Rebuffing 7 Myths of the Microservices Architecture

The relevance of microservices architecture in application development cannot be undermined. Today, a large number of applications developed by industry giants like Uber, Amazon, and Netflix have microservices architecture at their core that empowers them to deliver their services to the end-user in a seamless manner.

In fact, taking into account the present shape of the development infrastructure, it makes perfect sense to bank upon microservices. Microservices architecture brings along a wide array of benefits such as providing agility and flexibility in managing platforms, scalability, managing new virtualized service environments, and delivering value-added services along with providing self-service monitoring systems.

The big question remains whether or not developers and businesses are getting caught in the microservices hype! Have they been duped into buying an illusion?

Let’s dig through the facade and find out!

Myth 1: Microservices architecture is non-dependable since it’s a far cry from the traditional monolithic application

What has given rise to this speculation is that microservices use a non-conventional approach far different from the one used by monolithic applications. The general concern is that due to an altogether new approach, microservices isn’t robust enough to hold, especially when it comes to large-scale applications.

Despite the industry’s natural instinct to resist change, the truth remains that the age-old monolithic applications have outlived their utility. They no longer can keep up with the ever-growing and volatile service demands. Even making a small change in the monolithic application becomes a cumbersome process. Scaling is also a major issue as it requires replicating and scaling the entire application instead of a few service components which require more resources. Owing to such emerging issues, the operational, maintenance, and upgradation costs of monolithic applications are rising.

Fact: Microservices delivers the same functionality with more agility, openness, and above all, the freedom to incorporate changes as and when required. It uses a methodology specifically designed for creating applications which can be easily scaled and maintained as per requirement.

Myth 2: Monolithic applications can be easily converted to microservices

Fact: In reality, converting to microservices requires rewriting of the software architecture, something which is barely achievable with a monolithic application. To sum it up, the process of adopting microservices requires both time and effort since it involves gradually building a new application consisting of microservices and running it in conjunction with your monolithic application.

Myth 3: Microservices works only for Software as a Service (SaaS) applications

Fact: Although microservices provides a great way to build SaaS applications, it would be an overstatement to say that the benefits of microservices are limited to SaaS. There are numerous benefits like scalability and standardization associated with building on-premise applications using container-based microservices architectures.

Myth 4: Microservices is based on a much older idea, Service-oriented Architecture (SOA)

Fact: Although the concept of modularity, which forms the core of microservices architecture, has been around in the form of SOA for quite some time, the truth is that microservices has taken it to the next level. Microservices ensures more speed and agility by channelizing of services.

Unlike monolithic software applications, microservices segregates single functions, making updates easier and decentralizes control to help developers experiment quickly.

Myth 5: Microservices is uncomplicated

Fact: Although the microservices approach offers many advantages in comparison to the monolithic architecture, a developer should avoid making the cardinal mistake of assuming that it is completely devoid of complexities. For example, latency problems are run-of-the-mill in case of poorly-executed microservices.

Myth 6: Microservices and APIs are the same things

Fact: While APIs specify how software components should interact, microservices have a unique architectural approach to implement the services in a more efficient and scalable manner.

Myth 7: Microservices suits every application

Fact: Every application in an enterprise environment is not suitable for deployment of microservices. Specific technologies and business strategies must be considered before applying microservices architecture. Remember, going overboard with the concept can be detrimental and lead to wastage of time and effort.

Microservices: Dispelling Myths and Locating Value

A lot of prep work is required while planning to deploy microservices. The end-goals need to be identified and clearly communicated to the team. It would be unwise to venture into the domain of microservices architecture without proper planning.

By embracing microservices architecture, speed service delivery and agility will be achieved. It will also enhance collaboration across internal product and IT operations teams. What should be understood is that it takes time and practice to fully incorporate microservices.