Unpacking API Lifecycle management for next decade
Key Discussion Points:
1. Evolution of API Lifecycle Management
The webinar begins with a historical overview of API lifecycle management, emphasizing how customer expectations and technological advancements have raised the bar for enterprises. It highlights the transition from APIs being a technical asset to becoming a product with its own lifecycle.
2. Importance of API Reference Architecture
Rao discusses how API reference architecture has enabled enterprises to unlock the core value of their data assets. He touches on the evolution from data being locked within enterprise firewalls to being accessible in a zero-trust environment through APIs.
3. API Management and Gateway
The role of API gateways is discussed, highlighting their importance in controlling, securing, and transforming data. The gateway acts as a facade, providing a safety net and enabling the consumption of APIs both internally and externally.
4. Developer Portals and Visibility
The significance of having a developer portal for API consumption and the need for visibility into API usage are addressed. This includes understanding who is consuming the APIs and to what extent.
5. APIs as Products
The webinar stresses that APIs should be treated as products that need to be tested, trained, and monetarily beneficial. This shift has led enterprises to recognize the monetary value of data exposed through APIs.
6. Rapid API Release and Consumption
The need for APIs to be released faster and the requirements of both API consumers and providers are discussed. This includes the realization that enterprises benefit from consuming pre-packaged services from other enterprises.
7. Cloud Migration and Multi-Cloud Strategies
Rao talks about the trend of cloud migration, the mainstream adoption of public cloud strategies, and the emergence of multi-cloud strategies. He also mentions the use of cloud-hosted functions and the shift towards microservices.
8. Complexity in API Lifecycle Management
The webinar delves into the increased complexity in API lifecycle management due to cloud migration, choice of cloud providers, microservices, and service meshes.
9. Support for New Protocols and Hybrid Models
The need for supporting new protocols like GraphQL, gRPC, and the AC initiatives is highlighted. Rao suggests a hybrid model for managing new services.
10. Iterative and Reliable Release Management
Finally, the importance of treating APIs as products that need to be iteratively managed, released reliably, and managed throughout their release cycles is emphasized.