Terence Bennett - October 17, 2023
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
Here’s the key things to know about Oracle API Manager vs IBM API management:
- Oracle API Manager, IBM API Management (IBM API Connect), and DreamFactory are compared as API management solutions.
- Oracle API Manager is best for Oracle ecosystem users but may have vendor lock-in concerns.
- IBM API Management offers versatility, strong security, and scalability but has an opaque pricing model and debugging complexities.
- DreamFactory is a cost-effective and comprehensive alternative with an intuitive interface, support for diverse APIs, and responsive support.
- Organizations should consider their specific needs, existing tech stack, and budget when selecting the right API management solution.
Table of Contents
What is Oracle API Manager?
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.
Oracle API Manager Features
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.
What is IBM API Management?
IBM API Management, also known as IBM API Connect, is a comprehensive API management solution offered by IBM. It is designed to help organizations create, publish, secure, and manage APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) effectively. APIs are essential for enabling the integration of various software systems, services, and data sources, both within an organization and with external partners.
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 vs. IBM API Management Pricing
Closely evaluating the pricing models of API management platforms is crucial for organizations aiming to make informed decisions about their technology investments. Let’s explore how these two solutions differ in terms of pricing and what factors should guide your decision-making process
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.
Oracle API Manager vs. IBM API Management Reviews
Both platforms have received a fair amount of reviews on different review platforms. We’ve accumulated a few of those reviews and have summarized them below.
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
DreamFactory API Generation
While IBM API Management and Oracle API Manager offer robust API management solutions, it’s essential to explore alternatives like DreamFactory for those seeking an even more comprehensive and efficient API management tool.
DreamFactory stands out as a formidable API generation tool, offering a host of advantages that set it apart from the competition, including IBM and Oracle solutions. Its seamless automation of REST API creation simplifies development workflows and elevates security measures, fostering a more rapid pace of innovation and enhancing application dependability. Let’s delve into how DreamFactory caters to the needs of various stakeholders:
DreamFactory’s ability to handle various APIs, both within and outside of the Oracle ecosystem, provides unparalleled flexibility. It allows organizations to avoid the vendor lock-in often associated with Oracle solutions.
In terms of support and documentation, DreamFactory offers comprehensive resources, ensuring that users receive the assistance they need to succeed. Additionally, it stands out by providing outstanding technical support and responsive community forums.
So, while IBM API Management and Oracle API Manager have their merits, exploring DreamFactory as a superior and cost-effective alternative is a smart choice for organizations seeking a more comprehensive, user-friendly, and flexible API management solution.
Oracle API Manager vs. IBM API Management vs. DreamFactory: Which is Right for Me?
As you weigh the options between Oracle API Manager, IBM API Management (IBM API Connect), and DreamFactory, it’s essential to find the best match for your organization’s needs. Each platform has its strengths:
Oracle API Manager: Ideal for businesses deeply rooted in the Oracle ecosystem. Offers seamless integration with Oracle products but may pose vendor lock-in concerns.
IBM API Management: A versatile choice for various industries, featuring strong security and scalability. However, its pricing model and debugging complexities should be considered.
DreamFactory: A comprehensive and cost-effective solution with an intuitive interface and support for diverse APIs. Offers flexibility without vendor lock-in and boasts responsive support.
Your choice should align with your organization’s requirements, existing tech stack, budget, and long-term goals. In the upcoming sections, we’ll delve into specific aspects to guide your decision-making process, helping you find the perfect API management solution for your unique circumstances.
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.
Terence Bennett, General Manager at DreamFactory, has a strong operational, business, and extensive experience in government IT systems and Google Cloud. He started his career as a U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer, then honed his skills on Google’s Red Team and later became the COO of Integrate.io.