How API governance addresses 3 common API problems

API governance, often perceived as burdensome, is essential for maintaining stability, scalability, and security in API programs. By implementing lightweight governance measures, such as automated and manual reviews, API stability contracts, and style guides, organizations can prevent instability and reduce customer churn by ensuring consistent API design. Scalability challenges, like those faced by a financial institution with long response times, can be addressed by incorporating SLA metrics and performance testing into API gateway configurations to ensure readiness for production releases. Addressing security vulnerabilities involves enforcing proper security practices through security reviews, automated checks, and role-based access control, as demonstrated by an organization that had to rectify unsecured APIs. Effective API governance combines automation and self-service features to help organizations design and deliver APIs consistently, preventing potential issues and facilitating smoother API management.