Azure API management is a way of publishing and managing APIs that run on Microsoft Azure. The goal of this service is to ensure optimal performance of the APIs. This is done through tools that track, enforce, and authenticate the usage of APIs. Azure API Management provides an interface where APIs are created and managed for web and cloud-based applications.
How is it used?
The general purpose of this service is to manage APIs. To break it down into the specific tasks that a user can perform using Azure API management, you can:
- Keep an eye on the health of APIs. By monitoring each API, you get to identify errors and rate limits.
- With the Azure API management, you also find ways to utilize the APIs better.
- This service also allows you to create user roles and manage them. Additionally, you can define policies to ensure proper usage of APIs.
- Azure API management also provides an interface where thousands of APIs can be consolidated and managed.
- Security is another thing that is monitored and managed with the use of this tool. This is done by the provision of an access control mechanism to manage the use of APIs.
Key Features of Azure API Management
API management service can offer lots of features depending on what you want. However, it is much more important to have an environment where designing and managing API is more straightforward. Some of the features to look out for are:
Developer Portal
This is where developers can access their published APIs. In addition, they can read the API documentation and get access to code samples. The portal is also where developers can change the theme and monitor the health of their API by ensuring there are no bugs.
API Gateway:
This is a server that is at the front of backend services to secure access. The gateway provides security by throttling access requests. It also offers access control and security through certificates and other security policies.
Administration portal
This is also known as the publisher portal, and it provides an interface for the management of API programs. The dashboard allows you to view your APIs and make sure they are in good health. You also can manage your published APIs as products and implement policies like rate throttling.
On this portal, developers can easily add or remove users. In addition, under analytics, the publisher can monitor APIs’ usage and ensure their health.
Benefits of using Azure API Management
- Using Azure API management service, you will enjoy tons of security features. Depending on the access plan you choose, you can limit the number of calls allowed.
- By using throttling, this service also prevents Denial of Service attacks.
- Backend services will also be secure because Azure API management will prevent access with the API keys.
- Security is always paramount when dealing with data. Azure API management service uses advanced security policies that ensure your data is safe.
Finally, Azure API management allows you to expand your APIs because of the provision of scaling capability.
