What defines a Managed API Service?

A Managed API Service is defined by being hosted and maintained by a third party, which means that the service provider handles the infrastructure, scalability, and maintenance of the API. This allows users to focus on building and integrating applications without worrying about the underlying complexities that come with managing server operations, security, and updates.

In such services, users can leverage robust APIs without needing to deploy their own architecture, thus accelerating development and reducing operational burdens. This model is particularly beneficial for developers and organizations looking to implement functionalities quickly and efficiently, as they can rely on the provider to ensure high availability, reliability, and security of the API endpoints.

In contrast, self-hosted APIs require significant management and resources, which can hinder agility. An API focused solely on machine learning restricts the definition since managed API services can cover a broader spectrum of functionalities, and an API framework for data visualization does not encompass all managed API service features, which may include various types of services and integrations beyond visualization capabilities.