Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
IBM API Connect Logo

IBM API Connect pros and cons

Vendor: IBM
4.0 out of 5

Pros & Cons summary

Buyer's Guide

Get pricing advice, tips, use cases and valuable features from real users of this product.
Get the report

Prominent pros & cons

PROS

IBM API Connect provides a holistic environment for setting up and managing APIs, offering complete end-to-end capabilities for both internal and external sharing.
Security features are a standout, ensuring data protection and making API publishing safe between external and internal environments.
The platform's ability to integrate seamlessly with other IBM products and external tools enhances overall functionality and facilitates easier operations.
Scalability and stability are key strengths, allowing enterprises to handle development and management of APIs efficiently while providing a secure gateway between systems.
IBM API Connect supports API life cycle management with core API functionalities, a developer portal, and robust security capabilities that enhance data protection strategies.

CONS

Many users report scalability and integration challenges with IBM API Connect, often requiring extensive setup and resources.
Users find IBM API Connect's architecture somewhat dated, suggesting it lacks modern features like microservices support and simplified cloud integration used by competitors.
The documentation and support for IBM API Connect are frequently criticized for being inadequate, which complicates deployment and maintenance efforts.
IBM API Connect is noted for being expensive, with a licensing model that limits cost-effectiveness compared to open-source competitors.
Performance issues, including latency and resource-intensive operations, are commonly reported by IBM API Connect users.
 

IBM API Connect Pros review quotes

it_user632772 - PeerSpot reviewer
Architect Advisor at a wellness & fitness company with 10,001+ employees
Mar 22, 2017
It gives a holistic environment for us to set up the APIs and that's the main value that it adds. It gives end to end for us.
it_user632808 - PeerSpot reviewer
Solutions Developer at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Mar 22, 2017
We are able to share those APIs instantly within the organization; even if we want to share it outside publicly, then we can have those capabilities.
it_user634884 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Integration Consultant at a insurance company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Mar 26, 2017
The most valuable feature for me is the ability to distribute work among our API developers, so we don't have to do all the work as IBM API Connect administrators and IBM DataPower administrators.
Learn what your peers think about IBM API Connect. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
879,672 professionals have used our research since 2012.
it_user579336 - PeerSpot reviewer
Principal Information System Engineer at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Jul 4, 2017
Since it runs on top of Datapower, all Datapower based custom policies can be utilized and exported to API connect but its not straightforward/simple process.
it_user653688 - PeerSpot reviewer
SAP SD Consultant at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Jun 15, 2017
In-built policies and security functions.
it_user854820 - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Architect and Distinguished Member at Wipro Technologies
Apr 12, 2018
Easy to configure security and generate API keys.
EL
Amnesty International at Gfi Informatique
Jul 11, 2018
The ability for all of our web applications to share standard functions and documents easily is valuable.
it_user939366 - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager at ANDD Techservices
Oct 5, 2018
I have found the API Management to be most valuable.
OA
Engineering Technology Services Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Jul 16, 2019
The developer portal has been the most useful feature.
RB
Senior IT Operations Engineer at a retailer with 1,001-5,000 employees
Jul 16, 2019
The solution is very stable.
 

IBM API Connect Cons review quotes

it_user632772 - PeerSpot reviewer
Architect Advisor at a wellness & fitness company with 10,001+ employees
Mar 22, 2017
We have asked IBM for scalability and for some other features that we wanted. We had a dialogue with them and in the end, they have agreed to provide us with features related to API setup and security.
it_user632808 - PeerSpot reviewer
Solutions Developer at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Mar 22, 2017
We would have more capability to interact with the catalog and inventories, so a more DevOps-friendly solution is needed.
it_user634884 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Integration Consultant at a insurance company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Mar 26, 2017
Possible improvement is mainly around having more of the cloud oriented architecture bringing stability in adding new capabilities around security.
Learn what your peers think about IBM API Connect. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
879,672 professionals have used our research since 2012.
it_user579336 - PeerSpot reviewer
Principal Information System Engineer at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Jul 4, 2017
IBM info-center help documentation also needs improvement. Competitive product like Apigee provide out of the box policies to run Javascript, JAVA and better/flexible logging policies.
it_user653688 - PeerSpot reviewer
SAP SD Consultant at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Jun 15, 2017
Due to bugs in integration, we have to look for workaround on fixing and using DataPower as gateway.
it_user854820 - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Architect and Distinguished Member at Wipro Technologies
Apr 12, 2018
Components, like caching, should be implemented as policies, not requiring dependency on an external solution.
EL
Amnesty International at Gfi Informatique
Jul 11, 2018
Automation for our Domino applications could be improved.
it_user939366 - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager at ANDD Techservices
Oct 5, 2018
Business applications could be exposed to users.
OA
Engineering Technology Services Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Jul 16, 2019
Like any typical IBM infrastructure setup, you need to learn to set it up yourself. It's not one of those simple zip files or an archive unzip and you're up and running in some few minutes. Knowledge to set it up is key.
RB
Senior IT Operations Engineer at a retailer with 1,001-5,000 employees
Jul 16, 2019
The solution is not scalable.