Kong Tops Forrester API Management Wave, Eyes AI Control Plane Expansion
Event summary
- Kong named a Leader in Forrester's Q3 2026 API Management Software Wave
- Forrester highlights Kong's vision for expanding API management into an AI control plane
- Kong AI Gateway 2.0 launched with production-ready runtime and governance capabilities
- Acquisition of OpenMeter cited for customizable AI usage analytics and monetization
- GSI partners report growing demand for Kong implementations
The big picture
Kong's leadership position comes as enterprises increasingly need to manage AI agents as a new class of API consumers. The company is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional API management and emerging AI governance needs, particularly around cost control and security for LLM workloads. This recognition validates Kong's strategy of acquiring specialized capabilities (like OpenMeter) to enhance its platform while maintaining strong customer support and performance metrics.
What we're watching
- AI Governance Dynamics
- How Kong's LLM governance policies will differentiate it in the crowded API management space
- Market Adoption Pace
- Whether enterprises will rapidly adopt AI control plane concepts as they modernize infrastructure
- Competitive Positioning
- How Kong's AI-focused strategy will impact its standing against traditional API management competitors
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