Why is rate-limiting implemented by organizations?

Rate-limiting is implemented by organizations primarily to improve security and efficiency. By controlling the number of requests a user can make to a server in a specified timeframe, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of abuse, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, where an attacker overwhelms a service with excessive requests. This protective measure helps ensure that legitimate users have a fair opportunity to access resources without degradation of service.

Furthermore, rate-limiting contributes to overall network efficiency by managing the load on servers. It helps in maintaining service performance and availability during peak traffic times by preventing any single user or service from monopolizing server resources. This balancing act not only secures the system but also optimizes resource use, leading to a better experience for all users.

While enhancing user interfaces and facilitating marketing strategies may be relevant to organizational goals, they are not the primary reasons for the implementation of rate-limiting. The main focus remains on safeguarding the system and ensuring efficient operations.