Microservices: Fast and flexible integration of applications

Faster time-to-market and increased flexibility - these are the greatest advantages of a microservice architecture. Applications can be quickly integrated and deployed. Unwanted or obsolete applications are shut down or replaced with better services.

With Microservices, the application software consists of independent subtasks that communicate with each other via application programming interfaces (APIs). These applications (microservices) are usually decoupled and perform a dedicated task. This procedure allows a service to be built modularly. Applications must be designed in such a way that they cover all aspects of a solution – from the user interface to the database.

Traditionally, most IT infrastructures are built on a monolithic concept, i.e. on an architecture that can be described as “the big picture”. In a monolithic architecture, the applications are mapped in a single homogeneous unit. This homogeneous unit can be advantageous, but with large, complex solutions it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the application, continue to develop it or significantly change the individual applications.

By focusing on individual services, microservice-based software is much less complex in its elements than a monolithic architecture. The microservice approach also facilitates software maintenance and updating. New services can be developed and deployed faster. If a microservice malfunctions, the entire application – e.g. E-Commerce platform – is not immediately paralyzed.  Microservices are also easier to scale than monolithic applications. Other advantages include:

• Adaptability
• Easier distribution of development work among several teams
• Subdivision of complexity
• Modularisation
• Autonomization