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Serverless Application Architecture: Introduction

Cloud-based app development uses features from cloud platforms to build scalable applications using cloud app services over the Internet. Serverless application architecture is a cloud-based code execution model where the cloud provider handles all the backend resources.

Serverless computing is on the rise, with businesses extensively demanding it. It has been stated that more than 50% of companies will switch to serverless architecture by 2025.

What Is Serverless Application Architecture?

Serverless architecture outlines a technique for businesses to create and execute apps without having to handle infrastructure management. It offers a solution to relieve your workload of the duties associated with architecture, such as provisioning, scaling, and maintenance. You pay for what you use with automatic scaling.

Amazon Web Services has experienced significant growth since the creation of this new technology (AWS). According to a recent survey, 40% of firms have implemented serverless architecture. The key drivers of adoption are reduced costs, scalability, developer efficiency, and other factors.

How Serverless Application Architecture Works

It is defined as a model where a third party handles all the servers and backend, which includes databases, security, storage, etc. The company does not have to deal with any infrastructure, which enables them to focus on other integral parts. Enterprises develop as well as deploy their applications on a server hosted by a third party, which handles all the logistics and backend support. Service providers, such as AWS, Google, and IBM, take all the management and maintenance. Serverless application architecture is also sometimes referred to as “function-as-a-service.”

How Serverless Architecture Works

Serverless computing is only charged when used, usually triggered by some event. It depends on the operation, the time it takes, the number of resources it’s using, the amount of code that must be run, etc. It does not have a monthly/yearly fee and is also purely based on the actions triggered by any request.

The customer has to develop the business logic and write the code, which is then uploaded. The provider then takes care of the rest, i.e., hardware management, processes like multi-threading, allocation of virtual machines, etc.

No wonder this model is in such demand as it reduces the technical load on the client by tons and helps make efficient, quick, as well as scalable applications!

Understanding Serverless Application Architecture Better

There are a few terms that one must keep in mind to understand serverless architecture better:

  • Backend as a service: Cloud service model that involves outsourcing all the backend of an application, which handles tasks like cloud storage, authentication, etc.
  • Container: It’s an abstraction layer that packages code and its dependencies. Multiple containers can be run together; it helps to promote isolation.
  • Event-driven architecture: This type of architecture uses events to set off a trigger, enabling communication between the microservices.
  • Cold start: In serverless application architecture, it refers to the latency or time delay when a function is first triggered or triggered after a long period of inactivity.
  • Concurrency limit: The number of function instances that can run simultaneously in a region pre-decided by the cloud provider.
  • Timeout: Maximum time the provider allows a function to run before terminating it.

Serverless Architecture Applications

Serverless architecture excels in handling ephemeral tasks and accommodating fluctuating or erratic workloads. Recognized paradigms for implementing serverless systems comprise:

  1. Event-Driven: Operations Activities initiated by end-users that precipitate an event or a cascade of events suit the serverless model impeccably. Consider a scenario wherein a user’s registration action initiates a modification in the database. This alteration subsequently prompts a function to dispatch a welcome email. A series of interconnected serverless functions can seamlessly oversee these backend activities.
  2. REST API Construction: Integrating Amazon API Gateway with serverless functions facilitates the crafting of scalable REST APIs, adaptable to dynamically changing requirements.
  3. Deferred Task Execution: Serverless functions prove instrumental in performing non-interactive, background tasks like data rendering or video transcoding post-upload, with no negative impact on application responsiveness or user experience.
  4. Security Audits: Upon instantiation of a new containerized environment, serverless functions can be programmatically triggered to scrutinize the system for potential security gaps or flaws. Moreover, these functions can be deployed as a fortified method for secure shell (SSH) verification and multi-factor authentication procedures.
  5. Automated CI/CD Workflow: Serverless infrastructures can mechanize diverse stages of Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery workflows. For instance, a code repository update can stimulate a serverless function to generate a new software build, while a pull request can instigate an automated test sequence.

A phased adoption approach is commonly exercised, as developers incrementally transfer specific components of their application to a serverless framework while retaining others on conventional servers. Given the modular nature of serverless architecture, additional functions can be conveniently incorporated as new needs emerge. This flexibility allows for an evolutionary transition to serverless systems, facilitating organizational agility and efficient resource utilization.

Top Benefits Of Serverless Architecture

1. Zero Responsibility For Server Management

The basis of serverless architecture is that the servers your application will use are handled by a third-party such as a cloud provider. This helps you to focus on other aspects, such as the front end and user experience.

2. Scalable

There is a significant risk in investing in serverless architecture on your own for your applications, as you never know initially what the outcome will be. Purchasing and maintaining servers can be heavy on resources, and expanding becomes more tedious when you want to develop your application. If you opt for serverless application architecture, you won’t have to worry about these factors, and scalability becomes easier.

How Serverless Architecture Works

3. Cost-Effective

One of the most significant advantages of this kind of serverless architecture is the different areas where it helps to save money while providing the same quality of service. In traditional architecture, one needs to be safe and purchase extra servers in case of downtime or performance bottlenecks. Serverless application architecture only charges you when it’s being used, i.e., when an event is triggered, which thus results in you paying only for the services you use.

The cloud provider also takes maintenance, and businesses don’t need to worry about hiring a specific team just for this purpose. This saves human resource costs also.

4. Deployment Time Is Significantly Reduced

A significant amount reduces the time taken for the product to reach the market as the development environment is set up more efficiently, and there is no pressure from the backend side. The features are also shipped faster to the user, who receives the updates more quickly.

Challenges Of Serverless Architecture

1. Vendor Lock-In

Outsourcing the backend support to a third-party requires complete faith and trust in the vendor. You say get’s very limited, and you must rely on them for every service. If there is any problem, you can’t solve it on your terms and in a fast manner. You need to wait patiently for the service provider to solve it. Switching from one provider to another, from AWS Lambda to Azure, is also tricky.

2. Debugging & Testing

For debugging and testing the application, it is essential to know how the backend works and where the error occurs. In serverless architecture, this is difficult to see completely. Integration tests are also more complex since the environment is tough to replicate.

Serverless Architecture: Challenges

3. Security Risks

Multiple clients access the server at the same time. There is a risk of a lack of data abstraction, and data can be compromised due to some fault in the infrastructure.

4. Steep Learning Curve

Understanding and learning about FaaS (Function as a service) can be pretty tricky and complicated despite the number of resources that are available on the Internet. Also, for implementing the serverless architecture, one needs to break the monolith structure into microservices which requires expertise and help from professionals to break it down smoothly.

Serverless Architecture Vs Container Architecture

Containers are lightweight and portable and run anything, from a small microservice to an extensive application. These contain all the codes for running it independently, from binary files to executables.

Some points with respect to which this type differs from serverless architecture are:

1. Longevity

In serverless, functions are triggered by an event. These are invoked for a short period of time and die after execution. The benefit is that it pushes apps to production faster. In container architecture, the containers are always running and do not die even after execution. They run for a prolonged period of time.

2. Supported Host Environments

Serverless architecture runs on particular hosting platforms provided mainly by cloud providers such as AWS Lambda. Container architecture can run on operating systems such as Windows and Linux servers.

3. Running Locally

Serverless architecture cannot be run locally. It becomes highly complex to run it outside a public cloud platform. Container architecture can run on your local computers, and setting up its development environment on your workstation is easier.

4. Latency

In serverless architecture, the function invocation time is higher. You might face latency issues if multiple users try to access the same service. Containers have a much lower latency time. You need to send an HTTPS request, and also you’ll immediately get a response.

5. Cost

Serverless architecture is biller according to how you use it. Container architecture engines are open source and thus can be deployed on your local environment and run for free.

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Serverless Application Architecture: What Does Markovate Do?

It’s evident how shifting to serverless architecture can boost your business and take care of all the application backend support.

Markovate, as a cloud app development company, exploits its potential to the maximum to encompass as many services as possible. We provide deep expertise and professionals who offer adaptable and secure solutions using leading-edge technologies. Using Markovate’s experts, cloud integration can help ensure data security, zero downtime, and fault tolerance. We also provide API integration, data analytics, and end-to-end development services. Our various models can be adopted per your needs and requirements, whichever suits your business model the best. Our cloud app development follows several processes, from wireframing to testing and support, to ensure you have the best solution possible!

Serverless Application Architecture: FAQs

1. What are the four core components of serverless development?

The four core components of serverless development are FaaS (Function As A Service), BaaS (Backend As A Service), API Gateway, as well as the database.

2. Why can serverless architectures on clouds be functional in DevOps?

Serverless architecture for DevOps can be beneficial as it provides greater scalability, more flexibility, and a quicker time to release, all at a reduced cost.

3. Why serverless is the future?

Yes, serverless architecture is the future, as the companies already adopted it have observed agility, operational benefits, and cost saving. Thus, no wonder more and more companies are shifting to this model to increase their business functionality.

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Rajeev-Profile-Picture

I’m Rajeev Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of Markovate, an innovative digital product development firm with a focus on AI and Machine Learning. With over a decade in the field, I’ve led key projects for major players like AT&T and IBM, specializing in mobile app development, UX design, and end-to-end product creation. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Scrum Alliance certifications, I continue to drive technological excellence in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

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