The term Microservices was originally coined in 2011. Since then it has been on the radars of modern development organizations.  In the following years, software architecture has gained traction in various IT circles. According to a survey, the enterprises which used microservices were around 36 percent while 26 percent were thinking to include it in the future.

So, why exactly should you use microservices your company? There has to be something unique and more rewarding in it that can compel you to leave your traditional architecture in favor of it. Consider the following reasons to decide for yourself.

Enhance Resilience

Microservices can help to decouple and decentralize your complete application into multiple services. These services are distinct because they operate independently and are separate from each other. As opposed to the conventional monolithic architecture in which code failure can disrupt one function or service, there are little to no possibilities a single service failure to affect another. Moreover, even if you have to do maintain code for multiple systems, it will not be noted by your users.

More Scalability

In a monolithic architecture, when developers have to scale a single function, they have to tweak and adjust other functions as well. Perhaps, one of the biggest advantages of microservices is the scalability which it brings to the table. Since all the services in microservices architecture are separate, therefore it is possible to scale one service or function without having to worry about scaling up the complete application. You can deploy critical business services on different servers to improve the performance and availability of your application whereas your other services remain unaffected.

Right Tool for the Right Task

Microservices ensure that a single vendor does not make you pigeonholed. It can help you to infuse greater flexibility for your projects so rather than trying to make things work with a single tool, you can instead look up for the right tool which can fit your requirements. Each of your services can use any framework, programming language, technology stack, or ancillary services. Despite this heterogeneousness, they can still communicate and connect easily.

Promotion of Services

In microservices, there is no need to rewrite and adjust the complete codebase if you have to change or incorporate a new feature in your application. This is because microservices are ‘loosely coupled’. Therefore, you only have to modify a single service if it is required. The strategy to code your project in smaller increments can help you to test and deploy them independently. In this way, you can promote your services and application quickly, as soon as you complete one service after another.

Maintenance and Debugging

Microservices can help you to test and debug applications easily. The use of smaller modules via continuously testing and delivery means that you can create applications from bugs and errors, thereby improving the reliability and quality of your projects.

Better ROI

With microservices, your resource optimization is instantly improved. They allow different teams to operate by using independent services. As a result, the time needed to deploy is reduced. Moreover, the time for development is also significantly decreased while you can achieve greater reusability as well for your project. The decoupling of services also means that you do not have to spend much on high-priced machines. You can use the standard x86 machines as well. The efficiency which you get from microservices can minimize the costs of infrastructure along with the downtime.

Continuous Delivery

While working with a monolithic architecture, dedicated teams are needed to code discrete modules like front-end, back-end, database, and other parts of the application. On the other hand, microservices allow project managers to add cross-functional teams in the mix who can manage the application lifecycle through a delivery model which is entirely continuous in nature. When testing, operations, and development teams use a single service at the same time, debugging and testing is quickened and made easier. This strategy can help you to develop, test, and deploy your code ‘continuously’. Moreover, you do not have to write new code, instead, you can write code with the help of the existing libraries.

Considerations before Deciding to Use Microservices

If you have decided to use a microservices-based architecture, then review the following considerations.

The State of Your Business

To begin with, you have to think if your business is big enough that it warrants your IT team to work on complex projects independently. If you are not, then it is better to avoid microservices.

Assess the Deployment of Components

Analyze the components and functions of your software. If there are two or more components which you deploy in your project which are completely separate from each other in terms of business processes and capabilities, then it is a wise option to use microservices.

Decide if Your Team Is Skilled for the Project

The use of microservices allows project managers to use smaller teams for development that are well-skilled in their respective expertise. As a result, it helps to quickly generate new functionalities and release it.

Before you adopt the microservices architecture, you have to make sure that your team members are well positioned to operate with continuous integration and deployment. Similarly, you have to see if they can work in a DevOps culture and are experienced enough to work with microservices. In case, they are not good enough yet, you can focus on creating a group who is able to fulfill your requirements to work with microservices architecture. Alternatively, you can also hire experienced individuals to make up a new team.

Define Realistic Roadmap

Exponential scaling is the key to success. Despite the importance of businesses to be agile, it is not necessary for all businesses to scale. If you feel that complexity cannot help you much, then it is better to avoid a microservices architecture. You have to decide on some realistic goals about how your business is going to operate in the future to decide if the adoption of microservices architecture can reap your benefits.