Kong vs. Dell Boomi: Find an API Management Platform That Works for You

As companies adopt more apps and microservices they need reliable ways for them to interact with each other and legacy systems. API management platforms offer the best way to open communication between diverse digital assets. As you explore API management platforms, you will probably learn about Kong and Dell Boomi. The following article compares some of their features to help you determine whether investment in these platforms is worthwhile or whether other API management platforms may offer a better fit.

Overview of Kong

What Is Kong?

Kong advertises itself as “service connectivity for modern architectures.” To meet that goal, it provides an open-source approach to API management. The software has built-in, native functionality for Kubernetes and multi-clouds.

The open-source nature of Kong makes it a strong option for IT teams with plenty of DevOps experience. The developer portal makes it possible for them to customize connectors, establish automation, add plugins, and perform other tasks. It doesn’t take significant experience to use the developer portal. Familiarity with Java will get users started.

What Features Can You Expect From Kong?

Some reasons that businesses choose Kong include features like its ability to:

• Connect APIs with web sockets, HTTP, microservices, service mesh and TCP/UDP.
• Manage API gateways across a variety of systems, including Kubernetes, hybrid cloud and on-premises networks.
• Give teams collaboration-based options for creating, deploying and testing APIs.

No one doubts that Kong has a lot going for it. At the same time, it isn’t the perfect fit for every organization. Visit the DreamFactory features page to see why it might make more sense for you to choose a no-code API solution.

Overview of Dell Boomi

What Is Dell Boomi?

Dell Boomi does more than an integration platform that helps companies connect SaaS applications, legacy systems, and web apps. The software also acts as an iPaaS solution, prepares data and improves business workflows.

Many of the features that come with Dell Boomi make it a good API management platform, though, so plenty of organizations choose it for full life cycle API management.

What Features Can You Expect From Dell Boomi

Dell Boomi offers a relatively straightforward approach to creating and managing APIs. Beginners can get started by:

• Using the visual dashboard to create and configure APIs.
• Deploy secure APIs with built-in authentication.
• Monitor API access control, functionality, and real-time data management.

Other features that make Dell Boomi useful include its:

• Robust API documentation.
• Ability to operate on-premises or on the cloud.
• Customization that lets companies and third-parties connect multiple assets across the IT ecosystem.
• Centralized life cycle management that makes sure admins have easy access to visibility, discoverability, and scalability.

Dell built Boomi with enterprises in mind. The pricing and features don’t really match the needs of startups and SMBs. Larger businesses, however, may find the API management platform useful.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Kong and Dell Boomi

Pros of Kong

• Strong security features that monitor for vulnerabilities.
• Plenty of plugins that make APIs easy to reuse.
• Good API documentation that will exceed the expectations of some users.

Cons of Kong

• Single node deployment.
• Only connects to Cassandra or PostgreSQL databases.
• Transformations only work with HTTP (DreamFactory works with many more, including XML and JSON).

Pros of Dell Boomi

• Can handle integrating hundreds or even thousands of applications.
• Visual dashboard makes it relatively easy for beginners to use.
• Flexible options to meet the needs of diverse clients.

Cons of Dell Boomi

• New users often struggle with API documentation.
• No access to the backend makes it impossible for developers to tweak the software.
• Requires a high level of technical experience to use properly.

Alternative API Management Options

If Kong and Dell Boomi don’t sound like the right API solution for your organization, you might take some time exploring the following alternatives:

• Akana
• Amazon API Gateway (AWS)
• Anypoint Platform
• Apigee Edge
• Axway
• Microsoft Azure API Management
• Mulesoft
• TIBCO Mashery
• Tyk
• WSO2 API Manager

Try DreamFactory for Reliable, Secure API Management

DreamFactory gives you a flexible, intuitive way to create and monitor your APIs. The platform comes with features like instant API creation, API limits, live API docs, and an admin console. You can even use DreamFactory to turn SOAP automatically into REST API. The no-code environment makes processes straightforward for beginners while letting advanced users add the customization they need.

Start your free trial with DreamFactory to experience how easy API creation and management becomes when you have a platform designed to meet your unique needs.