Federated API management has emerged to unify multiple gateways used by organizations and make APIs more centralized, visible, and governed while also providing flexibility to individual teams.
Organizations have taken a lot of different approaches to address the problem of API platform management. These approaches range from centralized control to decentralized user flow.
Federated API management is a semi-decentralized approach in which APIs are managed by teams and departments within an organization. This approach takes the best of all these models and attempts to present a paradigm that reaches teams and individual needs.
The federated API management approach results in largely autonomous teams that are nonetheless aligned at the central level. Governance is based on guidelines and policies collectively formed by the teams and departments.
Federated API management has some key attributes that set it apart from other solutions. These attributes include decentralized autonomy, global governance, and highly collaborative development process.
Federated API management does have specific drawbacks that need to be managed to make for an effective solution. These include inconsistency and complexity and high coordination needs.
The implementation of federated API management can be broken down into a few common steps. The establishment of a centralized API gateway, API governance strategy, and distributed access control. Decentralization, providing controls and visibility, and knowledge sharing.
Federated API management allows for more empowered teams while also implementing central governance that is more effective at scale.
Federated API management is a powerful solution that can work in many contexts and business environments.
Federated API management can be more complex than other solutions and necessitates risk management and problem-solving skills.