The Evolving API Program – Part 3

Serverless and infrastructure/network APIs are transforming the landscape of API design and management by integrating them into the operations space, highlighting the shift from traditional server management to cloud-based solutions like Function as a Service (FaaS), which promotes a consumption-based cost model and facilitates the development of both API producers and consumers. This evolution is driving organizations to reconsider their API programs, extending beyond traditional data centers and requiring external API gateways for protection. Additionally, intent-based APIs for infrastructure and network automation, exemplified by Kubernetes, are revolutionizing how operations staff manage systems by using a declarative approach to achieve desired infrastructure states, contrasting with the step-by-step workflows of traditional APIs. This shift necessitates a comprehensive understanding of defining network resources through API-based automation, emphasizing the importance of making diverse API styles discoverable and manageable within organizations. As businesses integrate serverless and intent-based APIs into their operations, they must establish dedicated teams to oversee these initiatives and adapt to a more cohesive API governance strategy that accommodates events, data streams, and infrastructure automation.