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API Program Services
BC Data Service (formerly DataBC)
The API Program Services (APS) platform is a secure, stable, highly-available API gateway, management portal and directory that handles more than 2.6 billion API requests per year for B.C. government ministries and third-party applications built on public sector data.
Digital teams that develop applications based on B.C. government APIs can use the platform’s API Directory to easily find and securely request access to the APIs they need.
API providers within the B.C. government can use the full range of APS platform services to:
- Manage all of their APIs in a centralized, secure environment
- Configure, test and publish APIs, track usage and other metrics and enforce API policies across their full life cycle
- Implement comprehensive authentication and security including rate limiting, threat protection, encryption and third-party authentication
- Support government-standard digital identities for issuing API credentials, such as IDIR and BC Services Card login
- Control their branding and user experience with customizable URLs
Why should I use this
Increases the capacity of digital teams
Reduces your infrastructure needs and streamlines internal processes by allowing your team to use APS for routing traffic to your API endpoints, issue and revoke credentials, enforce rate limiting and report on service metrics.
Promotes trusted discovery and use of B.C. government APIs
Digital teams who are building connected services can easily find and request access to integrate with your API through the API directory, and APIs are published behind the authoritative api.gov.bc.ca domain.
Protects data and simplifies access management
APS provides a consistent approach for APIs that is aligned with B.C. government policy and recommendations. The platform has an in-place Privacy Impact Assessment and Security Threat and Risk Assessment.
About this component
Price
Free
APS services (including the API gateway, management portal and API directory) are free to use for anyone with a B.C. government IDIR. Teams using the platform can sign a Service Level Agreement that includes out-of-hours support, which is provided on a cost recovery basis.Price details
Support is available for all teams using the platform during business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Extended/out-of-hours support is available 24/7 for clients running critical services with geographic failover. The cost of providing this service is shared equally between all teams with a Service Level Agreement that includes extended support.Service level support
The APS Platform uses a combination of custom tools and the Kong API Gateway Community edition. The Platform is deployed in the Gold tier of the B.C. government Private Cloud OpenShift platform run by the Platform Services team. Advanced functionality is provided through plugins, which allow API providers to extend the platform’s features.Additional technical information
Developers can log in using their GitHub, IDIR or BC Services Card identity and start using the platform’s built-in API directory to discover and integrate their applications with B.C. government APIs. API providers within the B.C. Government can log in with their IDIR and start configuring their APIs immediately. They can then publish their APIs for public or private use on our API Directory. In order to publish, someone in their ministry that oversees data publication must provide their approval.Requirements and restrictions
Getting started
Developers building applications with B.C. government APIs can get started quickly by visiting the API Services Portal and logging in with their GitHub, IDIR or BC Services Card identity. The latest platform documentation and release notes can be found on DevHub.
Support
Create an account on Rocket.Chat and join the #aps-ops channel to connect with our team and user community. Alternatively, open a support ticket and we’ll get back to you through email in 3-5 business days. Either way, our team is here to answer any questions that might arise while you’re getting set up.