The first pillar of an API program is its tech stack. While API management software is the cornerstone of that stack, it’s usually insufficient to meet all the needs of an API program. Buyers must build a comprehensive API platform around their API management software. This requires having clarity on your needs, where your API management has gaps meeting those needs, and what specialty vendors can fill those gaps. Obtain that clarity by focusing on seven key areas: developer portals, API gateways and event brokers, design and documentation, creation and implementation, testing, lifecycle and governance, and security.