REST-like API for a site with the ability to launch applications only from the admin panel

Question

API

So there is a portal. It was decided to outsource some of the tasks, but the source codes will not be transferred to anyone. Therefore, there will be an API for third-party applications that will perform the necessary work.

One such application would be a website translator that would use the Google Translator API.
For example, data will be retrieved from the database using the link mydomain.com/api/catalog.getItemList.json . Further, the received data is translated and returned via the API back to the site and saved.

Now we need to figure out how to implement the ability to run such applications only by the portal administrator, i.e. from the administrative part (i.e. suspend the ability of the application developer to execute the application). I would like to hear your opinions on this matter.

PS I use Zend Framework.

Answer 1

And who is the initiator of the interaction? Admin? Or a third party service?
If the admin panel, then why do you need REST? Maybe the SOAP/XMLRPC architecture is more suitable for you?
the translator application is a SOAP server
; your admin panel is a SOAP client
. You can limit the launch of this or that functionality by banal authorization.