API Publishing

Expose APIs securely and clearly to the right audience with the right documentation and processes.

Outcomes

• APIs published in the right environment (private, partner, public)

Related metrolines

• Publishing and Adoption Line

Why it matters

Publishing is more than deploying — it’s about discoverability, access, and support. If APIs aren’t published correctly, they won’t be used, reused, or secured effectively.

Entry criteria

• The API passes compliance, security, and audit checks.
• Audit reports are shared with stakeholders.
• The API is ready to be published to the appropriate gateways and environments to support reusability for multiple API consumers.
• API documentation is complete and ready for publishing.

Exit criteria

• API documentation is complete and ready for publishing.
• API registration, support, and communication processes are in place.
• Legal and compliance requirements are precise enough for publishing.

How it works

1. Publish APIs to the appropriate gateways and environments to support reusability for multiple API consumers.
2. Document how consumers find and use the API, including onboarding processes and registration.
   API Onboarding Best Practices Best practices to streamline API consumer onboarding journeys with step-by-step registration, discovery, and first-call guidance.
3. Ensure security models, gateway configuration, and legal terms are clear and accessible to consumers.
   API Audit Checklist A comprehensive checklist to verify API readiness before publishing, covering design, documentation, security, and policy compliance.

Apply in your work

Enable APIs to be published to the relevant environment and have clear registration and access mechanisms (e.g., API keys, OAuth, subscription plans) depending on the API consumer segments and security and compliance requirements.