Extract API content via Azure Data Factory or Logic Apps when server has strong requirements.

Question

Hello everybody.

I am facing a situation where I need to extract content (folders and files) from an API located on a supplier's Application Server. However, the supplier's IT team has a firewall that restricts access via specific IPs or Addresses (Sites).

As Azure assigns IP ranges to its resources, I am having difficulty obtaining a unique IP or address either via ADF or Logic APP to provide the supplier's IT team. Has anyone ever had to face this type of situation and can you please help me?

Grateful.

Answer 1

Hello Wellington Luis Silva Dourado

There are a few ways to extract content from an API located on a supplier's Application Server, even if the supplier's IT team has a firewall that restricts access via specific IPs or Addresses (Sites).

One way is to use a VPN. A VPN will create a secure tunnel between your Azure resources and the supplier's Application Server. This will allow you to access the API as if you were on the same network as the supplier's Application Server.

Another way is to use a proxy server. A proxy server will act as an intermediary between your Azure resources and the supplier's Application Server. This will allow you to access the API without having to expose your Azure resources to the internet.

Finally, you can also use a managed service such as Azure API Management. Azure API Management is a cloud-based service that allows you to manage and publish APIs. It also provides a number of features that can help you to secure your APIs, such as authentication, authorization, and throttling.

Here are some specific steps that you can take to extract content from an API located on a supplier's Application Server, even if the supplier's IT team has a firewall that restricts access via specific IPs or Addresses (Sites):

1. Use a VPN. To use a VPN, you will need to create a VPN connection between your Azure resources and the supplier's Application Server. Once the VPN connection is established, you will be able to access the API as if you were on the same network as the supplier's Application Server.
2. Use a proxy server. To use a proxy server, you will need to configure your Azure resources to use the proxy server. Once your Azure resources are configured to use the proxy server, you will be able to access the API without having to expose your Azure resources to the internet.
3. Use Azure API Management. To use Azure API Management, you will need to create an API Management service. Once the API Management service is created, you can import the supplier's API into Azure API Management. Once the API has been imported, you can publish it to your Azure API Management service. You can then access the API through your Azure API Management service.

Whichever method you choose, you will need to work with the supplier's IT team to ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the API.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.