Systems | Development | Analytics | API | Testing

January 2024

Our methods and challenges of integrating 100+ SaaS APIs

In the era of big data, where information serves as the lifeblood of digital interconnectedness, the ability to seamlessly harness and analyze data is paramount. Data, with its transformative potential, connects the world, enables deep analysis, and underpins critical decision-making processes. At Databox, our mission is to empower businesses to enhance their performance through robust data analytics.

Day 0 Service Mesh: A Simplified Approach for Building Microservices

The acceleration of microservices and containerized workloads has revolutionized software delivery at scale. However, these distributed architectures also introduce significant complexity around networking, security, and observability. As development teams grappled with reliability and governance issues, the service mesh pattern emerged to simplify management.

Gateway API vs Ingress: The Future of Kubernetes Networking

As Kubernetes has become the de facto orchestration platform for deploying cloud native applications, networking and traffic management have emerged as pivotal challenges when managing access to services and infrastructure. The core Kubernetes Ingress resource addresses basic Layer 7 (L7) routing needs but has limitations in terms of flexibility, functionality, and standardization.

MuleSoft vs. Apigee: Choosing the Right PI Management Provider

As businesses move toward digital transformation to harness the efficiency of new technologies, they need reliable ways to connect their SaaS applications and other tools. Adopting the right API management platform can make that task much easier. As you explore your options, you will likely find a lot of information about MuleSoft Anypoint and Apigee Edge. The following comparison will help you determine whether one of these API management platforms matches your needs.

11 Best Boomi Alternatives for 2024

Boomi, previously known as Dell Boomi, is a well-known software provider for enterprise integration. It manages all the information and data that needs to flow between different companies, systems, and applications. Boomi products are designed to offer the best possible performance with the lowest possible latency. However, not everyone can afford or has room in their budget for this particular product.

API Security - Implementing API Security by Design

In this video, Frank Kilcommins from SmartBear and our special guest, José Haro Peralta, author of "Microservice APIs" demonstrate practical steps, workflow tricks, and the essential tools you need to beef up your API security, from start to finish, including design and development. They recap on the initial Security-By-Design session, to cover OWASP Risks, AuthNZ nuances, Common Design Vulnerabilities before going on a Hands-On walkthrough delivering an API with security in mind from the get go!

gRPC vs. REST: Key Similarities and Differences

If you’re at all familiar with APIs, you know that REST APIs are the main API used, particularly when it comes to microservices and their applications. gRPC is a high-performance, binary, and strongly-typed protocol using HTTP/2, while REST is a simpler, text-based, and stateless protocol using HTTP with JSON/XML.

7 Signs You Need a Service Mesh

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern applications and cloud native architectures, the need for efficient, scalable, and secure communication between services is paramount. Enter the service mesh — a versatile platform designed to address various challenges in securing, connecting, and observing microservices. In this post, we’ll cover seven signs that indicate it may be time for your organization to adopt a service mesh.

The API Gateway and the Future of Cloud Native Applications #WordsUnplugged

In this episode of #WordsUnplugged, Chris Davey and Nuwan Dias take a closer look at the Gateway API and its importance in Kubernetes environments. Learn about the challenges of adoption and why education and evangelism are crucial for understanding the flexible and powerful nature of the Gateway API compared to the Ingress specification. Our hosts also touch on how this could impact API Gateway vendors and highlight areas for potential differentiation beyond the standard specification.

The Path to Commercial Open Banking: Insights from the UK

Open Banking is a phrase used around the world that describes a new way of engaging with banks. If we consider the 20-plus countries that have embraced the concept, they all have taken a slightly different approach than the UK, the first territory to embrace the change. This misalignment causes some issues as interoperability is key in any global ecosystem, and performance is paramount.

Top 9 Hasura Alternatives for 2024

Hasura is known for its ability to rapidly create and manage GraphQL APIs. However, it’s always beneficial to explore alternatives that might better suit your project needs. In this post, we’ll delve into nine Hasura Alternatives, each offering unique features and advantages. From cloud-based solutions to open-source platforms, we cover a range of options to help you find the perfect fit for your API development needs. Here are the four main points from this article: Table of Contents.

EBPF, Service Mesh And Sidecar

The operating system is like the boss of your computer, handling security, networking, and keeping an eye on what’s happening. But tweaking or improving the core part of the operating system, called the kernel, is a bit tricky because it’s mainly focused on keeping things stable and secure. Most cool new stuff usually happens outside the core system, in what we call the user space. That’s where people add extra features or functions.

3 Best Mulesoft Alternatives for 2024

Mulesoft is a software company that specializes in API management for complex enterprise integration. With Mulesoft, companies can create applications on top of their data to unlock the insights they need to make better decisions and grow their business. But what are some alternatives you may be interested in? In this article, we will talk about three different platforms which have created unique API management solutions. Table of Contents.

The Industries That Use APIs and Why They Matter

Most organizations are prioritizing digital transformation to remain competitive. To achieve this competitive advantage, the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) is skyrocketing — and not just among tech companies. Today, there are many industries that use APIs, some of the most prominent ones are E-commerce, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and financial services.

Easier Data Marts with DreamFactory Data Mesh

Today’s IT teams are struggling to make sense of organizational data that has been compiled piecemeal and often stored within disparate storage solutions. Often this information needs to be aggregated and presented in a unified format, yet pulling data from multiple data sources and displaying it in a coherent way can be onerous and error-prone. The challenge is compounded when the data resides in different databases, and possibly within different clouds.

What is an AI Gateway?

The rise of AI and LLMs in our world is revolutionizing the applications we’re building and the customer experiences we’re delivering. This is one of the pivotal moments in our industry where we cross over an intersection in our technology evolution to enter a new journey with a paradigm shift. Past intersections were the rise of mobile, the rise of the cloud, and the rise of microservices, among others. Some people may even say that AI is as revolutionary as the birth of the internet.

Staying in Sync with Async: Harnessing Event-Driven Architecture

Development teams need to stay competitive, and API practitioners are using all sorts of protocols to get the job done. There are always newly emerging methodologies, protocols, and frameworks to meet business demands. Our State of Software Quality | 2023 API Tools and Trends report uncovered that not only is there a rise in microservices, we’re seeing an increase in APIs supporting Events and Messaging.

Managing Open Banking APIs with Kong

In the Open Banking ecosystem, Kong Gateway emerges as a pivotal tool. It ensures that financial institutions can comply with stringent regulatory standards and leverage the opportunities presented by this new, data-driven landscape. This article will cover an in-depth look at the open banking landscape. In the Open Banking ecosystem, Kong Gateway emerges as a pivotal tool.

Test case management, execution and analysis through Loadero API

Welcome to our blog post about unlocking the full potential of Loadero beyond its Web App interface. While the Loadero Web App provides a user-friendly platform for conducting end-to-end tests with a global reach, did you know that you can also create, manage, and execute tests using the Command Line Interface (CLI)?

EP6: Complexity Uncovered: Navigating Enterprise Software Engineering

In this episode, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka delve into the intricate world of enterprise software engineering, sharing insights gained from their extensive experience working with large enterprises. Join them as they explore the challenges of integrating large systems like CRMs and ERP in digital business transformation, discussing data integration, the impact on organizational culture, and future trends.

Kong Ingress Controller for Kong Gateway Users

If you're an existing Kong Gateway user who is starting to dip their toes in to Kubernetes, this session is for you! Join Michael as he explains how Kong Ingress Controller works using Kong Gateway concepts. There will be a brief introduction to Kubernetes, and explanation of how to configure Kong entities on Kubernetes and even a live demo to show how it all fits together.

Automation for Private API Integrations | A New Era

The traditional approach to private or internal Application Programming Interface (API) integrations, characterized by labor-intensive and error-prone manual processes, is rapidly becoming obsolete. This method, limited by its time-consuming nature and lack of scalability, is giving way to an era of automation. Automated API integrations marks a significant leap forward, offering unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to evolve.

How to Create YouTube APIs with DreamFactory

DreamFactory specializes in REST API generation for any number of database types however an underrepresented benefit is the ability to mount and manage any third party API via a HTTP service connector. This gives you the ability to generate documentation and secure an existing API as if it were created natively within DreamFactory.

When to Use REST vs. SOAP with Examples

Terence Bennett - January 16, 2024 REST vs. SOAP are two methods of exchanging data through web service APIs (application programming interfaces). They both have unique features that cater to specific use cases. While CIOs indicate that most of the APIs developed today are REST-based, SOAP remains a feasible option under certain circumstances. If you’re uncertain about which protocol to utilize for your applications and web services, you’ve arrived at the right destination.

REST APIs For Healthcare

Terence Bennett - January 16, 2024 REST APIs for the healthcare industry are emerging as a secure simple and modern way of accessing sensitive data. Medical institutions need to modernize IT infrastructure, make services and data more transparent, provide self-­‐service options for patients, and develop mobile applications. In some cases, they are developing REST API services for internal use.

Real-Time Example of APIs of a Leading Travel Company | Sidharth Shukla | #apitesting #api

Join Sidharth Shukla in this session as he provides a real-time exploration of APIs from a leading travel company. In this hands-on demonstration, Sidharth walks you through practical examples, showcasing the architecture, functionalities, and integration possibilities of APIs within the travel domain. Whether you're a developer, tester, or someone keen on understanding the intricacies of API usage in the travel industry, this video offers valuable insights and a firsthand look at the dynamics of APIs in a real-world scenario.

What Is Tiered Pricing? The Ultimate Guide

In today’s dynamic marketplace, pricing strategies play a pivotal role in the success of businesses across various sectors. One such strategy that has garnered significant attention is Tiered Pricing – a nuanced and effective approach to pricing products and services. But what exactly is Tiered Pricing, and how can it benefit your business?

Build A Snowflake REST API in Less Than 5 Minutes

Terence Bennett - January 11, 2024 Do you have a ton of data sources and do not know how to expose them? Do you know you need a Snowflake API but don’t know where to begin to build it? Look no further, DreamFactory can take any database and build a fully documented and secure REST API faster than making a sandwich. All you need is your Snowflake credentials and DreamFactory will handle the rest, instantly generating OpenAPI documentation and securing your API by way of API keys.

How To Create A SFTP REST API with DreamFactory

Jason Gilmore - January 10, 2024 Our team regularly holds detailed technical discussions with some of the largest companies in the world. From these many discussions it’s become quite apparent that lying somewhere beneath the fancy logo and glitzy commercials you’ll find IT departments relying on tried-and-true technologies and protocols to get the job done.

Chat with Devs | Episode 1 - Kernel and Network Tracing with eBPF |

eBPF is the kernel technology for a new generation of networking, observability and security tools. This will give attendees knowledge of how eBPF can be used to trace every action taken on a running system and know what is happening inside the kernel. The main advantage of using eBPF for tracing is that you can access almost any piece of information from the Linux kernel and your applications.

The Best On-Premises API Management Software

API management software plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and governance of APIs. When it comes to API management, one option is to consider is selecting the best on-premises API management software. On-premise API management software is a solution installed and hosted within a company’s internal infrastructure, providing tools for creating, securing, managing, and analyzing APIs without relying on external cloud services.

Scalable Architectures with Vue Micro Frontends: A Developer-Centric Approach

In this article, which is based on my talk at VueConf Toronto 2023, we'll explore how to harness the power of Vue.js and micro frontends to create scalable, modular architectures that prioritize the developer experience. We'll unveil practical strategies, best practices, and real-world use cases that empower developers to build robust, maintainable applications without compromising on agility.

How To Create A PostgreSQL Stored Procedure

Introduced in PostgreSQL 11, these procedures are a game-changer for database efficiency, allowing for pre-compiled and reusable SQL code. In this article, we’ll how to create PostgreSQL stored procedures, a key tool for scaling up and streamlining database operations. Whether you’re a novice or an expert in PostgreSQL, this guide offers valuable insights into maximizing the effectiveness of stored procedures in your database management.

Announcing the Kong Konnect Mesh EKS Blueprint Add-on

We’re excited to announce a new addition to our Kong Konnect EKS Blueprint Family: the Kong Konnect Mesh EKS Blueprint Add-on to deploy your Mesh Zones. Deploy your zones securely on AWS with the new Mesh Manager offering in Kong Konnect. It gives you an opinionated install of Kong Mesh to quickly ramp up on Kong Konnect’s Mesh Manager on Amazon EKS. Let’s dive in.

Zephyr Squad Test Management in Jira | In-Depth Walkthrough

Embark on a journey of streamlined test management in Jira with Zephyr Squad Cloud! Our in-depth walkthrough shows Squad's core test planning and execution tools. Elevate your testing game with seamless automation using BDD and CI tool integrations. Uncover valuable insights into your progress through essential reporting tools.

Kong Konnect is now available on the Google Cloud Marketplace

Now you can find and purchase Kong Konnect through the Google Cloud Marketplace! Kong Konnect is the unified API platform that allows you to manage multiple gateways across service meshes, ingress, cloud, and Kubernetes providers no matter where they run — on-premises, hybrid, cloud, or multi-cloud.

REST APIs vs. RESTified Endpoints

Understanding the differences between REST APIs and RESTified endpoints is crucial. REST APIs represent traditional methods of resource access, while RESTified endpoints offer a more dynamic and efficient approach, particularly in environments that necessitate rapid development and flexibility. This article aims to dissect REST APIs vs. RESTified endpoints, highlighting their key differences and determining which might be best suited for specific development scenarios.

Best Practices for Usage-based Billing to Monetize Gen AI

Artificial intelligence based APIs are reshaping traditional subscription models thanks to their unique monetization frameworks. These API products enable companies seeking tailored solutions in automation and AI workflows, departing from one-size-fits-all UI approaches and embracing a highly customizable experience. Originally designed for internal platforms, APIs built with AI are now evolving into revenue gateways, transforming them into strategic assets contributing directly to company revenue.

First vs. Third-Party APIs

APIs are everywhere, and as a developer, understanding how to implement them is imperative. The goal of APIs is to make life easier and more efficient — both for the developer and the end-user. The main difference between first-party APIs are created and used within an organization’s own systems, while third-party APIs are developed externally and integrated into other applications for added functionality.

The Illusion of Control: Why In-House Platforms Can Undermine Your Business Strategy

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the promise of control reigns supreme. And, it’s why founders, CEOs, and technical decision-makers are increasingly drawn to the idea of building in-house platforms. The appeal is understandable: complete sovereignty over every layer of the tech stack, from the user interface down to the most granular data interactions. It's an intoxicating vision that promises a bespoke solution tailored precisely to a company's unique needs.

Best Kong Alternatives for 2024

As companies strive to differentiate themselves through speed and agility, a well-planned API strategy becomes crucial. However, as demands and customer needs evolve, an API catalogue can quickly become overwhelming. While Kong is a popular tool for organizing API development and management, there are Kong alternatives to consider that may better fit your specific needs. Here’s the key things to know about Kong and the best Kong Alternatives for 2024: Table of Contents.

Pushing the Boundaries of OAuth and OIDC Security - Push Authorization Request (PAR)

In the world of API security, OAuth 2.0 plays a crucial role in authorization. OpenID Connect (OIDC) works seamlessly with OAuth 2.0, providing an identity layer that ensures standardized authentication and user information for applications. Among various grant types, the Authorization Code stands out as a recommended standard. It's known for its advanced security features, support for refresh tokens, reduced exposure of credentials, and adaptability for both server-side and front-end applications.