We use Kong for our API gateway, handling all public traffic. It is an open-source tool, and even though we are a startup, it provides us with stability without incurring high costs initially.
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Custom plugin capability with enhanced high traffic handling and lightweight performance
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Kong has helped us by performing smoothly even when we receive millions of requests, which prevents any latency issues impacting our applications. We have also been able to enhance security by writing our own plugins and easily integrating with various tools and platforms.
What is most valuable?
Kong's most valuable features are its lightweight performance when handling millions of requests and the ability to write custom plugins to enhance security, such as end-to-end encryption, even in the open-source version.
What needs improvement?
The open-source version of Kong does not support a dashboard, which would be very helpful. We use an open-source tool called Konga for basic dashboard needs, but it lacks support. It would be better if there was a comprehensive dashboard included in the open-source community version.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Kong for about five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Initially, we faced stability issues during an upgrade process due to migration problems with the schema. However, Kong has improved significantly, and maintaining stability is easier now when following their improved documentation and using Helm for deployment.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We've put in place SPA auto-scaling within our Kubernetes deployment, which efficiently handles increased traffic by automatically spinning up new pods, ensuring smooth scalability.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I am currently using a new gateway called Tyk. However, Kong is far better as an open-source tool.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Kong's pricing is reasonable, as the open-source version provides sufficient functionality for a startup like ours without requiring a high initial investment.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Tyke as a new gateway solution.
What other advice do I have?
If you are looking for a stable open-source gateway, Kong is a solid choice. It performs well under high traffic with low latency. For newcomers, it is advisable to explore its robust features and ability to manage high TPS effectively.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Robust API management solution offering scalability, resilience, cloud-agnostic deployment capabilities and powerful and adaptable gateway services
What is our primary use case?
It serves as an API gateway and microservices management platform, facilitating the creation, deployment, and oversight of APIs and microservices. It serves as a solution for measuring requests, managing upstreams, and handling internal APIs within the bank.
What is most valuable?
It is an excellent tool for managing data. It boasts remarkable speed and stability, and these qualities, particularly the gateway's resilience, are standout features for me. The shared features are also commendable. One of the aspects I appreciate is the effective rate limiting, achieved through the use of the throttling plugin for our APIs. Additionally, the straightforward automated deployment process for the gateway makes it exceptionally easy for everyone on the team to adapt without complications.
What needs improvement?
I find that expressing information can be a bit challenging, especially for those who are new to installing email configs or using it for the first time. Understanding the configurations and knowing what needs to be done can be a bit difficult initially.
For how long have I used the solution?
It is a crucial part of my daily workflow.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I encounter no issues with deployments, and it reliably performs its duties on a daily basis. It proves to be both resilient and stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable to your needs, and if you have the financial resources, you can scale it as much as you want.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before adopting Kong, I utilized X-ray, which is another API gateway. I believe the strength of Kong lies in its agnostic nature. It allows deployment across various cloud environments, providing flexibility for implementation in any infrastructure. It is inherently cloud-native, enabling deployment and maintenance on platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This sets it apart from other gateways that may not offer the same level of versatility.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is relatively easy, but it requires a clear idea of your objectives.
What about the implementation team?
When it comes to deployment, my team and I handle the entire process. We are responsible for managing all aspects of it. It is possible to deploy it within ten minutes in a cloud-native environment using our current CI process.
What other advice do I have?
My advice is to approach it with careful consideration. While it is a powerful tool, gaining expertise is crucial. It's essential to try it out firsthand, build confidence that Kong aligns with your requirements, and recognize its reliability as a gateway. In my experience, it has proven to be a top choice. If you encounter challenges, I recommend visiting the website and delving into the documentation, as it often holds solutions for various scenarios. Overall, I would rate it eight out of ten.