Establishing a Specification Framework for API Management Federation 2 

3 Who I am Daniel Kocot Head of API Consulting @codecentric [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/danielkocot 

4 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Cases and Examples 

5 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Cases and Examples 

API Management Federation? 6 

7 API Management Federation refers to a decentralized approach where the management of APIs is distributed across multiple platforms , regions , or business units , rather than being centrally controlled. In a federated model, multiple API gateways or systems cooperate to provide consistent API management while maintaining local autonomy over specific APIs. It contrasts with traditional centralized API management, which relies on a single platform or gateway to control all aspects of API lifecycle and governance. 

8 Key Characteristics of a Federated System Decentralization Cross-platform integration Interoperability Scalability 

9 Increasing Complexity of API Ecosystems Agility and Flexibility Improved Security Why Federated API Management 

10 Key Benefits of API Management Federation Decentralised Governance Better Scalability Optimised for Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Tailored Policies and Customisation 

11 ● Single, centralized gateway manages all API traffic and lifecycle activities (e.g. security, policies, traffic routing) ● Works well in smaller, less complex environments ● Limitations: ○ Reduced scalability ○ Slower response times to changes ○ Potential bottlenecks as the organisation grows ● Multiple gateways across different regions or departments, each capable to enforcing policies and handling API traffic locally ● Enhances scalability, flexibility, and allows tailored API policies for specific needs without compromising overall governance ● Advantages: ○ Higher agility ○ Better suited for global or multi-cloud enterprises. Centralised Federated API Management Flavour Comparison 

12 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Cases and Examples 

13 Goal: Ensure that APIs can be consistently discovered and registered across multiple federated environments Goal: Ensure that policies governing API usage are applied consistently, maintaining control while supporting decentralisation Goal: Maintain consistent, robust security protocols, ensuring safe and secure API interactions across federated domains API Discovery Policy Enforcement Security Enforcement Key Components of API Management Federation 

14 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Cases and Examples 

15 Inconsistent API Discovery Policy Enforcement Variability Security Gaps Across Platforms Challenges in a Federated API Management Model 

What is a Specification Framework? 16 

17 A specification framework is a set of standardised rules and guidelines that govern how APIs are discovered, registered, managed, and secured in a federated environment. 

Role in API Federation 18 Universal approach Common language 

Consistency Across Environments 19 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

Scalability Consistency Across Environments 20 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

Improved Security Scalability Consistency Across Environments 21 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

Improved Security Scalability Consistency Across Environments Interoperability 22 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

Improved Security Scalability Consistency Across Environments Interoperability Streamlined Governance 23 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

Improved Security Scalability Consistency Across Environments Interoperability Streamlined Governance 24 Benefits of a Standardised Framework 

25 As businesses increasingly adopt microservices, multi-cloud, and hybrid architectures the complexity of managing APIs in a distributed ecosystem grows. A framework helps maintain order. Increasing API Complexity Why It Matters Now Enterprises are under pressure to deploy and scale services faster. A specification framework ensures that they can do this without sacrificing security or governance. Demand for Agility and Speed 

26 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Cases and Examples 

27 API Discovery Policy Enforcement Security Protocols Key Elements of the Framework 

How to build the Specification Framework? 28 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces 

How to build the Specification Framework? 29 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces Step 2: Implement Security Standards 

How to build the Specification Framework? 30 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces Step 2: Implement Security Standards Step 3: Integrate Monitoring and Analytics 

How to build the Specification Framework? 31 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces Step 2: Implement Security Standards Step 3: Integrate Monitoring and Analytics Step 4: Establish Policy Templates 

How to build the Specification Framework? 32 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces Step 2: Implement Security Standards Step 3: Integrate Monitoring and Analytics Step 4: Establish Policy Templates Step 5: Design a Federation Layer 

How to build the Specification Framework? 33 Step 1: Define Standard Interfaces Step 2: Implement Security Standards Step 3: Integrate Monitoring and Analytics Step 4: Establish Policy Templates Step 5: Design a Federation Layer 

34 Example API Federation Layer 

35 Customisation vs. Standardisation Platform Compatibility Vendor and Tooling Support Key Considerations for Implementation 

36 Topics to talk about Understanding API Management Federation Key Components of API Management Federation The Need for a Specification Framework Establishing the Specification Framework Use Case 

Large Enterprise adopting Federated API Management 37 Overview Challenges Solution Outcome A global enterprise with multiple business units operating in different regions. 

Large Enterprise adopting Federated API Management 38 Overview Challenges Solution Outcome - Siloed API Management: Each unit operates independently, making cross-team collaboration difficult. - Inconsistent policies: Varying API policies across regions create governance and security risks. - Lack of central control: The central IT team struggles to enforce enterprise-wide security and compliance standards. 

Large Enterprise adopting Federated API Management 39 Overview Challenges Solution Outcome - API discovery: A federated directory that allows APIs from different regions and business units to be easily discovered. - Consistent policy enforcement: Centralized governance ensures the security policies (e.g. rate limiting, access control) are uniformly applied across all units - Scalability: The decentralized management structure allows each unit to operate autonomously, but within the constraints of the overall framework, enabling rapid scaling without losing control. 

Large Enterprise adopting Federated API Management 40 Overview Challenges Solution Outcome Improved governance, security, and API visibility across business units. The organisation reduced redundancy and improved collaboration while maintaining autonomy for regional teams. 

41 Unified API discovery Consistent policy enforcement Flexibility and scalability Lessons Learned 

Federation continues… 42 

43 Future Topics of Federation Growing Adoption of Decentralised Architectures Evolution of API Specification Standards Advancements in Security Protocols Federation beyond APIs 

44 Federated API Management ● is not just a technical challenge ● strategic opportunity ● start exploring and implementing specification frameworks "Federated API management is moving forward." Daniel Kocot Head of API Consulting [email protected] https:/ /www.linkedin.com/in/danielkocot Daniel (he / him) 

codecentric AG | Hochstraße 11 | 42697 Solingen Creating the digital future together. 45 codecentric AG | Hochstraße 11 | 42697 Solingen Creating the digital future together.