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API Data Update

Implementing an API as an intermediary for Azure SQL Database updates improves security, scalability, and maintainability.

Why Use an API?

Challenge Direct DB Access API Pattern
Credential Exposure High Low
Scalability Limited High
Centralized Logic No Yes
Security Weak Strong
Observability Poor Excellent

Problem Statement

Direct connections to Azure SQL Database expose credentials, create bottlenecks, and tightly couple systems. This limits scalability and increases risk.

Solution Overview

Introduce an API layer between clients and the database. The API encapsulates business logic, enforces security, and optimizes interactions. Use Azure API Management for authentication, authorization, and monitoring.

Workflow

  1. Client applications send update requests to the API.
  2. Azure API Management authenticates, authorizes, and rate-limits requests.
  3. The API validates, transforms, and processes data.
  4. The API securely interacts with Azure SQL Database.

Implementation Checklist

  • API Design:
  • Use REST or gRPC endpoints
  • Validate payloads

  • Version APIs for compatibility

  • API Gateway:

  • Enforce OAuth 2.0/Azure AD authentication

  • Apply rate limiting and quotas

  • Security:

  • Store credentials in Azure Key Vault
  • Use managed identities

  • Restrict direct database access

  • Optimization:

  • Cache frequent queries

  • Use bulk or batched operations

  • Monitoring:

  • Track usage and health with Azure Monitor
  • Log update operations for auditing

Benefits

  • Security: Centralized authentication, protected credentials
  • Scalability: Supports multiple clients, optimizes database load
  • Maintainability: Centralized business logic, easier updates
  • Observability: Audit trails and monitoring
  • Cost Optimization: Controlled database usage, reduced overhead

Resources