Application programming interfaces (APIs) are the ubiquitous and mainstream enablers for digital modernisation. They empower omni-channel customer experience platforms, mobile apps, social networks, chatbots, ecosystem partners and other systems that are used to access enterprise data. As such, a robust, enterprise-scale API gateway is a core component of SmarTek21’s Digital Business Platform.
Most modern systems, whether standalone applications or SaaS offerings, are built from the ground up around cloud architectures and APIs, making them scalable and easy to interact with programatically. Such cloud native technologies are characterized by the use of containers, microservices, serverless functions, development pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, event-driven applications, and, of course, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Cloud native enables faster software development and the ability to build applications that are resilient, manageable, observable, and dynamically scalable.
Accelerated delivery
Fast “time to value” through simplified integration
Resilient operations
Built-in reliability, scalability, and visibility
Future-proof foundation
Flexible and built for change
APIs and Data Modernisation
One of the key ideas behind digital modernisation is to make data more discoverable and less siloed, accessible while still secure, and sable to be moved, consumed, and transformed by advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and reporting/analytics workbenches, as well as more mandate LOB systems that need that information. The flexibility inherent in APIs would seem to make this easy attainable.
Unfortunately, the challenge facing most enterprises is that much of their infrastructure may have been designed and deployed before the age of “cloud native” technologies. And in fact, most of that data, however, is typically hosted in “system of record applications,” such as ERP, CRM, SCM, core banking, core insurance, travel reservation and other business-critical, “back end” systems. The bulk of such systems were not designed with API control in mind, and perhaps do not have APIs at all. In short, legacy systems can materially complicate digital transformation efforts. Many companies resort for migrating their older systems and data into something more modern, but the costs, risks, and time often rule against this.
Because “rip and replace” modernisation is not always desirable or feasible, we at SmarTek21 designed our Digital Platform and its API gateways to be legacy friendly. By developing API connectors for all major systems extending back to IBM mainframes, we are able to provide the scalability and agility of API-native systems but with older, legacy systems. In effect, our API subsystem treats legacy systems like other micro services, enabling their integration into innovative applications and business solutions.
Gated security measures inhibit agility and are often incompatible with DevOps workflows. I&O leaders must work with application leaders to integrate security into their DevOps initiatives by driving cultural change, transforming security practices and leveraging automation tools.
Features of the SmarTek21 API Gateway
The API Gateway provides an environment in which all of your APIs can work together. Instead of receiving API data via separate streams that cannot interact, Kong gives you the option to aggregate that data into a single versatile datastore where it can all be processed and manipulated together to achieve your business goals.
The API Gateway also offers several features that give you robust control over security, traffic and visualization of performance data.
Key Features