As of: 23 September 2026 · Reading time: 3 min
Key takeaways
- Microservices and API gateways: architecture for scalable systems.
- Learn how API gateways act as a central control level for microservices.
Microservices and API gateways: architecture for scalable systems. Learn how API gateways act as a central control level for microservices.
“A well-designed API is the invisible bridge between systems—and often the biggest lever for efficiency.”
– Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions
Microservices & API gateways: scalable architecture
A microservices architecture breaks monolithic applications into independently deployable services. The API gateway serves as the central entry point, handling routing, authentication, rate limiting.
And load balancing — standardizing communication between services and external clients.
Introduction
The Microservices architecture has revolutionized the way we develop and operate software. Instead of monolithic applications, systems are divided into small, separate services that communicate via APIs.
But with this room to adapt comes complexity – and here API gateways come into play.
What is an API gateway?
Microservices and API gateways: architecture for scalable systems.
Leaders exploring Microservices & API gateways: scalable architecture can use Cost Calculator: API Development, Solution: Integration Chaos, RPA vs. API Integration sowie System Integration as structured entry points.
An API gateway is a central entry point for all client requests to your microservices.
It acts as a reverse proxy and performs overarching tasks that would otherwise have to be introduced in each custom service.
Routing
Keep inquiries to the right service
Authentication
Central validation of API keys and tokens
Rate limitation
Protection against overload and abuse
Monitoring
Central collection of metrics and logs
Popular API Gateway Solutions
GatewayTypeStärken
Kong Open SourceAdvanced, Plugin ecosystem AWS API Gateway ManagedServerless, AWS-Integration Nginx Open SourcePerformance, Stability Traefik Open SourceKubernetes-native, Auto-Discovery Azure API Management ManagedEnterprise features, Azure integration
Architecture Patterns
Backend for Frontend (BFF)
This pattern creates a separate API gateway for each client type (web, mobile, IoT).
Each BFF is improved for the specific needs of its client and aggregates data from multiple microservices.
Best Practice: Avoid implementing business logic in API gateway. It should be limited to cross-sectional tasks. The real logic belongs to the microservices.
Conclusion
Short: API gateways are an vital part of modern microservice architectures.
API gateways are an vital part of modern microservice architectures. They reduce complexity, improve safety and enable central control.
Choosing the right gateway depends on your specific needs, your tech stack and your budget.
Are you planning a microservice migration?
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Related articles
- The role of APIs in modern software architectures.
- Interface development: The ultimate guide.
- Interface development: The ultimate guide (2026).
References and further reading
The following separate references complement the topics in this article:
- Bitkom – German digital industry association.
- German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
- European Commission – Digital strategy.
- MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
- W3C – World Wide Web Consortium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this article about: “Microservices & API gateways: scalable architecture”?
This post explores Microservices & API gateways. Scalable architecture from the perspective of needs, typical pitfalls, and sensible next steps.
Microservices and API gateways: architecture for scalable systems. Learn how API gateways act as a central control level for microservices.
Who benefits most from the content described here?
Useful for project leads and product owners in Interfaces who must choose between standard software, custom development, and integration.
How does this topic fit into an IT or digital strategy?
Technically and organizationally, alignment with skilled partners pays off — from needs to operations. Start with the services overview.
For multi-system landscapes, IT consulting and architecture helps align vendors and internal teams.
What are sensible next steps if we need support?
A practical next step: book a consultation and clarify which MVP or pilot fits your team and landscape.
About the author
Managing Director of Groenewold IT Solutions GmbH and Hyperspace GmbH
Since 2009 Björn Groenewold has been developing software solutions for the mid-market. He is Managing Director of Groenewold IT Solutions GmbH (founded 2010) and Hyperspace GmbH. As founder of Groenewold IT Solutions he has successfully supported more than 250 projects – from legacy modernisation to AI integration.
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Practical next steps after Microservices & API gateways: scalable architecture
Microservices & API gateways: scalable architecture addresses a practical choice for craft and service firms. Start with one clear goal: connect systems without losing control of data, ownership, or later changes.
Check the current process, the data involved, and the result users need. Then record the main risks and define a small first step. This keeps the decision easy to review and gives your team a shared basis.
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