6.1.1.1. Core Components and Features of APIM

Core Components:

• API Gateway: The entry point for API calls. It routes requests to backend services, enforces policies (authentication, throttling, IP filtering), and can cache responses for performance.
• Developer Portal: A customizable web interface for API consumers to discover APIs, read documentation, subscribe, and test endpoints—streamlining onboarding and adoption for developers.
• Publisher Portal: Used by API providers (administrators) to configure APIs, define policies, manage users, and monitor usage, centralizing API lifecycle management. (Newer versions integrate much of this into the Azure Portal.)

Key Features:

• Security: Supports authentication (OAuth 2.0, JWT, certificates), authorization, and IP restrictions.
• Traffic Management: Enables throttling (rate-limit policy), quota enforcement, and response caching to protect backend resources.
• Transformation: Modifies requests/responses (e.g., format conversion, header injection, URL rewriting) without changing backend code.
• Analytics: Provides detailed monitoring, logging, and usage insights for operational and business decisions.