Runbeam vs Azure API Management
Comparing a managed API management service with Runbeam's distributed proxy architecture for secure data exchange
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Runbeam | Azure API Management |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Behind-the-firewall integrations | Azure-hosted API programmes |
| Architecture | Distributed proxies + centralised orchestration | API management service + gateways (deployment-dependent) |
| Deployment model | Runs in your networks | Managed service with deployment options (varies) |
| Healthcare protocols | ✓ FHIR, DICOM (HL7 v2 coming soon) | Possible, but typically implemented in backend services |
| Protocol transforms | ✓ Native (e.g. FHIR ↔ DICOM) | Requires policies/Logic Apps |
| Cross-site connectivity | ✓ JWT-based Data Mesh authentication | Typically handled via networking and identity controls |
| Federated data meshes | ✓ Supported | Not supported |
| HTTP/3 (QUIC) | ✓ Supported (HTTP/3 + TLS 1.3) | Varies by endpoint type and deployment |
| Developer portal | Not a primary feature | Typically included (deployment-dependent) |
| API governance | Gateway/pipeline operations focus | API management governance features (varies) |
Choose Runbeam For
Distributed gateways in regulated environments
Deploy integration gateways where data originates and enforce explicit egress policies.
- Behind-the-firewall deployments
- Explicit routing and policy controls
- Federated connectivity between organisations
Federated Data Mesh for partner integrations
Connect partners and internal teams with authenticated ingress/egress rather than broad network access.
- JWT-based mutual authentication
- Federated topologies
- Configuration-first connectivity
Choose Azure API Management For
Azure-first API management
If you need a managed API management service and your workloads and identity are primarily in Azure.
- Managed operations
- API catalogue and developer onboarding (varies)
- Policies and analytics (feature-dependent)
Use Case Comparison
Expose APIs across business units
An organisation needs consistent API policies and onboarding for multiple internal teams, with some systems remaining on-prem.
Deploy local proxies for on-prem systems, enforce egress controls, and connect environments using Data Mesh authentication.
Use managed API management for API policies and onboarding, while hybrid connectivity is typically addressed via separate networking patterns.
Pricing Comparison
Runbeam
- Gateway runs in your infrastructure
- Commercial options for orchestration and management
Azure API Management
- Pricing varies by plan and deployment
- Costs typically scale with traffic and enterprise features
- Often paired with additional networking/identity components
Azure API Management is designed for managed API programmes; Runbeam is designed for distributed, behind-the-firewall data exchange with federated connectivity.
Need controlled egress from private networks?
Runbeam helps you connect environments with authenticated connectivity and explicit routing policies.