API Access Management fundamentals

Using APIs is beneficial because they are automatable and can be programmed to do just what is needed. In many cases, APIs are used by users to help their work be more automated and remove repetitive tasks. By connecting the APIs from different applications, users can all of a sudden see their data in different places, interact with it, and manipulate it where and how they want and like.

On the other side, developers and IT teams might invest in creating custom services and or applications to make their life, or that of their colleagues, better. Creating these applications usually entails adding APIs to open up data streams to collect and bring it all together.

Lastly, if your organization's business model is to build services or web products, chances are they'll be using APIs to connect to other applications, partners, systems, and so on.

All of these APIs require different needs, approaches, and management.

According to Okta...