Runbeam vs Apigee
Comparing an API management platform with Runbeam's distributed proxy architecture for secure data exchange
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Runbeam | Apigee |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Behind-the-firewall data exchange | Enterprise API programmes |
| Architecture | Distributed proxies + centralised orchestration | API management control plane + gateway runtimes (varies) |
| Deployment model | Deploy locally in your networks | Cloud and hybrid options (varies by deployment) |
| Healthcare protocols | ✓ FHIR, DICOM (HL7 v2 coming soon) | Requires Health APIx + custom implementation |
| Protocol transforms | ✓ Native (e.g. FHIR ↔ DICOM) | Requires custom policies |
| Cross-site connectivity | ✓ JWT-based Data Mesh authentication | Typically handled outside the platform (network/identity) |
| Federated data meshes | ✓ Supported | Not supported |
| HTTP/3 (QUIC) | ✓ Supported (HTTP/3 + TLS 1.3) | Varies by gateway runtime/deployment |
| API lifecycle & governance | Not the primary focus | Strong API programme tooling (platform-dependent) |
| Developer portal | Not a primary feature | Typically included (platform-dependent) |
| Analytics and API monitoring | Focused on gateway/pipeline operations | Typically strong API analytics (platform-dependent) |
Choose Runbeam For
Behind-the-firewall deployments
Run integration gateways inside your networks and control how data enters and leaves each environment.
- Deploy proxies behind customer firewalls
- Operate across on-prem and cloud environments
- Reduce reliance on inbound network access
Federated Data Mesh connectivity
Connect teams, organisations, and environments using authenticated ingress/egress policies.
- JWT-based mutual authentication between mesh peers
- Federated topologies for partners and cross-team access
- Connectivity defined as configuration
Healthcare interoperability focus
FHIR and DICOM are first-class protocols in the gateway model; HL7 v2 is coming soon.
- FHIR-first integration approach
- DICOM routing and mediation workflows
- Protocol transformations as configuration
Modern transport options
Use HTTP/3 (QUIC) where it improves performance on high-latency or unreliable links.
- Multiplexed streams without TCP head-of-line blocking
- TLS 1.3 enforced for HTTP/3
- Add HTTP/3 alongside HTTP/1.x and HTTP/2
Choose Apigee For
Enterprise API programme management
If you need an API product catalogue, governance workflows, and developer onboarding as your primary deliverable.
- API lifecycle tooling
- Policy enforcement and API products
- Developer onboarding and portal workflows
API analytics and monetisation
If you prioritise API usage analytics and business-centric reporting (capabilities vary by platform and plan).
- Usage reporting and dashboards
- Quota/rate limiting models
- Portal and subscription workflows (platform-dependent)
Use Case Comparison
Partner API access without network peering
Two organisations need authenticated API access to a limited set of endpoints without broad network connectivity.
Define explicit ingress/egress and connect proxies using Federated Data Mesh authentication.
Use API management for policy and routing, while cross-organisation connectivity is typically provided by separate network and identity controls.
Pricing Comparison
Runbeam
- Gateway runs in your infrastructure
- Commercial options for orchestration and management
- Cost depends on deployment and operational requirements
Apigee
- Pricing varies by plan and deployment model
- Cost drivers commonly include traffic, environments, and enterprise features
- Often paired with additional networking and identity components
Apigee is optimised for API programme management; Runbeam is optimised for behind-the-firewall data exchange and federated connectivity.
Need secure connectivity between organisations?
If you need authenticated cross-site connectivity and behind-the-firewall deployments, Runbeam is designed around those constraints.