The concept of the API Gateway has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of automated, self-service platforms like Kubernetes, Cloud Foundry, and various public clouds. Traditional API management solutions often struggle to adapt to the highly dynamic environments of Kubernetes, typically requiring substantial additional infrastructure to maintain high availability and production readiness. Moreover, these infrastructures are frequently deployed in a centralized manner, reflecting the assumptions of legacy solutions rather than the true needs of modern organizations.

Gloo Gateway, as a next-generation API and AI gateway, is purpose-built for dynamic, ephemeral environments, including Kubernetes and other workload orchestration platforms. Uniquely designed with decentralized ownership in mind, Gloo Gateway offers robust functionality for a wide range of environments, from traditional on-premises investments like VM deployments or physical hardware to cutting-edge compute options such as Function as a Service. Unlike legacy API management vendors, Gloo Gateway is natively aligned with the Kubernetes Gateway API, enabling it to excel in these modern, dynamic settings.

Available in both open source (OSS) and enterprise editions, Gloo Gateway caters to various operational needs. The OSS version provides essential features to manage and operationalize Envoy proxies, including a user-friendly interface and comprehensive telemetry. The Enterprise Edition (EE) expands on these capabilities with advanced features such as distributed gateways, routing to other upstreams like AWS Lambda, support for GraphQL APIs, and a developer portal. Users can access these enterprise features by installing Gloo Gateway with an enterprise license, or they can choose to deploy the OSS version in the absence of a license. Learn more about the Enterprise Edition features of Gloo Gateway  and how it can enhance your API management strategy

Gloo Gateway is distinguished by its exceptional function-level routing, which, combined with its comprehensive support for legacy applications, microservices, and serverless architectures, sets it apart as a leading solution. Its advanced discovery capabilities, extensive feature set, and seamless integration with leading open-source projects make it an unparalleled choice for managing hybrid applications. This versatility enables multiple technologies, architectures, protocols, and clouds to coexist harmoniously, providing a robust and future-proof solution as an API and AI gateway.