Top 10: API management platforms

Updated: July 30, 2023

API management platforms are powerful solutions that help organizations design, deploy, and govern their Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) efficiently. These specialized platforms offer a centralized interface for managing APIs, enabling businesses to control access, monitor usage, and enforce security measures. API management platforms often provide tools for API documentation, versioning, and analytics, allowing organizations to communicate effectively with developers and track API performance. With features like rate limiting, authentication, and caching, these platforms ensure that APIs are secure, performant, and reliable. Moreover, API management platforms can integrate with existing systems and support various types of APIs, including REST, SOAP, and GraphQL, making them versatile and adaptable to different application needs. By leveraging API management platforms, organizations can enhance API lifecycle management, foster developer collaboration, and accelerate digital transformation efforts, ultimately driving innovation and delivering seamless experiences to their customers and partners. Some of the most popular API management platforms are listed below.

See also: Top 10 Cloud Integration software

2023. IBM acquires GraphQL startup StepZen to step up its game in API management



GraphQL, initially created as an internal solution at Facebook for aiding developers in API management, eventually became an open source query language in 2015. Over time, it has garnered popularity as a viable alternative (or supplement) to REST and other similar tools. Notably, GraphQL is being utilized by companies such as Airbnb, Pinterest, PayPal, and Meta (Facebook's parent company). In an effort to enhance its visibility among developers who are embracing GraphQL, IBM has recently purchased StepZen, a GraphQL startup that offers tools for building and expanding GraphQL deployments in hybrid cloud environments, enabling the extraction of data from diverse sources.


2021. Tyk raises $35M for its open source approach to enterprise API management



Tyk, a company that has developed a solution for users to access and control multiple internal enterprise APIs through a universal interface powered by GraphQL, has recently raised $35 million in funding. Tyk has introduced the concept of a "universal data graph" to describe its approach to API management and the associated data. Presently, its tools are being leveraged by approximately 10,000 businesses, including major enterprises like Starbucks, Societe Generale, and Domino's, to effectively manage their APIs. The developers assert that Tyk offers a higher level of flexibility compared to other available API management platforms such as Kong, Apigee (now a part of Google), 3scale (now a part of RedHat and IBM), and MuleSoft (now a part of Salesforce). This recognition highlights Tyk's value proposition and its ability to cater to the diverse needs of businesses across various industries.


2020. Google binds no-code tools, API management into new Business Application Platform



In a strategic move to tap into the thriving low-code/no-code market, Google LLC has introduced its new category of software called the Business Application Platform. This comprehensive platform encompasses various components, including application programming interface (API) management, no-code application development, process automation, and business analytics. Leveraging the technology obtained through its recent acquisition of AppSheet, Google aims to simplify the application-building process by enabling users to create applications without the need for coding, distinguishing it from traditional low-code solutions. The Business Application Platform will also incorporate API management capabilities from Apigee, a company acquired by Google four years ago. Google plans to enhance the platform with additional features that leverage the power of Google Cloud, hybrid and multicloud architectures, artificial intelligence and machine learning development tools, lifecycle management, as well as security and productivity/collaboration functionalities.


2017. Oracle acquired API management tool Apiary



Oracle has made an undisclosed acquisition of the API management startup Apiary. Apiary specializes in assisting companies with the management of APIs, a task that has grown significantly in importance. As businesses across various sectors transform into software companies, they are developing platforms and offering means for customers and third parties to build applications using their technologies. Cloud companies are increasingly focusing on helping customers navigate the complexities of APIs. Through the acquisition of Apiary, Oracle will offer customers advanced capabilities for designing and governing APIs. This enables companies to effectively manage the entire lifecycle of their APIs and seamlessly deliver integrated applications.