API sprawl: a survival guide 

Let’s dive into the wild world of API sprawl in a multi-cloud, multi-team, and multi-gateway environment. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, in a jungle. Sounds intense? You bet! Let’s jump right in. 

API sprawl is the unchecked growth of APIs in an organization. When you add multiple cloud platforms, diverse development teams, and various API gateways into the mix, you’ve got a real jungle of connections.

What are the challenges in this API sprawl landscape? 

• API coordination: With multiple teams working on APIs, it’s like having too many cooks in the kitchen. Without proper coordination, you might end up with a hodgepodge of APIs that don’t quite work together. 

• API complexity: More clouds, more gateways, more teams, more APIs – it’s a complexity cocktail. Managing this complexity is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while riding a roller coaster. 

• API visibility and control: With APIs scattered across different clouds, teams, and gateways, getting a clear picture of your API landscape is like trying to spot a chameleon in a rainforest. And without visibility, control is just wishful thinking. 

• API security: Each API, cloud platform, team, and gateway is a potential security risk. It’s like having a house with multiple entrances – each one needs to be secured and monitored. 

• API interoperability: Different clouds, gateways, and team practices mean different features, capabilities, and quirks. Ensuring your APIs play nicely with all of them is like trying to conduct an orchestra where every musician is playing a different song. 

• API cost: More resources mean more costs. It’s like going on a safari without a budget – before you know it, you’re in over your head. 

How do we juggle in this jungle?

It’s all about API strategy, governance, and the right tools. You need a game plan (strategy) to guide you, rules (governance) to keep things in order, and a machete (tools) to cut through the undergrowth. 

In the end, the multi-cloud, multi-team, multi-gateway world offers a lot of opportunities for businesses. It’s about flexibility, scalability, and resilience. But like any adventure, it’s not without its challenges. So, put on your explorer hat, grab your compass, and let’s navigate this jungle of API sprawl together.

Until next time, keep juggling!

Read part two of this series to learn how Axway’s API marketplace can be your compass in the API jungle.