APIs are the backbones of your apps. You’ll want to make sure your apps run without a hitch. Otherwise, that could compromise transactions and lead to customer dissatisfaction. One way to prevent those problems is to find API management tools and platforms that can deliver a problem-free and hassle-free implementation. Here are seven questions that you’ll want to look over and ask before you take your pick.
Does it deploy quickly?
A system that deploys quickly is the answer you’re looking for. Whether you have hundreds of APIs that you want to register soon, or you just have one, you’ll want a platform that can get your API to market in the shortest time possible. The sooner it happens, the sooner you’ll start turning a profit. Delays cost companies time and money.
What is the lifecycle of your APIs?
Part of handling an API—and one of the most challenging out there—is managing the version change as well as the migration of customers. It can be a nightmare and the task can prove insurmountable. When you look for an API platform or API portal, make sure to choose one that can help with the migration, making it easier. A platform that can support multiple simultaneous versions, as well as communication with customers, will make all the difference. If you don’t want your team weeping for days over the migration, then invest in an API management system that makes their life easier.
What about the security?
When you set out to have your API built, did you spare any thought for the security levels of the API or your set of APIs? That’s usually not the case, with many customers still using basic authentication. An excellent API management platform, on the other hand, should make integration of popular security protocols possible. With a better platform in place, you can provide better and more secure services than before. That’s going to make your clients happy and happy clients bring steady or even more revenue to your business.
What’s the tracking usage?
Tracking everything that has to do with customer usage of APIs is essential. You can use that data to improve your services, figure out where process mistakes lie and basically help you load up changes that meet the demands of your organization and consumer market much better. The right API management software can make this possible for you.
Do you want to build a community?
Some customers look to buy large numbers of potential developers to their APIs. That means, though, that they’ll need a social environment that can support the rapid adoption of APIs. That’s where the right platform comes in.
What about the existing services?
Look for a platform that allows you and your team to integrate existing services into APIs from legacy systems. Check to make sure if the integration is smooth and trouble-free. Can you run the service locally or as a cloud-based solution? Pick a software that’s flexible enough to handle both. That’s what you need out of an API management tool.
