Any organization that uses diverse applications and web services need a comprehensive way to manage its application programming interfaces (APIs). As two of the biggest names in technology, Oracle’s and IBM’s tools tend to stand out to people reviewing their options. Can Oracle API Manager or IBM API Management meet your needs while staying within your budget? The following review compares and contrasts the API solutions to help you make an informed decision.
Recommended reading: 3 Best API Management Tools
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Oracle API Manager Features
Oracle API Manager is a piece of the larger Oracle Cloud Platform for Integration. Oracle API Manager has features intentionally created for IT professionals looking for on-premises or Oracle Cloud API management.
Key features of Oracle’s management tool include:
- API creation for SOAP and REST.
- Strong security standards with message-level security, Identity Management, SAML, and fine-grained authentication.
- API performance monitoring that automatically tracks API usage and generates performance statistics.
- Simple API publication with easy discoverability.
- Out-of-the-box metadata.
When you want an API management tool built specifically for professionals, it makes sense to consider Oracle.
IBM API Management Features
IBM API Connect has robust features that make it appealing to organizations of all sizes. Noteworthy features include:
- Flexible deployment via Docker containers.
- An intuitive dashboard that requires little training for non-technical employees to use.
- A microservices-based architecture that scales seamlessly to maintain performance expectations.
- Reduced cybersecurity risks thanks to access via a signed, encrypted gateway.
- Drag-and-drop assembly that does not require XML experience.
When you want a flexible API management tool that isn’t restricted to developers, you should learn more about IBM to determine whether it fits your organization’s needs.
Recommended reading: API Discoverability and Self-Service
Looking for an even more comprehensive, low-code API creation and management tool? Browse the features that come with DreamFactory. You will find that the platform offers a spectacular API solution at a price few companies come close to beating.
Oracle API Manager Pricing
Oracle API Manager has a pricing system that varies depending on whether you sign up for other Oracle solutions. Large organizations might find that they can save money by getting non-metered systems.
IBM API Management Pricing
Unfortunately, IBM API Connect has an opaque pricing system that forces you to request a price quote. The service comes in three plans. Even when you choose the smallest plan, you still have to contact IBM for a price quote, which can make it difficult for companies to compare the ROI of investing in technologies.
User Reviews of Oracle API Manager
Reviewers give Oracle API Manager Cloud Service 4.3 out of 5 stars on G2. Some positive things users say about Oracle API Manage focus on the platform’s:
- Ability to let developers control access to APIs at a specific runtime.
- Performance and use-tracking features.
- Secure connection that helps prevent information leaks and cyberattacks.
While most users like Oracle API Manage, they do complain about some aspects of the platform, including:
- A steep learning curve that makes it difficult for new users to implement without extensive training.
- Its inability to handle any non-Oracle APIs, which locks them into an ecosystem they may not prefer.
- Insufficient technical support.
User Reviews of IBM API Management
IBM API Connect users give the software 4 out of 5 stars on G2. Some features users like most include IBM API Management’s:
- Centralized security management, which makes it easy to control access to APIs, applications, and web services.
- Simple dashboard that makes it relatively easy for non-technical employees to perform basic tasks.
- Excellent data power, which contributes to fast run times.
Things that users don’t like about IBM API Connect include:
- Difficulty debugging APIs after deploying them.
- Buggy upgrades make developers wary of upcoming “improvements.”
- Doesn’t properly document on Kubernetes or VMWare OVA.
Recommended reading: API Management Best Practices
Did you know you can generate a full-featured, documented, and secure REST API in minutes using DreamFactory? Sign up for our free 14 day hosted trial to learn how! Our guided tour will show you how to create an API using an example MySQL database provided to you as part of the trial!
Create Your No-Code REST API Now
Improve Your API Management With DreamFactory
Luckily, your choice isn’t limited to solely Oracle API Manager or the IBM API management solution. DreamFactory gives you all of the features you need to create, deploy, and monitor APIs throughout their lifecycles.
With DreamFactory, you get instant API creation that integrates with SQL and NoSQL databases. When connecting to an SQL database, DreamFactory’s REST API will automatically generate endpoints for your parameters, functions, schema, stored procedures, and data. You can even use DreamFactory to transform SOAP APIs into REST APIs automatically.
Experience DreamFactory in action by signing up for a free 14-day trial. Once you see how easy API management becomes with DreamFactory, you will know that you’ve found the right solution for your team.