April 2021 Summaries

Jennifer Craig's article discusses the advantages of automating API Management (APIM) using the Tyk platform, focusing on both imperative and declarative automation paradigms. Imperative automation follows a step-by-step approach similar to executing a build script, which, while widely supported, can lead to less predictable results due to its dependency on system state. In contrast, declarative automation simplifies the process by requiring specifications for desired outcomes, offering consistent results without user intervention in edge cases, as seen in SQL or GraphQL queries. Tyk supports imperative APIM through its dashboard and APIs, allowing detailed configuration via scripts, while its recent introduction of the Tyk Operator facilitates declarative APIM within Kubernetes environments. This integration enables seamless API configuration alongside source code, promoting a GitOps-centric approach and enhancing CI/CD pipeline efficiency. For those not using Kubernetes, Ansible can be employed for similar declarative automation, streamlining API deployment and management compared to manual methods.

Rachna Karwasra, Head of Operations at Tyk, plays a pivotal role in enhancing business operations and fostering a culture of improvement within the company. Her responsibilities range from supporting the delivery of the value chain and introducing compliance certifications to rolling out organization-wide objectives and key results (OKRs) and key performance indicators (KPIs). A qualified accountant with an MBA, her diverse background in finance, operations, and marketing has equipped her to thrive in a fast-growing startup environment, allowing her to experience and contribute to various facets of the company. Rachna emphasizes the importance of efficient processes, mental health management, and maintaining a supportive, respectful workplace culture in a remote-first setup. She values authenticity, respect, and continuous improvement, aligning well with Tyk's ethos of making things better. Outside work, she enjoys nature, movies, cooking, and is keen on contributing to Tyk's growth while being empowered to bring about change.