API Product Management: From Endpoints to Ecosystems

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how APIs have evolved from technical connectors to full-fledged products — and what it takes to manage them successfully.

You’ll learn:

• The fundamentals of APIs — requests, responses, authentication, and what they mean in practice
• The difference between internal and external APIs, and how each drives business value
• Why APIs should be treated like products, with strategy, customer focus, and clear success metrics
• The emerging role of the API Product Manager — from setting vision to engaging the developer community
• Key metrics to track adoption, reliability, and ecosystem impact

If you’ve ever wondered how APIs shape modern products, or what it means to manage one like a product manager, this episode connects the dots — from endpoints to ecosystems.