What is our primary use case?
We are currently using the latest version of the IBM DataPower Gateway, 10.0.6.0.
We are using the IBM DataPower Gateway for authentication purposes. We also developed a firewall for our purposes. When we develop a web application and require security for that particular web application, we can use the IBM DataPower Gateway. We also use SOAP services. If we want to deploy on the IBM DataPower Gateway, then we can utilize it. It's also used for authentication and authorization. It also has a rate limiting feature. If we handle multiple loads on this server, then using the rate limit function, we can handle the traffic load and API traffic load.
We are currently using the IBM DataPower Gateway only for API purposes. If we have a rate-limiting purpose and we deploy multiple APIs, then an issue will occur on the IBM DataPower Gateway. A rate-limiting issue will occur. For that type of feature, we also require some support from IBM.
What is most valuable?
We are using the IBM DataPower Gateway for security purposes. As per the development perspective, there are some limitations with IBM DataPower Gateway because it only supports XML and XSLT language, but it does not support the Java language. This is the only limitation of the IBM DataPower Gateway. For the authentication and authorization purpose, we can use the IBM DataPower Gateway. It's a very good product.
We are mostly using the IBM DataPower Gateway for security purposes and load balancing purposes. If we are handling the load for a particular server, then we can use the IBM DataPower Gateway.
The IBM DataPower Gateway is mostly used for security purposes. If we have some APIs and we are using some security for those APIs, then we can use it. It can also be used as a load balancer. It's also used for certificate management, user management purposes, authentication, and authorization.
For routing, the IBM DataPower Gateway has multiple URL-based routing and content-based routing capabilities. If we have multiple URLs, then we can use an XML script. Using the XSLT language, we can configure multiple URLs and implement URL-based routing. Content-based routing means if we have multiple requests, we can route the request to a particular URL. For this, we need to use the XSLT language only. We can't use XML, Java, or other scripting languages.
With IBM DataPower Gateway, we are using all the APIs. All APIs have been configured on the gateway. We have configured the particular TLS profile and some TLS client profiles as well. Using that TLS profile, we have configured the APIs and authentication. We have configured some tokens also, including JWT tokens and different types of auth tokens. There is also a rate limiting feature which we use for handling API loads.
What needs improvement?
I have significant experience with the IBM DataPower Gateway. As a security product, it is very good. However, from the development perspective, it has limitations because it only supports the XSLT language. It does not support multiple languages. We can't modify it because this is a custom OS. We can't customize the given product. Whatever feature is available on the IBM DataPower Gateway, that feature is the only one we can use. If we require additional features, we can't configure them on the IBM DataPower Gateway.
We do not utilize IBM DataPower Gateway's caching capabilities.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working on the IBM DataPower Gateway for the last 5.8 years.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
For the IBM DataPower Gateway, if we require a production environment or a development environment, for production, we definitely require three nodes in the cluster node. Because if there is multiple traffic on a single node, then it will definitely cause some damage or issues will occur. If we have multiple nodes for the IBM DataPower Gateway, then it will handle the multiple traffic. For a development environment, only a single node will be enough to handle the traffic.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If we have multiple servers and a multiple cluster for the IBM DataPower Gateway, then there will be no issue handling the traffic. However, if we have multiple traffic and only a single node, then issues will definitely occur. IBM DataPower Gateway does not handle all the traffic on a single node. If we have multiple nodes, then they can handle a large amount of traffic.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
At the VM level, we can modify the RAM and the hard disk. However, it will impact the server. IBM does not recommend increasing the resources to increase the scalability once you install the product. It will be very risky. Once you install the product, we can't scale the resources on the IBM DataPower Gateway. This is also a limitation of this product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before IBM DataPower Gateway, we had used some .NET services. We had deployed them on the particular platform. Once IBM DataPower Gateway came into the picture, we started using it only for security purposes.
How was the initial setup?
The installation process is very easy. We require 18 GB RAM and a four CPU processor and one particular server. Using that server, you can install it easily. There is also IBM documentation available on Google. Using that documentation, you can easily install the IBM DataPower Gateway.
What about the implementation team?
The installation requires some large resources. However, the installation is easy. If we face any issue, then the IBM team will be available for our support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This product is definitely expensive because if any issue occurs in the live environment or production environment, and our organization faces some issue with the IBM DataPower Gateway, then the IBM team will provide support. That's why the product is expensive.
Regarding pricing, I don't have much information because my management team manages the licensing. In my point of view, I think it costs around 5 Crore in Indian Rupees.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We can use Apigee, which is one of Google's gateways. However, as per the security purpose and implementation purposes, IBM DataPower Gateway is a very good product for implementation and configuration purposes. Some other organizations are also using the Apigee product.
What other advice do I have?
In the previous version, there were some limitations, but in the upgraded versions, IBM has fixed some bugs. Currently, we don't have many limitations. It only supports the XSLT language from a development perspective. It does not support Java or Python. Other than XSLT, the IBM DataPower Gateway does not support other languages. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this solution a 7.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.