API Governance Gate (Delivery)

API Governance Gate (Delivery)

1. 01

   Map the client's API surface before any code is written

   Inventory every endpoint, data source, and third-party service the integration will touch. Note authentication methods, rate limits, and data sensitivity for each.

2. 02

   Define a security baseline for every endpoint

   Set minimum standards for TLS, authentication, and rate limiting. For AI agent traffic, add token spend caps and fail-closed policies to prevent runaway costs.

3. 03

   Choose the right tool tier for the client's actual scale

   A small CRM sync may only need a lightweight gateway or even direct API calls, while a high-traffic client with AI agents justifies an enterprise gateway. Over-engineering adds cost without proportional value.

4. 04

   Document the API contract in a shared, versioned spec

   Use OpenAPI or similar to define endpoints, request/response schemas, and error codes. Keep the spec in sync with the implementation to avoid drift.

5. 05

   Test for failure modes, not just happy paths

   Simulate rate limit hits, timeouts, and malformed payloads. Verify that retry logic and fallbacks behave as expected under load.

6. 06

   Set up observability for both technical and business metrics

   Track latency, error rates, and token usage alongside client-facing KPIs like integration uptime. Alert on anomalies before they become client complaints.

7. 07

   Hand off with a runbook and a maintenance schedule

   Provide the client with a clear runbook covering common issues, plus a defined cadence for reviewing logs, updating dependencies, and re-validating security.