Tyk vs Microsoft Azure – Evaluating API Management alternatives
Are you weighing up the pros and cons of Tyk versus Microsoft Azure? If so, there’s plenty to consider.
When it comes to Tyk versus Azure, we believe Tyk provides more of what you need. Much more.
Let us show you what we mean.
| Feature | Tyk | Azure |
| Full APIM solution | Yes – full solution with single pane for operations | Yes – full solution with single pane for operations |
| Full on-premises | Yes – control plane and management plane is on-premises | No – management plane resides in Azure |
| Extensibility requirement | Wide developer choices: Python, Golang, Javascript, Lua, Ruby, C# |
XML-based |
| Self-hosted Operational skill requirement | Flexible skill set VM or containers |
Docker/Kubernetes expertise required |
| Support for enterprise | Yes, from basic to premium | Yes, from basic to premium |
| Ease of adoption | Easy with UI Documentation available |
Easy due to UI Documentation available |
| Operational continuity of self-hosted gateways | Gateway will have full functionality even if control plane is disconnected | “On-prem gateway will retain functionality based on last backed up configuration. If there are no backups, stopped gateway will not be able to start Backups require additional container volume backup solution” |
| API management user interface | Included | Included |
| Developer portal | Included | Included |
| Self-hosted Deployment types | Flexible VM / Docker / Kubernetes / OS package manager |
Container only Docker / Kubernetes |
| Scaling ability | Yes Unlimited scaling |
Yes Additional units need to be purchased for scaling beyond |
| Behaviour on license expiry | Continues to fully function | Needs continued subscription |
| Support | Silver tier included Additional tier available based on coverage and SLA |
Basic only Additional tiers available based on coverage and SLA |
Relevant links: Tyk versus Kong Open Source – Migrating your open source API gateway from Kong to Tyk – Tyk versus Apollo – Tyk versus Apigee – Replacing Mashery with Tyk open source API management – Pricing – Performance benchmarks
01. Ultimate control
| Tyk Full on-premises solution even at basic tier |
Azure Full on-premisesonly in most premium tier |
When you need an on-premises solution that gives you full control, it’s time for Tyk. With Tyk, your control plane and management plane are on-premises – everything is in your hands.
This is ideal if you work in a highly regulated industry and have compliance and regulatory standards to meet. Tyk gives you the tools and capabilities to achieve what you need.
02. A wide talent pool
| Tyk Accommodates flexible skillsets |
Azure Requires Docker/Kubernetes expertise |
Why should you add the expense of recruiting and training a whole new team, just because you want an outstanding API management solution?
Tyk’s intuitive, easy-to-use API gateway can be deployed on either virtual machines or containers and managed by a team with a flexible skillset. You don’t need specific Docker or Kubernetes experience, despite Tyk working beautifully with both.
This means you can adopt Tyk while sticking with your existing team. And for future hires, you can recruit developers from a wider talent pool, as you’re not limited to those with specific skillsets. So you can keep your finance and HR teams happy all at once.
03. Keep on keeping on
| Tyk Fully functioning gateway, even if control plane is disconnected or licence expires |
Azure On-premises gateway won’t restart if disconnected from Azure control plane for extended period. If gateway is stopped/crashed, it can’t be restarted |
Life delivers plenty of unexpected twists and turns. This means that, at times, you may find your control plane disconnects or you’re dealing with an expired licence.
With Tyk, a disconnected control plane or licence expiry doesn’t spell disaster. Your API gateway will continue to function.
The result? Operational continuity for your business and clients and peace of mind for you.
04. Flexible deployment
| Tyk Flexible deployment options |
Azure Container only (Docker/Kubernetes) |
Tyk isn’t here to tell you how to run your business or dictate your software architecture requirements. We’re here to work with your needs.
Need to deploy on virtual machines? No problem. Prefer to deploy on Docker or Kubernetes? That’s fine with us.
Tyk delivers the flexibility and customizability to deliver what you need, not to dictate it.
05. Built-in value
| Tyk Holistic out of the box solution with no commercial impact when scaling |
Azure Additional commercial impact when scaling |
Tyk isn’t here to provide a basic product with all the features you need hidden behind paywalls. Our “batteries included” approach means you can enjoy a fully featured API management solution straight out of the box.
We’ve built heaps of value into our API gateway, delivering an affordable solution rather than something that becomes an open-ended cheque as your usage increases. So you can enjoy predictable, forecastable expenditure no matter how much or how fast you scale your business.
06. Easy extensibility
| Tyk Wide developer choices |
Azure .NET developers |
Would you like us to tell you which developers you may or may not hire? No? Ok!
With Tyk, you have a wide choice of extensibility options. Python, Golang, JavaScript, Lua, Ruby, C#… it’s up to you.
Thank you for reading this article. We welcome any comments or feedback. If you’d like to reach out to us, please contact [email protected]
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