APIs are the backbone of modern applications. Their capable management is central for organisations to ensure smooth digital experiences. While there are many API solutions out there, Kong API key management remains a powerful presence in API governance. If you’re an enterprise seeking to unlock the full potential of your APIs, you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog, API Connects – top API developers in New Zealand – will share everything about Kong API management. By the end of this read, you’ll have the know-how to fully utilise the potential of this tech stack.
Ready to elevate your digital strategy to new heights? Let’s start by understanding Kong API better.
What is Kong API?
Kong API is a powerful and versatile open-source API gateway that functions as the nerve centre for controlling and fortifying APIs. It sits between clients (say web apps or mobile apps) and backend services (such as databases or microservices). Kong API equips businesses with vital tools like:
- Throttling
- User authentication
- Permission control
- Traffic balancing
These ensure that your APIs are accessible, secure, and perform optimally.
What are the Features of Kong API Key Management?
Ask any digital infrastructure manager about what exactly they look for in their API gateway, and most will say they want it to be versatile, reliable, and capable of handling a plethora of tasks. Guess what? Kong API is all about this! It is packed with features designed to make API management a breeze.
Let’s explore some of its key capabilities:
1 Plug and play flexibility
Kong’s modular architecture allows enterprises to easily add or remove plugins. This allows them to customize its functionality based on their specific needs. Need a rate limiter? How about a request transformer? No problem! Either way, Kong has you covered.
2 High performance and scalability
Built on a lightweight, Ngnix-based architecture, Kong API can handle thousands of requests per second. That too without breaking a sweat! As your traffic grows, it can scale horizontally to meet the demand.
3 Better security
As Window Synder once remarked, “One vulnerability is all an attacker needs.” However, Kong API management guarantees that such weakness never prevails. It will protect your APIs from unauthorized access with robust security features like authentication, authorization, and encryption, keeping your data safe and your users happy.
4 Intelligent traffic management
Kong’s load-balancing capabilities make sure that your APIs are distributed evenly across multiple servers. This prevents bottlenecks and maximizes performance.
5 API analytics and monitoring
Gain valuable insights into your API usage with Kong’s built-in analytics and monitoring tools. Track key metrics, identify trends, and optimize your API performance all at one place.
6 Hybrid cloud capability
Running your APIs on-premise? Or are you hosting them in the cloud? Doesn’t matter which way, know that proper Kong API management got you covered! Its compatibility with various cloud platforms and infrastructure makes it a versatile choice for enterprises in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.
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Who Can Benefit From Kong API Gateway?
As we said before, Kong API is a versatile tool used by organizations and developers across the globe for a variety of reasons. Here are some specific use cases:
1 Microservices architects
Imagine you reside in a vibrant city where each building symbolizes a microservice. In order to make certain that these structures interact competently and swiftly, a traffic management system is crucial. Kong API gateway management fulfils this role within a microservices architecture.
It acts as a central hub – routing traffic between microservices. It enforces security policies, guaranteeing that each service is only accessible to authorised clients. For example, a large e-commerce platform may have microservices for product catalogue, order fulfilment, and payment processing.
Kong API can address API requests between these services, assuring customer data is protected and that orders are processed perfectly.
2 Mobile app developers
A robust mobile app requires a constant influx of data to thrive and operate efficaciously. Kong API gateway is the gatekeeper. It makes sure your lion receives its nourishment a.k.a data in a controlled and efficient way. With features like authentication, rate limiting, and caching, Kong API gateway assists developers in building high-performance, secure, and scalable mobile apps.
For instance, a widely used social media app might leverage this technology to oversee API requests for user feeds, notifications, and profile information, preventing overload on backend servers.
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3 Legacy system integrators
Ever tried hitching a caravan to your car? If yes, we don’t have to tell you how much of a tiresome task it is. But with the right tools, it can be done rapidly. Kong API gateway is a tool for integrating legacy systems with modern applications. Exposing legacy system functionalities as RESTful APIs can make it easier for developers to build new apps that interact with old systems.
Example? Healthcare organizations can utilize and operate Kong API to connect their existing patient records system with modern electronic health records platforms. By doing so, doctors and nurses can access patient details seamlessly.
What are Useful Tips for Kong API Management?
Alright, now that you are aware of the meaning, benefits, and usage of Kong API, it’s time to finally address the elephant in the room – how exactly can I manage it? Here are some management tips that enterprises and devs can consider in 2024:
1 Start with a solid foundation
Can you construct a building without laying a solid foundation? The answer is NO! Similarly, before diving into Kong’s features, make sure you have a clear understanding of your API architecture and requirements. This will help you make informed decisions when configuring Kong.
2 Leverage plugins
Do you know that Kong’s modular architecture allows its users to extend its functionality with plugins? Therefore, explore the available plugins to find ones that align with your specific business needs. Authentication, rate limiting, transformation – there are literally hundreds of plugins to choose from!
3 Prioritise security
Security should be at the forefront of your Kong API management strategy. This gateway provides different security features to protect your APIs from potential threats. Always enforce strong authentication protocols. Also, consider using Kong’s security plugins. That way, you can ensure that only authorized users can access your services.
Regularly audit and update your security settings to keep vulnerabilities at bay.
4 Monitor performance consistently
Once Kong API is up and running, start keeping an eye on its performance. Use Kong’s built-in monitoring tools. You can also integrate with third-party monitoring systems to track API usage, response times, and traffic patterns. This will make it easier to identify bottlenecks. You will be able to optimise your business systems for better performance.
5 Automate configurations
Another useful Kong API management tip for enterprises! Save time and reduce human errors by automating Kong API configurations. You can use CI/CD pipelines or infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform. These will help you automatically deploy, update, and manage your Kong configurations.
You will be able to streamline the management process and confirm consistent setups across environments.
6 Scale smartly
Your API management needs will evolve as your business grows. Although we told you Kong is designed to be scalable, you still need to plan accurately for this growth. Use load balancing and horizontal scaling to handle increased traffic without compromising performance or security. Always anticipate future demand to avoid sudden scaling challenges.
7 Stay updated with Kong’s latest features
Like any other software or gateway, Kong regularly release updates and new features that improve your API management. Keep track of these updates. Don’t hesitate to upgrade when new security patches or features are available. Staying current with Kong’s advancements translates to maintaining peak performance and security in 2024!
Why Hire API Connects for Kong API Key Management?
Right now, some of you might be thinking, “Alright, I understand the whole Kong API game but still it’s too much. Is there someone who can help me out with management?”
*Enters API Connects*
We are a team of experienced developers in New Zealand specializing in API management. Using our vast experience, we help organizations maximize the potential of their APIs. Here’s why hiring us can turn out to be the most profitable decision you’ve ever made:
- Custom solutions: No two business needs are alike. That’s why we tailor our approach to match the specific needs of each client, ensuring that Kong API management aligns perfectly with your goals.
- Expert guidance: Our engineers will provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you make informed decisions about your API key strategy.
- Ongoing support: API Connects in NZ is committed to supplying ongoing support and maintenance. This helps us make certain your APIs remain secure, scalable, and high-performing.
- Innovative approach: We stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in API management to deliver innovative and effective solutions.
Discover more about the best API integration services in New Zealand
Kong API Key Management: End Note
As you’ve seen, the right management of APIs is important for any organization. It can help you optimize digital experiences and application performance. By leveraging Kong’s features, you can streamline your API operations. Whether you’re building microservices, developing mobile apps, or integrating legacy systems, this technology can provide you tools you need to succeed.
Got any queries to ask? Send them to enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz and have them answered by our skilled engineers!
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