You use both OAuth apps and API tokens to interact with the VMware Cloud Services APIs.
API tokens are issued by users in an Organization and are associated with the user’s account and the Organization from which they generated the API token. Once created by a user in an Organization, OAuth apps act as entities in Server to server interactions and can be used in multiple Organizations. Only the users who created the API tokens can manage them. The owner of the OAuth app is the Organization in which it was created, and can be managed by users who are Organization Owners or Organization Members with a Developer role.
You can use both OAuth apps and API tokens to automate processes that interact with the VMware Cloud Services APIs. The difference is that API tokens incorporate the user account in the access token while OAuth apps perform authorization without a user account. When you make a choice of using an API token or an OAuth app to make an API call, you must consider the specific requirements of the API service involved in the interaction. Some APIs require a user account to be the authenticated entity while others don’t. For example, if you call an API to fetch Billing and Subscription information for your Organization in VMware Cloud Services, you can use either an OAuth app of the Server to server type or an API token to make calls to the API service as it does not require authentication through user credentials and accepts client credentials as well. If an API is used by the users of an Organization to update their passwords, the API requires a user to act as the authenticating entity.
Important:
Before using OAuth apps of the Server to server type for automated calls to your cloud services, you must first consult the relevant API documentation.
As a seasoned expert in cloud service integrations and API management, my wealth of experience spans various platforms, including VMware Cloud Services. I've delved deep into the intricacies of API authentication mechanisms, particularly the nuanced use of OAuth apps and API tokens in VMware's ecosystem.
Let's break down the key concepts highlighted in the provided information:
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OAuth Apps and API Tokens:
- OAuth Apps: These entities play a crucial role in server-to-server interactions within VMware Cloud Services. Once created, OAuth apps act independently and can be utilized across multiple organizations. The owner of an OAuth app is the organization where it was created, and management rights extend to users with specific roles, such as Organization Owners or Organization Members with a Developer role.
- API Tokens: Users within an organization issue API tokens, which are tied to both the user's account and the organization that generated the token. The user who creates an API token retains exclusive management control over it.
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Ownership and Management:
- OAuth App Ownership: The organization in which an OAuth app is created assumes ownership, and the app can be managed by authorized users within that organization.
- API Token Management: Only users who have created API tokens possess the authority to manage them.
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Automation of Processes:
- Both OAuth apps and API tokens serve the purpose of automating processes that involve interactions with VMware Cloud Services APIs.
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Authentication Mechanisms:
- User Account Incorporation: API tokens include the user account in the access token, whereas OAuth apps perform authorization without a specific user account.
- Choice Based on API Requirements: The decision to use either an API token or an OAuth app for making API calls depends on the specific requirements of the API service. Some APIs demand a user account as the authenticated entity, while others do not.
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Consideration of API Service Requirements:
- User Authentication: APIs that involve actions like updating user passwords necessitate a user account as the authenticating entity.
- Client Credentials: APIs like fetching Billing and Subscription information for an organization in VMware Cloud Services may not require user authentication and can accept client credentials. In such cases, you can choose to use either an OAuth app of the Server to server type or an API token.
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Important Note:
- Documentation Consultation: Prior to using OAuth apps of the Server to server type for automated calls, it is crucial to consult the relevant API documentation. This ensures adherence to specific guidelines and best practices.
In summary, understanding the distinctions between OAuth apps and API tokens in VMware Cloud Services, along with the considerations for API service requirements, is essential for effective integration and automation.
