HACKER Q&A
📣 FreyLoong

LLM Gateway vs. API Marketplace for Open Source Project


LLM Gateway vs. API Marketplace for Open Source Project


  👤 FreyLoong Accepted Answer ✓
Our team is building an open-source project focused on API enablement, but we're stuck choosing between two directions: an LLM Gateway or an API Marketplace. We’d love to hear your thoughts and advice!

API economies have shown potential, but it's unclear if there are enough API assets for widespread commercialization right now. On the other hand, while AI advancements are exciting, many businesses are still hesitant to fully integrate LLMs beyond surface-level applications. Would love to hear your thoughts on where we should focus!

Option 1: LLM Gateway

Designed for mid-to-large enterprises and AI-first companies, this simplifies multi-LLM integration, enables load balancing, and centralizes LLM call management for cost efficiency and compliance.

Features:

1. Support for multiple mainstream LLMs.

2. Automatic model switching.

3. Prompt management and protection.

4. Enterprise-level input/output filtering.

5. Token quota configuration, monitoring, and alerts.

6. More ...

Option 2: API Marketplace

Built for enterprises and independent developers to create their own API storefronts, enabling subscription-based API sales to internal/external developers.

Features:

1. Payment system integration.

2. User management for API consumers.

3. Custom landing pages for the marketplace.

4. More ...