also possible. API management ensures only users with the correct permissions can use its services.
The developers of these interfaces also benefit from API management. Many management platforms automate and templatize the creation of APIs to reduce redundant work. A centralized API directory also helps developers avoid duplication of work, as they can check if an API already performs the desired functionality. The development team can now follow agile methods without sacrificing quality or security.
Analysis and Reporting
The data that API logs may not be in an easily consumable format. List Of API Management Tools offers analytics to developers so they can monitor the number of requests and determine popular services for future API developments. The metrics collected can be compiled into seal reports that are shared with other members of the team.
Distribution
Business insights use API management to create a portal for developers to distribute newly released APIs and their documentation. This digital marketplace, API stores, allows developers to find APIs that meet their requirements.
The Onboarding Process
A management system for APIs allows the developers to save documentation on a web portal that is accessible by developers both inside and outside of an organization. The centralized repository helps engineers quickly call APIs and understand the response they can expect. That streamlines the onboarding procedure.
API Manager Capabilities
API managers can streamline your API governance process and unlock new efficiency for developers building interfaces. These are the key features to consider when choosing API management software.
Access Control
Create an API that is open to all. You will have APIs that are restricted to specific users or applications. You can control who can access to API's by using an Access Control system. Access can be further segmented so that certain privileges are granted to access specific services, but others are not.
Protecting and Authenticating Your Identity
If you use access control, you will implement an authentication protocol to confirm the identity of the users who send requests to your API. Bad actors can steal credentials or access tokens to pretend to be authenticated users.
Create Support
These platforms will also support the maintenance of existing APIs and provide automated monitoring to detect outages for fast remediation. The platforms also provide monitoring and maintenance for existing APIs.
Why Is API Management Important?
APIs can be found everywhere. Imagine you are booking air travel using a travel website to find flights. The site does not belong to any airline but instead aggregates data from the APIs of multiple airlines. Using an API management system that is enterprise-grade has numerous advantages.
From an agile perspective, regularly deploying new features and upgrades into production is essential. You can only achieve this if your environments are clearly defined and configurations correctly configured. Such management requires time and resources. API management tools handle these settings more effectively. To ensure that modern distributed applications work reliably, scalability is essential. API Management allows you to scale up your API infrastructure based on usage.
Organizations must consider security and governance when exposing APIs for internal or external use. You can use an API Management System to protect APIs, subsystems, and their related APIs by granular authentication and authorization. You can inject policies and governance into published APIs. It allows you to keep track of what is deployed, where it's being used, who calls what, and what security level each API has.
Life cycle managers are included in API management software to help track the multiple API versions. Users are automatically directed to the most recent version of APIs whenever code is changed. If a rollback becomes necessary, the users are seamlessly redirected to an older version.
API Management Components
API management solutions offer services from end to end that simplify and streamline integrations of APIs, as well as the documentation and sharing of their configurations between development teams. The following are the components of API management solutions:
- API Gateway: The API gateway acts for connected services and systems. The API gateway handles all requests for routing, protocol translations, and compositions sent between the client applications and third-party services. API gateways are crucial to ensuring API security by using authentication protocols and security enforcement standards, such as Transport Layer Security encryption (TLS) and OAuth technology standards. Developers can also consume microservices via the API gateway as managed APIs.
- API Developer Portal: API developer sites serve several functions, but their primary purpose is to allow developers to access API documentation easily and to share it. The developer portal is an essential tool for streamlining communications between teams. It allows developers to browse, test, and build their APIs.
- Analytics and Reporting: API management software allows organizations to monitor usage metrics using several methods. API platforms monitor API response times, availability, and performance using a synthetic method. API platforms can also integrate analytic programs and protocols that extract data over time for reporting and analysis. The analytics tools are crucial in diagnosing integration problems and helping enterprises to make informed decisions.
- API lifecycle Management: API integrations are vital to digital transformation and essential to helping companies scale up their operations. Enterprises benefit from API management platforms by being able to manage their entire API lifecycle, including their creation and all stages of development. API management is a solution that allows for the building, testing, and onboarding of APIs and managing them. Version control at every stage can be ensured.
Platforms for open source API management tools are beneficial to organizations on many levels. Following are some everyday use cases for an API management system:
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The 50 Best API Management Tools
Here is a list of the top 50 best API management tools:
1. Postman Pro
Postman Pro offers a full-featured software testing solution. The testing can be done on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. The test management tool provides features like team collaboration and customized API documentation. It also allows for better API monitoring. These functionalities are provided in a concise time frame and with the highest quality.
2. Workato
Workato offers a full-featured Integration Software that is designed for Startups and Enterprises. Workato offers end-to-end Web App solutions. Multiple data sources are available in this online integration software system.
3. MuleSoft Anypoint
Anypoint Platform provides a full-featured App Development software designed for SMEs and Startups. Anypoint Platform offers end-to-end Windows solutions. The online App Development System offers all the features you need in one place: Connectivity Management and Compatibility Testing. Metadata Management, Web Services.
4. Swagger
The Swagger API Management Software is designed for Startups and SMEs. Swagger offers end-to-end Web App solutions. This online API Management System offers Analytics, Access Control, API Design, and Version Control at one location.
5. WSO2 API Management
The WSO2 API Management is a full-featured API Management Software designed for SMEs and Startups. WSO2 provides a Windows-based end-to-end solution. The online API management system provides Version Control, Developer Portals, Traffic Control, Security Threat Protection, and API Design all in one place.
6. Kong Enterprise
Kong Enterprise provides a full-featured API Management Software for Agencies and Enterprises. Kong Enterprise offers end-to-end Web App solutions. The online API management system provides Analytics, Traffic control, API Design, and Dashboard at one location.
7. Tyk
Tyk provides a full-featured API Management Software for SMEs and Enterprises. Tyk offers end-to-end Windows solutions. This online API Management System offers version control, access control, API Design, and API Lifecycle Management at one location.
8. Tray.io
Tray.io offers a full-featured Integration Software software designed for SMEs and Startups. Tray.io offers end-to-end Windows solutions. The online Integration Software System offers Dashboard, Metadata Management, and Multiple Data Sources.
8. Jitterbit
Jitterbit Business Process Management Software is designed for Agencies and SMEs. Jitterbit offers end-to-end Macintosh solutions. The online Business intelligence software Process Management System offers Process Change Tracking and ETL. Extract /Transform /Loading. Process Mapping, Web Services, Process Modeling & Designing.
10. Astera API Management
Astera API management is an API lifecycle solution without code that manages all phases of the API process, from development and design to deployment and monitoring.
11. Apigee Edge
Apigee Edge provides full-featured API Management Software for Startups and Enterprises. Apigee Edge provides a Windows-based end-to-end solution. The online API Management System offers Developer Portals, API Lifecycle Management, API Designing, Threat Protection, and Analytics in one location.
12. Dell Boomi
Dell Boomi is an integrated software designed for agencies and SMEs. Dell Boomi offers end-to-end Windows solutions. The online Integration Software offers Data Format Translation, EDI testing, and Reporting/Analytics Dashboards.
13. Mashery API Management
Mashery API Management provides full-featured Integration Software Software for Enterprises and Agencies. Mashery API Management offers end-to-end Web App solutions. The online Integration Software offers a dashboard at one location.
14. NGINX Plus
NGINX Plus, a full-featured Load Balancing Software, is designed for SMEs and Enterprises. NGINX Plus offers end-to-end Macintosh solutions. The online load-balancing system provides Content Routing and Data Compression. It also offers Automatic Configuration. SSL Offload. Health Monitoring.
15. The Flowgear
Flowgear's globally recognized platform allows organizations of all sizes to easily integrate with any Application, System, or Database, whether in the Cloud, on-premises or from a single aggregated user per month rating interface!
16. Zapier
Zapier is the most popular intelligent management tool for all your data that links automation with regular user needs for users. The user interface is amicable and has a wide range. The innovative design is what attracts users.
17. Microsoft Azure
The well-known ecommerce platform is used by thousands to manage Ecommerce businesses. Microsoft Azure allows you to increase sales, satisfy customer demands, and optimize the supply chain. This software does everything you require for customer satisfaction
18. Integromat
Integromat offers full-featured Integration Software that is designed for Enterprises and Agencies. Integromat offers end-to-end Windows solutions. The online Integration Software System offers Dashboard, Metadata Management, Multiple Data Sources, and Web Services.
19. AWS Cloud9
AWS Cloud9 is an impressive IDE that allows for real-time collaboration of code. This feature-rich software includes a terminal, debugger, and all the necessary language tools, such as Python. JavaScript. PHP.
20. Software AG
A highly-trained team and a federal government center that connects disparate systems use special forces to solve complex IT problems quickly and efficiently.
21. Astera Data Services
A platform for managing the entire API lifecycle. Users can develop APIs using zero code, publish them in the Cloud or locally, generate API documentation automatically, monitor API consumption via a dashboard, and manage published APIs.
22. 3scale
Red Hat Software's 3scale platform is an API management platform. 3scale will make it easier to manage both internal and external users. You can share, distribute, control, and monetize APIs.
23. Akana
Akana is a complete API management platform. This platform allows you to design, implement, monitor, and publish APIs. This platform can be installed on-premises or in the Cloud.
24. Apiary
Apiary, an API management tool, offers a dashboard and several features, including access control, role, provisioning templates, customization, and roles. Apiary works well for large and small teams, as everyone has the correct role to view or edit API blueprints. Administrators can also have administrative control over the team members. The dashboard feature provides an ideal platform to access a web-based, dedicated team and manage API blueprints.
25. CA Technologies Automate
CA Technologies offers API management solutions as SaaS. CA Technologies offers Agile Development, DevOps, and PPM Management solutions.
26. Cloud Elements
Cloud Elements is an integration platform that integrates APIs for SaaS and digital enterprise providers. Hubs and Elements are used to link disparate services and data sources.
27. Axway
Axway is a platform for the cloud-based integration of data. Securely connect devices, systems, and apps. This solution manages APIs, content collaboration, B2B integration, app development, analytics, and managed file transfer.
Read More: The best 15 Open-Source API Management Tools to consider
28. Postman
Postman provides a complete development environment for API. Postman helps with different tasks, such as designing and mocking APIs. It also assists in debugging APIs and monitoring APIs. The tool provides integrated tools to support each phase of the API lifecycle.
Any team can work together by sharing collections, managing permissions, and managing the participation of multiple workspaces. There are three different pricing options: Postman Enterprise is priced at 18 dollars per month.
29. Oracle SOA
Oracle API Manager allows you to build APIs. Both REST API and SOAP are supported. The API can be controlled at runtime, and the performance of the API can be tracked. Pricing plans begin at $6.60 per month.
30. API Umbrella
API Umbrella, a leader in open-source api management platforms for microservices and APIs, is the leading platform to manage APIs. Multiple organizations can operate under one umbrella with different admin permissions.
31. Gravitee.io
Gravitee.io is an open-source API management platform that's flexible and lightweight. The platform offers features out of the box, such as IP filtering and Cross-origin Resource Sharing, Plug-and-Play options, an open-source API developer portal, OAuth2 policies and JSON Web Tokens, load-balancing, and more.
32. APIman.io
APIman.io, a platform developed by Red Hat for API management, is a top choice when choosing the right technology stack for an app.
33. Fusion
Fusio, a popular API management tool that is open-source software, allows developers to create REST APIs using different data types. The tool has several lifecycle features, including a backend dashboard allowing admins to control the API, detailed request documentation, and JSON validation. It also handles scope handling for users' permissions.
34. Repose
Repose, an open-source middleware RESTful platform, is crucial in changing the API market. The platform provides API processing capabilities, such as authentication, API Validation, rate-limiting, and HTTP Request Logging.
35. SnapLogic Enterprise Integration Cloud
SnapLogic, an Integration Platform as a Service tool, helps companies to acquire, maintain, and grow their client base.
36. DreamFactory
DreamFactory API Management Platform is one of your project's most popular free-and-open source tools.
37. Gloo Edge
Gloo Edge, a cloud native API gateway of the next generation, supports serverless and legacy applications. The Gloo Edge integrates into your existing environment and allows you to select your preferred persistence, scheduling, and security tools. It is the gateway for all inbound responses and connections. Gloo Edge uses top-notch open-source technologies such as GraphQL and gRPC.
38. Agama API
Agama API provides a platform for API management that can be used to manage APIs. Its modular design allows users to customize the system according to their needs. Agama API gives users complete control, allowing them to easily access source code and configuration to prevent the lock-in effect. Agama API allows users to utilize the platform for internal and external purposes. Agama API High Performance offers both horizontal and vertical scalability.
39. Google Cloud Endpoints
Google Cloud Endpoints has three main steps to deal with APIs: develop, deploy, and manage APIs. Google Cloud Endpoints is an excellent platform for developing, deploying, protecting, and monitoring API. Google Cloud Endpoints provides users with the tools and actionable insight they require for each API development phase. That includes Stackdriver Monitoring, Trace, and Logging. Google Cloud Endpoints ensure that businesses control who can access their APIs and validate every call using JSON Web Tokens or Google API Keys.
40. WebMethods
The webMethods user interface is easy to navigate. It runs on all browsers and includes wizards for guided integration development. WebMethods' interface is also HTML 5 standard-based to be accessed from mobile and tablet devices. This sophisticated feature of service orchestration automates or synchronizes real-time data.
41. Stoplight
Stoplight provides the API Designer to describe endpoints and create models. It also enables flexible mocking as well as dynamic mocking. With the JSON Schema Editor, the API Designer provides an excellent platform for quickly building complex models. Flexible mocking allows you to mock the API as a whole or specific endpoint. Dynamic mocking allows endpoint responses to be defined.
42. API2Cart
API2Cart provides an API that allows the integration of 35+ marketplaces, shopping carts, and shopping carts. That includes industry leaders such as Magento, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. It also supports PrestaShop and OpenCart. Users can manipulate and synchronize various store data, including orders, categories, products, customers, and more. The organization will be able to retrieve, edit, remove, and sync the stored data from all supported platforms in a unified manner.
43. Nifty
Nifty, a project management software that is free to use, aims at keeping you focused on your job and not the tool. With features like chat, documents, calendars, tasks, and tasks, you can collaborate with clients and your team in one application. Automate the tracking of your project progress and create a proposal.
44. Bitrix24
Bitrix24, a free project management and planning solution with an intuitive interface, tries to meet multiple business requirements simultaneously. It's an excellent tool for small businesses, but you have to consider your qlik view personal edition as well as the habits of your staff.
45. Hive
Hive, a platform for project management, helps teams collaborate online, whether in an office or fully remote. They can also mix the two using a hybrid approach. Hive Solo is a free plan that offers project management for small teams. It is one of the most effective free tools for project management, especially for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and freelancers.
46. Todoist
Todoist makes it easy to capture ideas and thoughts on your smartphone and be reminded of them later. The project management application will remind you of deadlines like paying bills within three days. The free version does not include any features for real-time collaborative work.
47. TeamGantt
The software is excellent at visualizing Gantt Charts so that you can easily see tasks and responsibilities. This software also tracks team progress and individual performance against milestones.
48. Freedcamp
Freedcamp offers multiple views, including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and list views. Freedcamp offers a social wall, private tasks, and white-labeling capabilities for CRM, client areas, billing, and invoicing. The free plan has very few features, while the paid plans start at just $1.49 per user monthly. In their words, the plan is "minimalist." They could have gone even minimalist with a "free" plan.
49. Paymo
Paymo, a project management tool for team leaders and single users interested in resource management, is free. The software also includes Kanban boards, time tracking, and Kanban charts that allow freelancers to keep track of their time for each client.
50. Hitask
Hitask is an excellent option for small teams that only need a few resources and want to save money on a tool. The free version of this project management tool is available for five users. It allows you to create unlimited projects and tasks.
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Conclusion
APIs are the basis for communicating between services as software migrates from monolithic architectures to microservices. Modern IT organizations are used to managing rest API management tools if they develop, deploy, or consume APIs.
API management systems can take on these challenges, freeing organizations to focus on delivering business value. API management should be a key component in your deployment and development strategy. APIs form the foundation of all modern applications and are crucial for creating the digital experiences customers demand.
