Rate Limits

Rate limiting is the industry standard for controlling what a developer can do with an API and reducing abuse on the platform. As with service tiers and pricing, put a considerable amount of thought into API rate limits.

Make sure rate limits are in sync with service tiers, with pricing clearly posted, as well as proper relief valves so developers do not end up frustrated. Rate limits are meant to prevent abuse, not stifle innovation--put a lot of thought into the rate limits, and actively evaluate them to make sure they are achieving the objectives of the API platform.