Update cloud-vs-open-source-vs-commercial-api-gateways.md

blog/en/blog/2025/02/17/cloud-vs-open-source-vs-commercial-api-gateways.md

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-title: Cloud vs Open Source vs Commercial API Gateways: Which One Fits Your Needs?
+title: "Cloud vs Open Source vs Commercial API Gateways: Which One Fits Your Needs?"
 authors:
   - name: Ming Wen
     title: Author
@@ -29,8 +29,129 @@ API gateways have become essential components in modern cloud architectures. The
 
 Broadly, API gateways fall into three categories:
 
-- Cloud API Gateways (e.g., Amazon API Gateway, Google Apigee)
-- Open Source API Gateways (e.g., Apache APISIX, Kong Gateway, Tyk)
-- Commercial API Gateways (e.g., MuleSoft, Boomi)
+- **Cloud API Gateways** (e.g., Amazon API Gateway, Google Apigee)
+- **Open Source API Gateways** (e.g., Apache APISIX, Kong Gateway, Tyk)
+- **Commercial API Gateways** (e.g., MuleSoft, Boomi)
 
-Each option has its advantages and trade-offs. This article provides a deep dive into their differences, hidden risks, and a strategic recommendation for companies looking to scale API usage and adopt hybrid cloud architectures.
+Each option has its advantages and trade-offs. This article provides a deep dive into their differences, hidden risks, and a **strategic recommendation** for companies looking to scale API usage and adopt hybrid cloud architectures.
+
+## Cloud API Gateways: Convenience vs. Lock-in
+
+### Pros:
+
+✅ Fully managed, reducing operational burden
+
+✅ Deep integration with cloud provider services (IAM, logging, monitoring)
+
+✅ High availability and auto-scaling out of the box
+
+### Cons:
+
+❌ **Vendor Lock-in**: API definitions, policies, and configurations are tied to the cloud provider
+
+❌ **No Customization**: Cloud API gateways are closed-source, limiting the ability to add custom plugins or functionality
+
+❌ **No Hybrid Cloud Support**: Cloud-managed API gateways cannot be deployed on-premise or across multi-cloud environments
+
+### Use Case:
+
+Cloud API gateways are ideal for **startups and small teams** that need a quick, managed solution without worrying about infrastructure maintenance. However, as API traffic grows or hybrid cloud requirements arise, their limitations become apparent.
+
+🔹 **Example**: Amazon API Gateway is a popular choice for cloud-native applications but lacks flexibility for on-premises deployments.
+
+## Open Source API Gateways: Control and Flexibility
+
+### Pros:
+
+✅ Fully customizable, allowing teams to extend functionality as needed
+
+✅ No licensing fees, reducing costs in the long run
+
+✅ Can be deployed anywhere—**on-prem, multi-cloud, hybrid cloud**
+
+### Cons:
+
+❌ **Operational Overhead**: Requires self-hosting, upgrades, and security management
+
+❌ **Governance Risks**: Some open-source projects are controlled by a single vendor, which may later change licensing terms (e.g., Redis, ELK Stack)
+
+❌ **Scalability Complexity**: Running an open-source API gateway at enterprise scale requires expertise in deployment and maintenance
+
+## Key Consideration: Choosing a Foundation-Owned Open Source Project
+
+Some open-source API gateways are **vendor-controlled**, meaning the company behind them can change licensing terms. For example, Redis and Elasticsearch modified their open-source licenses to prevent cloud providers from offering managed services.
+
+To **avoid future licensing risks**, it's safer to choose an API gateway governed by a **neutral open-source foundation**, such as:
+
+- [Apache APISIX (Apache Software Foundation)](https://apisix.apache.org/)
+- [Envoy Proxy (Cloud Native Computing Foundation)](https://www.envoyproxy.io/)
+
+## Commercial API Gateways: Enterprise Features with Pricing Risks
+
+### Pros:
+
+✅ **Enterprise-grade security**
+
+✅ **SLA-backed support** with 24/7 assistance
+
+✅ **Monetization and API analytics** for businesses offering APIs as a service
+
+### Cons:
+
+❌ **High Licensing Costs**: Typically charged per API call, which can become expensive
+
+❌ **Potential Pricing Changes**: Many vendors modify pricing models over time, significantly increasing costs (e.g., Apigee, Kong Enterprise)
+
+❌ **Limited Deployment Flexibility**: Some solutions require vendor-managed infrastructure, reducing control
+
+### Use Case:
+
+Best suited for **large enterprises** with strict security, compliance, and SLA requirements. However, pricing unpredictability is a concern—many companies have faced sudden cost increases.
+
+## Strategic Recommendation: A Hybrid Approach for Growth
+
+If your API traffic is **growing rapidly** and **hybrid cloud** is part of your strategy, the best approach is:
+
+**1. Start with an Open Source API Gateway**
+
+- Avoid vendor lock-in
+- Maintain control over deployment and customization
+- Lower costs by eliminating per-call fees
+
+**2. Upgrade to a Commercial Version When Needed**
+
+- When security requirements increase
+- When managing multi-cluster deployments
+- When enterprise support and SLAs become necessary
+
+By following this approach, you get the best of both worlds: flexibility, cost control, and enterprise-grade features when needed.
+
+🔹 **Example Strategy**: A company starts with Apache APISIX (open source) and later upgrades to API7 Enterprise when requiring advanced security and SLA support.
+
+## FAQ: Common Questions About API Gateway Selection
+
+**1. Why not start with a cloud API gateway and switch later?**
+
+Switching API gateways is complex due to differences in configurations, rate-limiting rules, authentication methods, and monitoring setups. If hybrid cloud or multi-cloud is part of your strategy, starting with an open-source gateway ensures long-term flexibility.
+
+**2. How do I avoid open-source licensing risks?**
+
+Choose projects governed by neutral software foundations (e.g., Apache Software Foundation, CNCF). Avoid projects fully controlled by a single company, as they may change their licensing model.
+
+**3. What is the best API gateway for hybrid cloud?**
+
+Open-source gateways like Apache APISIX and Envoy Proxy offer full deployment flexibility, making them ideal for hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
+
+## Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
+
+Choosing the right API gateway depends on your **scalability, budget, and cloud strategy**:
+
+| Criteria                  | Cloud API Gateway          | Open Source API Gateway    | Commercial API Gateway     |
+|---------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
+| **Cost**                      | High (Pay per API call)    | Low (Free)                 | High (License fees)        |
+| **Customization**             | Limited                    | Full control               | Limited                    |
+| **Deployment Flexibility**    | Cloud-only                 | Anywhere (Hybrid, Multi-cloud) | Varies                     |
+| **Enterprise Features**       | Basic                      | Requires customization     | Advanced (Security, Compliance) |
+| **Support**                   | Cloud provider support     | Community-driven           | SLA-backed                 |
+
+If **API traffic is growing rapidly** and **hybrid cloud adoption is planned**, a **hybrid approach**—starting with **open source** and upgrading to a **commercial enterprise solution** when needed—offers the best flexibility and cost efficiency.