Azure API Management - connect to an Azure App Proxy instance - connect to an Internal API

Question

Hi,

just wondering if Azure API Management can interact with an Azure App Proxy at all? We have an Internal API that has been exposed via App Proxy so was wondering if 'Azure API Management' could be used as the entry point.

Regards Paul

Answer 1

Hi Paul,

Azure API Management can indeed interact with an Azure Application Proxy, providing a robust solution for exposing and managing your internal APIs. The combination of these services offers a powerful way to control access, enhance security, and streamline API management.

When you have an internal API exposed through Azure Application Proxy, you can utilize Azure API Management as the entry point for external access. This setup brings several advantages:

• Centralized Management: Azure API Management serves as a centralized platform for defining, publishing, and managing APIs. This ensures consistency and simplifies the management process.
• API Gateway Functionality: By using Azure API Management, you gain access to advanced gateway features such as request/response transformation, caching, throttling, and more. These capabilities can optimize API performance and user experience.
• Security Enhancement: Azure API Management provides robust security features. You can implement authentication and authorization mechanisms, protecting your APIs and ensuring that only authorized users can access them.
• Analytics and Monitoring: Monitoring API usage and performance is essential. Azure API Management offers insightful analytics that help you understand how your APIs are being utilized and identify areas for improvement. Here's how you can set up Azure API Management with Azure Application Proxy:
• Create Azure API Management Instance: If you haven't already, provision an Azure API Management instance in your Azure subscription.
• Define API: Within Azure API Management, define the API that corresponds to your internal API. Configure endpoints, methods, and other necessary details.
• Configure Backend: Specify the Azure Application Proxy endpoint as the backend for your API in Azure API Management. This configuration directs incoming API requests through the Azure App Proxy to your internal API.
• Apply Policies: Leverage Azure API Management's policy framework to enforce security measures, perform transformations, and apply other actions on requests and responses.
• Security Configuration: Implement authentication and authorization policies to ensure secure access to your APIs. This can be particularly important when exposing internal services to external clients.
• Documentation: Azure API Management allows you to generate interactive API documentation. This documentation helps external developers understand how to interact with your APIs effectively. By combining Azure API Management and Azure Application Proxy, you're creating a comprehensive solution that ensures controlled access, efficient management, and enhanced security for your internal APIs. Just be aware always align the configuration with your organization's security guidelines and requirements for a seamless and secure integration. I hope this helps with your query?