API Guide
Enterprise API Strategy: Building Connected Systems
APIs are the glue between enterprise systems. A clear API strategy — design standards, governance, security — ensures systems connect without chaos. Here's how to build an enterprise API strategy.
Table of Contents
API Design Standards
- REST or GraphQL — pick one, document why
- Consistent naming — /resources not /getResources
- Versioning — /v1/ in path or header
- Error format — consistent structure, HTTP status codes
Governance
API review process — new APIs go through design review. Central registry (API catalog). Deprecation policy — support old versions for N months. Ownership — who maintains each API?
Security
Auth — OAuth 2.0, API keys, or mTLS. Rate limiting. Audit logging. See our Security Checklist.
Documentation
OpenAPI/Swagger for all APIs. Examples, error codes. Keep docs in sync with code. API portal for discoverability.
Frequently Asked Questions
API gateway vs direct integration?
Gateway (Kong, Apigee) centralizes auth, rate limiting, routing. Use when you have many consumers or need consistent policy. Direct works for internal, few consumers.