10 Reasons for Choosing API7
Tags: api7, api, apimanagement, programming
Published: 2023-11-20 14:00:00

> Whether you're aiming to achieve unparalleled performance, fortified security, or seamless scalability, API7 stands tall as the ultimate solution that effortlessly delivers on all fronts. Let's explore what makes API7 your ultimate pick!

Founded in 2019, [API7.ai](https://api7.ai/) is an API management platform committed to providing comprehensive and efficient solutions for API design, API development, API portal, and API monetization based on [Apache APISIX](https://api7.ai/apisix), the performant open-source API gateway. Open-sourced and donated by API7.ai to the [Apache Software Foundation](https://www.apache.org/), Apache APISIX has been tested and highly recognized by worldwide enterprises and organizations such as [Zoom](https://api7.ai/blog/zoom-uses-apisix-ingress), [Airwallex](https://api7.ai/blog/how-airwallex-empowers-global-payment-through-apache-apisix), [Lenovo](https://api7.ai/blog/lenovo-uses-apisix), [Lotus Cars](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-empowers-lotus-cars), [vivo](https://api7.ai/blog/how-does-vivo-integrate-with-apisix), and European Factory Platform. Based on APISIX, API7.ai offers enterprise-level products such as API7 ([API7 Enterprise](https://api7.ai/enterprise)) to meet the core requirements of enterprises.

> **10 Reasons for Choosing API7**:
>
> 1. Ultra High Performance and Low Latency
> 2. Dynamic Lightweight Architecture
> 3. Cloud-Native and Kubernetes-Friendly
> 4. Open Source as Its Solid Foundation
> 5. 100 Plugins and Multiple Development Languages
> 6. Fast Community and Commercial Support
> 7. Reasonable and Flexible Pricing Plan
> 8. Robust Security and Legal Compliance
> 9. Comprehensive API Management
> 10. Monetization Accelerator and Maximization

## 1. Ultra High Performance and Low Latency

API7 boasts the equal core and fundamental logic of APISIX, including its ultra-high performance and low latency. Apache APISIX delivers the best performance among other API gateways with a **[single-core QPS of 18,000 with an average delay of 0.2 ms](https://api7.ai/blog/api-gateway-apache-apisix-and-kong-selection-comparison)**. You can read this blog to see [how is APISIX/API7 fast](https://api7.ai/blog/how-is-apisix-fast).

According to a test [comparing APISIX 3.0 and Kong 3.0](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-kong-3-0-performance-comparison), which uses the stress tool wrk2 and takes OpenResty as an upstream service, we can draw the following conclusions:

- The performance of APISIX 3.0 is about **140%** of Kong 3.0 when plugins are not used. ([Test 1 & 4](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-kong-3-0-performance-comparison))

- The performance of APISIX 3.0 is about **200%** of Kong 3.0 when plugins are used. ([Test 2 & 3](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-kong-3-0-performance-comparison))

![QPS comparison of APISIX and Kong 3.0](https://static.apiseven.com/uploads/2023/10/18/dZK2hwTH_choosing-api7-1.png)

Apache APISIX is now one of the most active API gateway projects on GitHub addressing **1 Trillion+ API calls per day**, which is still growing. What makes APISIX perform exceptionally well?

- APISIX's outstanding performance is attributed to its well-designed tech stack, which harnesses the power of NGINX and LuaJIT. By leveraging NGINX's high-performance web server capabilities and LuaJIT's efficient execution environment, APISIX achieves fast routing matching and configuration synchronization.

- APISIX uses etcd as its configuration center, which can achieve real-time event notification as it provides subscription functions like [watch](https://github.com/api7/lua-resty-etcd/blob/master/api_v3.md#watch) and [watchdir](https://github.com/api7/lua-resty-etcd/blob/master/api_v3.md#watchdir) to monitor changes to specific keywords or directories. etcd is easier to scale and also eliminates the need for frequent polling of databases.

## 2. Dynamic Lightweight Architecture

API7 is lightweight enough to be run on small machine instances and can easily scale to hundreds or even thousands of instances thanks to the basic architectural merits of APISIX. API7 offers a seamless onboarding experience, making it easier for users to adopt and utilize APISIX.

With API7, you can run it efficiently on a 1C1G (1 Core 1 GB RAM) instance, but also handle high traffic loads without imposing excessive CPU pressure. This ensures cost-effectiveness while maintaining optimal performance. Whether you're starting small or scaling to handle billions of requests, API7 is designed to meet your needs.

API7 also offers the flexibility to switch between the Enterprise and open-source versions of APISIX. This gives you the freedom to choose the edition that best aligns with your requirements.

Moreover, API7 could achieve the perfect [hot reloading](https://api7.ai/blog/how-nginx-reload-work) without bringing users’ attention and affecting regular business. API7's dynamic hot reloading allows for publishing APIs without the need to restart systems, reducing downtime and improving business system operation.

![API7-architecture](https://static.apiseven.com/uploads/2023/10/20/zrMk3wBu_api7-architecture.png)

## 3. Cloud-Native and Kubernetes-Friendly

According to Mr. Sun, [Amber Group](https://api7.ai/blog/amber-api-gateway-architecture)'s Technical Expert,

> "API7.ai's commercial support is great for security control and comprehensive support. We chose API7 also because it is marvelous at supporting k8s."

Born in the cloud-native era, API7 is a cloud-native API management solution that offers integration with various [Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF)](https://www.cncf.io/) projects, including [Prometheus, Grafana](https://api7.ai/blog/introduction-to-monitoring-microservices), and OpenTelemetry. This integration allows organizations to leverage these popular tools for advanced monitoring, observability, and analytics capabilities within their API ecosystem.

API7 offers the flexibility to be deployed in [various environments](https://api7.ai/solutions/on-prem-to-hybrid-cloud), including on-premise, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud setups. This versatility allows enterprises to choose the deployment model that best aligns with their specific requirements and infrastructure preferences.

Additionally, APISIX is platform-agnostic with no vendor lock-in. API7 is designed to be compatible with leading cloud platforms such as OpenShift, [Amazon EKS](https://api7.ai/blog/how-amazon-eks-and-apisix-ingress-controller-work-together-to-manage-complex-traffic), and Google Kubernetes Engine, enabling seamless deployment and management across multiple mainstream clouds. Such flexibility empowers organizations to utilize their preferred cloud infrastructure while benefiting from the robust API management features provided by API7.

## 4. Open Source as Its Solid Foundation

API7 takes [Apache APISIX](https://github.com/apache/apisix) as its robust foundation, which is open-source and has an [active community](https://api7.ai/blog/community-over-code-doing-things-the-apache-way) with over 600 contributors all over the world. The nature of [open source](https://api7.ai/blog/open-source-from-scratch-a-yearly-summary-of-our-contributor-workshops) allows users to examine the source code, which promotes transparency. This transparency helps users understand how APISIX works, verify its security, and identify and fix any potential vulnerabilities or bugs.

As an open-source project, APISIX operates under the [Apache License, Version 2.0](https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0) which governs how the software can be used, modified, and distributed. The Apache Software Foundation (ASF), under which APISIX is developed, has a strong commitment to [license](https://github.com/apache/apisix/blob/master/LICENSE) stability.

There are many examples of license changes. The sudden changes in licenses or the requirement for users to upgrade from open-source products to paid versions can have various adverse effects. Users may encounter risks associated with data loss or complex migration processes. Additionally, the introduction of unexpected payment requirements can lead to increased costs and can even disrupt established workflows, and dependencies, and potentially result in compatibility issues with other tools.

By embracing [the Apache Way](https://www.apache.org/theapacheway/), APISIX can leverage the power of collaboration, community building, and trust to foster innovation, ensure long-term sustainability, and gain recognition within the open-source ecosystem.

## 5. 100+ Plugins and Multiple Development Languages

API7 supports almost 100 open-source [plugins](https://docs.api7.ai/apisix/key-concepts/plugins) that APISIX supports, covering a wide range of functionalities such as [authentication](https://api7.ai/blog/api-gateway-authentication), [authorization](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-permission-policy), [rate limiting](https://api7.ai/blog/rate-limiting-in-api-management), [logging](https://api7.ai/blog/apache-apisix-google-cloud), [monitoring](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-portal-monitor-api-metrics), and more.

Moreover, API7 provides more enterprise-level plugins such as [traffic labeling](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-enterprise-traffic-labeling), allowing enterprises to optimize performance, personalize user experiences through precise traffic classification, and gain valuable insights through accurate traffic analysis.

The diverse plugin ecosystem of APISIX includes open-source plugins developed by both the core team and the community. These plugins can be easily integrated into the APISIX gateway to extend its capabilities and adapt it to specific use cases.

![100 plugins and integrations](https://static.apiseven.com/uploads/2023/10/20/IOEqaDBm_choosing-api7-4.png)

Whether you need to implement authentication and authorization with JWT or [OAuth](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-supports-oauth-and-oidc), enforce [rate limiting](https://api7.ai/blog/rate-limiting-in-api-management) and access control, or integrate with observability tools like Prometheus and Zipkin, API7 provides a rich collection of plugins to fulfill your needs.

In addition to developing plugins and other features using LuaJIT, Apache APISIX also supports the development of plugins using various languages such as [Java](https://github.com/apache/apisix-java-plugin-runner), [Go](https://github.com/apache/apisix-go-plugin-runner), Lua, [Python](https://github.com/apache/apisix-python-plugin-runner), and [Wasm](https://api7.ai/blog/how-apisix-supports-wasm). This broad language support allows developers to leverage their existing skills and choose the most suitable language for their specific plugin requirements. It not only reduces development costs but also improves development efficiency, fostering collaboration and innovation within the APISIX community.

## 6. Fast Community and Commercial Support

According to Ryan Cao, Chief Software Architect at Airwallex,

> "Airwallex has made a smooth transition to multi-cloud and microservices architectures thanks to API7.ai's [commercial support](https://api7.ai/support): a highly optimized and scalable platform and the support of the developer community!"

Apache APISIX thrives within a vibrant and engaged community, steadfastly dedicated to its continual progression and refinement. Conversely, API7.ai offers indispensable commercial support services meticulously crafted for enterprises leveraging Apache APISIX, guaranteeing its seamless integration into applications. These concerted endeavors position API7 as an exemplary choice for constructing high-performance APIs.

Members of the API7 support team comprise PMCs, maintainers, and contributors to [Apache APISIX](https://apisix.apache.org/team/), as well as various other esteemed open-source endeavors. They possess a profound understanding of the fundamental architecture of APISIX, enabling them to address virtually any issue pertaining to API7 proficiently.

API7.ai provides commercial support for API7, covering various aspects including architecture review, code review, troubleshooting, diagnosis, suggestions, upgrades, and security patches. It ensures the normal and reliable operation of Apache APISIX in both development and production environments.

## 7. Reasonable and Flexible Pricing Plan

API7.ai offers pricing structures tailored to both SaaS and on-premise solutions, providing options for a range of deployment preferences. Here's a breakdown of API7's pricing model:

### SaaS (Fully-Managed CP, Self-Hosting DP)

- **Description**: This model allows users to pay for the services they require, offering flexibility and cost control.

- **Benefits**:

  - Agility: Enables swift deployment and scalability of services.
  - Global Coverage: The Control Plane, managed by API7.ai, is hosted on leading cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, across global regions.
  - Customizable Data Planes: Users have the freedom to deploy Data Planes (Gateways) according to their preferred network architecture.

### On-Premise

- **Description**: API7 extends the flexibility of its services to on-premise solutions, providing options suitable for different infrastructures.

- **Key Features**:

  - Services and API Calls: Allows for extensive usage without constraints, with a capacity of 18,000 Queries Per Second (QPS) per core.
  - Compatibility: Services are adaptable to diverse environments including bare metal, virtual machines, Docker, and Kubernetes.
  - Predictable Costs: The pricing is based on CPU cores, making it straightforward for cost forecasting.

API7's pricing model is designed to offer reasonable and flexible options, ensuring that users have the freedom to choose the most suitable solution for their specific requirements.

## 8. Robust Security and Legal Compliance

API7.ai places paramount importance on legal compliance and data security. Their attainment of [SOC (System and Organization Controls) 2 Type 1](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-achieves-soc-2-type-1-compliance) certification, administered by Ernst & Young, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the protection of customer data. This certification affirms API7.ai's strict adherence to the highest standards in the management and safeguarding of sensitive information.

In conjunction with the FIPS 140-2 validated OpenSSL 3.0, API7 fulfills the rigorous [FIPS 140-2 (Level 1)](https://api7.ai/blog/apisix-fips-140-2) requirements, dedicated to fortifying the encryption and decryption of SSL/TLS encrypted network traffic. Its robust data encryption function ensures the utmost safeguarding of sensitive information, keeping it shielded from any unauthorized access.

Moreover, API7 employs secure transmission protocols, providing an impenetrable layer of defense during data transmission, effectively thwarting any attempts at data theft or tampering. This cutting-edge solution empowers enterprises to bolster their data security comprehensively, thus enabling them to thrive confidently in the dynamic landscape of the digital age.

## 9. Comprehensive API Management

[API7](https://api7.ai/enterprise) is a comprehensive API lifecycle management solution based on Apache APISIX, an open-source API gateway with some enterprise features. It offers a range of powerful functionalities tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses. Here are the key functionalities of API7:

1. Comprehensive API Lifecycle Management: Combining with the robust API runtime, API7 offers full lifecycle API management, ensuring that enterprises can efficiently develop, deploy, and manage their APIs throughout their entire lifespan.

2. Security and Protection: API7 emphasizes security, safeguarding APIs from potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes features like multi-tenancy and [Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)](https://api7.ai/blog/rbac-with-api-gateway-opa) for granular access control and protection against unauthorized access.

3. Enhanced User Experience: The API7 Enterprise 3.0 series emphasizes refining the user interface, ensuring users have a smoother, more intuitive experience.

4. Flexibility and Customization: API7 enables enterprises to customize their APIs according to their specific business needs.

5. Analytics and Monitoring: The platform includes analytics capabilities, allowing enterprises to monitor API performance, usage, and other crucial metrics.

6. Modernization and Monetization: API7 facilitates the modernization of legacy applications and provides avenues for monetizing APIs. This allows businesses to unlock new revenue streams and stay competitive in the digital landscape.

## 10. Monetization Accelerator and Maximization

API7 offers [API7 Portal](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-portal-preview) as a part of the service, which can also be an independent service.

![API7 Portal Architecture](https://static.apiseven.com/uploads/2023/10/18/iUpwolO8_choosing-api7-3.png)

API7 Portal can support a variety of different monetization strategies, enabling businesses to choose the appropriate strategy according to their business needs. It offers a seamless API subscription process, allowing developers to apply for API subscriptions, obtain access credentials, and successfully call the APIs they need.

API7 Portal can serve as a central platform to help enterprises [turn their APIs into revenue streams](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-portal-api-monetization). Through the API7 Portal, organizations can define pricing and fee structures for various API services, providing developers and businesses with paid access to APIs. This creates new business models for organizations to monetize the value provided by APIs.

API7 Portal can provide powerful management and [monitoring](https://api7.ai/blog/api7-portal-monitor-api-metrics) tools to help organizations track and understand API usage. Through the API7 Portal, enterprises can collect usage data about APIs, including the number of calls, traffic, user behavior, and more. This data is valuable for determining API popularity, optimizing API performance, and understanding user needs. By monitoring and analyzing API usage, companies can make adjustments to provide better service and optimize revenue.

## Why Choose API7 When We Have APISIX?

### All-in-One API Management Solution

APISIX is a highly performant open-source API gateway. API7, on the other hand, is a comprehensive API management [solution](https://api7.ai/solutions/financial-services) that builds upon the capabilities of APISIX.

API7 integrates APISIX as the core and adds enterprise-level features, including RBAC, gateway group release, audit logs, traffic labeling, etc. It is designed to offer advanced functionalities and robustness required by enterprises for managing APIs in production environments.

### Assistance in Integration and Customization

As the creator of APISIX, API7.ai can provide assistance in designing and implementing a seamless integration strategy that optimizes the performance and reliability of its applications while leveraging the capabilities provided by APISIX.

By leveraging professional services for integrating APISIX and customizing it to align with their applications, companies can streamline their development efforts, reduce time-to-market, and enhance the overall performance, security, and reliability of their API infrastructure.

## Summary

We delve into the compelling reasons that make API7 the go-to choice for businesses aiming to supercharge their API management. With its advanced capabilities and versatile compatibility, API7 emerges as a powerful tool for businesses looking to thrive in the digital landscape.

By choosing API7, businesses not only optimize their API management but also elevate the developer experience and pave the way for the success of their digital initiatives.