This IBM® Redbooks® publication provides insight into what application programming interfaces (APIs) are and why they are important. It also provides insight into how to use IBM API Management to create, subscribe, and connect to APIs, how to secure and test APIs, and how to gain business value from APIs.

With an API, developers can exploit the functions of existing computer programs in other applications. APIs have existed for a long time. Today, companies are exposing APIs to allow others to consume business functions of APIs. This helps companies to extend the reach of its brand, increase customer loyalty, and innovate, and integrate more quickly with customers, business partners, and suppliers.

IBM API Management Version 2.0 is a complete on-premises solution, enabling companies to rapidly create, socialize, and manage their APIs. It is designed to help create a scalable, secure, enterprise API management solution. It provides functions and capabilities through configuration, not coding, key areas of API management including security, capabilities, caching, analytics, and community.

This book shows you how to expose and manage APIs using IBM API Management. We develop a use case example, and step through the actual implementation of the solution and usage of the APIs. We cover several known best practices and areas to consider when working with IBM API Management.

This book is written for anyone who will be working with IBM API Management for design, development, testing, deployment, administration, and maintenance of API management solutions.

This book was produced by a team of specialists from around the world, working with the International Technical Support Organization (ITSO):.

Wei-Dong Zhu (Jackie) is an Enterprise Content Management Project Leader with the ITSO at IBM in California, US. She is a Certified Solution Designer for IBM Content Manager. She has more than 10 years of software development experience in accounting, image workflow processing, and digital media distribution (DMD). Jackie joined IBM in 1996. She holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California.

Andrew J Daniel is a Software Engineer for IBM API Management, responsible for developing the user interface. He has been with the team for three years after completing a degree in Computer Science with Games Technology. Andrew’s area of expertise include APIs, web technologies, and Java application development.

Andrew A Das is a Technical Pre-sales Leader at IBM, responsible for selling IBM WebSphere® DataPower® Appliances, IBM MessageSight, and IBM API Management. He has been active in developing assets and thought leadership in these areas. He currently supports the banking and financial services industry, focusing on some of the largest IBM accounts. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Simon Dickerson is a Technical Sales Engineer for IBM UK covering IBM API Management, IBM WebSphere Cast Iron® Cloud integration and mobile application development with IBM Worklight®. He has an Engineering degree, has worked with a broad range of computing technologies, and focuses on the benefits of technology to the user.

John Falkl is the General Manager of Technical Strategy and Integration at Haddon Hill Group Associates, an IBM Premier Business Partner. Prior to that, John was the IBM Distinguished Engineer and CTO of SOA and Application Services Governance at IBM. John has 35 years of experience across all roles in information technology. He specializes in SOA, enterprise architecture, middleware, and now enabling API Management.

Katherine Sanders is an IBM Software Services for WebSphere (ISSW) Consultant based in Hursley, United Kingdom. She has worked at IBM since 2007 and is currently specializing in IBM WebSphere Cast Iron Cloud Integration and IBM API Management. Katherine has a strong background in software development and the WebSphere product portfolio. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Nottingham.

Dinesh G Shetty is a Senior Certified IT Specialist at the IBM Software Services for WebSphere (ISSW) organization, Bangalore, India. He is an expert in the areas of messaging, integration, and connectivity in which he has over 13 years of experience. Before joining the ISSW seven years ago, Dinesh worked in the WebSphere MQ Dedicated Development Center as a Leader with the System Test team for WebSphere Message Broker and MQ products.

Chris Wood is an Integration Architect at Visa Europe, based in the United Kingdom. Chris has a background in SOA and ETL, designing and building systems that incorporate WebSphere SOA Appliances, WebSphere Service Registry and Repository and WebSphere MQ.

Special thanks to the following people for their leadership and assistance during the production of this publication:

Laura Heritage
Tanmayee Potluri

Special thanks also to the following people for their contributions to this project:

Ella Buslovich
International Technical Support Organization

Here’s an opportunity to spotlight your skills, grow your career, and become a published author—all at the same time! Join an ITSO residency project and help write a book in your area of expertise, while honing your experience using leading-edge technologies. Your efforts will help to increase product acceptance and customer satisfaction, as you expand your network of technical contacts and relationships. Residencies run from two to six weeks in length, and you can participate either in person or as a remote resident working from your home base.

Find out more about the residency program, browse the residency index, and apply online at:

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