Trends Enterprise API Strategy

What is MASA – Mesh App and Service Architecture?

What is MASA - Mesh App and Service Architecture blog image

MASA (Mesh App and Service Architecture) has evolved from its 2017 introduction by Gartner to become a foundational model for modern digital enterprises.

While MASA focuses on the architectural patterns of connecting services and applications, its implementation should include robust API management and marketplace capabilities to succeed at scale.

Understanding the value of Mesh App and Service Architecture

Mesh App and Service Architecture forms the backbone of modern digital business technology platforms. The model emphasizes creating interconnected digital ecosystems rather than monolithic applications. This architectural approach aligns with, but exists independently from, modern API marketplace and management solutions.

At its core, MASA implements a multidimensional model where applications exist as an interconnected mesh of independent and autonomous apps and services.

Modern MASA implementations typically require three key capabilities:

  1. Service discovery and integration
  2. API product management
  3. Ecosystem enablement

A MASA application orchestrates specific business processes or activities through multiple specialized services and applications.

Consider a modern banking platform: while the MASA architecture defines how services interconnect, an API marketplace would handle the discovery, security, and monetization of these services – making them accessible to internal teams, partners, and external developers.

See also: What is an API Marketplace? [And Do I Need One?]

Key requirements for modern masa implementation

  • Cloud-native architecture: Applications must leverage cloud-native patterns and technologies
  • Edge-enabled: Solutions need to process data and deliver services at the network edge
  • API First design: All functionality should be API-driven
  • Product-centric approach: APIs should be treated as products with clear business value
  • Observable: Comprehensive observability with distributed tracing, metrics, and logs

See also: Maximize Business Potential by Harnessing the Power of API as a Product

To successfully implement MASA, organizations typically need:

Technology foundation

  • Container Orchestration (Kubernetes, OpenShift)
  • Service Mesh technologies
  • Serverless Computing platforms
  • Edge Computing frameworks
  • AI/ML Operations platforms

API management with marketplace capabilities

  • API discovery and documentation
  • Security and governance
  • API productization tools
  • Monetization options
  • Portals offering a strong developer experience
  • Usage analytics and reporting

DevSecOps & platform engineering

  • Observability solutions
  • Security scanning and monitoring
  • Deployment automation
  • Policy enforcement

See also: Six ways to enhance the API developer experience with an API marketplace

While MASA provides the architectural vision for connecting services and applications, modern API management platforms with API marketplaces provide the practical tools and capabilities needed to implement and scale these architectures effectively.

Organizations should evaluate both their architectural needs (MASA) and their APIM requirements as distinct but complementary concerns.

This helps explain why many organizations implement MASA alongside robust API platform solutions – they serve different but complementary purposes in building modern digital platforms.

Amplify Engage helps bring your enterprise API strategy to life

MASA provides the architectural blueprint for how modern digital enterprises should structure their applications and services. However, implementing this architecture effectively requires a unified platform that can discover, secure, and manage APIs across distributed environments while enabling their consumption as business-ready products.

Axway’s Amplify Platform bridges this gap by offering federated API management that works across multiple vendors, deployment models, and API styles. With Amplify Engage, organizations can transform their MASA implementations from a technical architecture into business value — enabling API discovery, adoption, and monetization while maintaining governance and security across the entire API ecosystem.

For enterprises looking to realize the full potential of their MASA strategy, the right platform can make the difference between an architectural vision and a thriving digital business reality.

Decision-makers are truly beginning to grasp the power of APIs to transform their business. Download the state of enterprise API maturity report today to learn how.