Endconnects

Endconnects is a term used in software architecture to refer to the external connection points and interfaces through which a system or service connects to external components, services, or data sources. It encompasses endpoints, connectors, and adapters that expose or consume external capabilities.

The concept focuses on the external integration boundary of a system. Endconnects specify how data travels into and out of a service, including protocol choices, data formats, authentication requirements, and governance policies. They are distinct from internal wiring or messaging paths by emphasizing external interoperability and contractual relationships with partners, clients, or third-party services.

In practice, endconnects are described in architectural models and integration catalogs. They can be implemented as API endpoints (such as REST or GraphQL), message listeners, or data stream subscriptions. Each endconnect typically includes a contract (schemas or API specs), security requirements, versioning strategies, and reliability guarantees like retries or backpressure. Management practices often cover lifecycle, monitoring, and change control to minimize disruption.

Examples appear in microservices architectures where the public API surface and partner adapters constitute endconnects, and in integration platforms where external systems are mapped to internal services. While the term is used in some circles, it is not universally adopted and may overlap with conventional terms like endpoints, connectors, or adapters, potentially causing confusion.

See also: endpoints, connectors, adapters, API gateway, iPaaS, service mesh.