Threshold 101 - Getting Started
Who is Threshold for?:
Threshold API designed for companies monetizing their APIs through a metered billing cycle. It provides a platform for implementing credit card payments, self-service signups, and subscription tiers. The goal of threshold is to help businesses concentrate on building a strong API product and not become distracted with the complexities of billing and account management.
Why should I use it:
Decreased time to market: Avoid the development cycles needed to integrate the many services required for security, billing, account management and metering.
Reduced technical debt: Threshold API allows you to offload a significant part of the development cycle in a domain that is separate from the SaaS product’s core value proposition.
Frictionless customer onboarding: Stop the lost conversion associated with customers having to fill out a “contact us” form.
Monetization Opportunities: Broader forms of monetization are available with Threshold API. We support metered billing in addition to traditional monthly/annual billing
How does it work?:
Threshold API acts as a white labeled gateway allowing you to maintain a consistent brand image throughout the customer experience. Your customers will interact with the Threshold gateway and user portal that bear your company’s branding and domain names. This ensures a seamless cohesive user experience. The platform handles essential functions on your behalf such as customer management, security, and billing.
From a technical perspective threshold is a passthrough proxy for requests. Each API request goes through a series of steps to ensure its authenticity, validity, and metering. Once these steps are completed, the remaining part of the request is passed on to your systems. Threshold only reserves the apikey parameter or the x-api-key header, allowing your API to operate normally.
On the backend, Threshold API offers various authentication options between the gateway and your API. These options include IP whitelisting, basic authentication, using the "apikey" parameter, or utilizing the "x-api-key" header. These authentication methods help ensure the security and integrity of the communication between the gateway and your API.
Overall, Threshold API simplifies customer management, security, and billing aspects for your API, while maintaining your brand image and providing a smooth user experience.
How to get started:
If you haven't already setup a call with our team for a consultation about the best way to bring your API to the self service market! Or click the “Try for free” to get started in our open beta program.
