Amazon API Gateway vs Ambassador: What are the differences?

Introduction

Amazon API Gateway and Ambassador are both API gateway solutions that can help manage and secure APIs. However, there are key differences between these two tools. In this article, we will explore six key differences between Amazon API Gateway and Ambassador.

1. Architecture: Amazon API Gateway is a fully-managed service provided by AWS, while Ambassador is an open-source project that can be deployed on different platforms. Amazon API Gateway offers a serverless architecture that handles scaling and management automatically, while Ambassador can be deployed as a Kubernetes service or as a standalone service.

2. Integration with AWS Services: Amazon API Gateway has native integration with other AWS services such as AWS Lambda, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Amazon Cognito. This integration allows for seamless integration and implementation of serverless functions and authentication mechanisms. On the other hand, Ambassador can integrate with different authentication providers and backend services, but it does not have native integration with AWS services.

3. Pricing Model: Amazon API Gateway has a pricing model based on the number of requests, data transferred, and caching. It offers a free tier for new customers and the pricing can scale based on the usage. Ambassador, being an open-source project, does not have a direct pricing model. However, there may be costs associated with the infrastructure required to deploy and maintain Ambassador.

4. Customization and Extensibility: Both Amazon API Gateway and Ambassador offer customization options, but they differ in their approach. Amazon API Gateway allows users to define and configure APIs using Amazon API Gateway's API definition language, which offers a higher level of abstraction. Ambassador, on the other hand, allows users to define APIs using Kubernetes annotations or through YAML configuration files, providing flexibility to work with existing infrastructure.

5. Logging and Monitoring: Amazon API Gateway provides built-in logging and monitoring capabilities through AWS CloudWatch, allowing users to track API performance and troubleshoot issues. Ambassador can be integrated with various logging and monitoring tools, but it does not provide built-in logging and monitoring capabilities. Users need to set up and configure their own monitoring solutions.

6. Vendor Lock-in: Amazon API Gateway is a proprietary service provided by AWS, which means users may be locked into using AWS services. While Amazon API Gateway offers a fully-managed and scalable solution, users may face limitations and dependencies on AWS. Ambassador, being an open-source project, provides more flexibility and freedom to switch between different infrastructure providers and platforms.

In summary, Amazon API Gateway is a fully-managed service with native integration with AWS services, a serverless architecture, and built-in logging and monitoring capabilities. Ambassador, on the other hand, is an open-source project that can be deployed on different platforms, offers customization and extensibility options, and provides more flexibility in terms of infrastructure and vendor choices.