Technical supervision: Bartosz Szkiłądź

In the fast-paced world of software development, enterprises continually seek ways to improve flexibility, speed up delivery, and optimize operations. A recent discussion during Tidbits of Technology session at Clurgo, facilitated by a panel of seasoned software engineers, focused on one such transformative approach: migrating from a monolithic system to a microservices architecture. This marked the second session on the topic, emphasizing its critical nature and inherent complexities. Let’s recap the highlights of both discussion panels!

Understanding the Migration Landscape

The initial panel brought to light a fundamental truth: migration to microservices is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it offers significant advantages, such as faster startup times and reduced maintenance challenges, the transition is not without its challenges.

One of the primary benefits discussed was the ability to deliver changes independently, which can enhance the scalability of teams and the overall flexibility of the maintenance process. Teams can take on responsibilities for specific components or functionalities, leading to more streamlined operations.

However, before embarking on this migration, several key considerations need to be addressed:

• Identifying potential decision-making blockers within the organization.
• Assigning clear responsibilities for the analysis and supervision of the migration process.
• Determining who will serve as the domain expert.
• Ensuring compliance with existing industry standards.

After the discussion, we decided to dig a bit deeper into the topic and ask our engineers about their experience. Here are some insights based on a survey conducted among the Clurgo team:

1. Starting with Microservices: A significant majority, 70.6%, believe it is possible to start a new project immediately with a microservices architecture, aligning with the industry’s movement towards more granular and scalable solutions.
2. Textbook Microservices: An overwhelming 82.4% of engineers contested the notion of a “textbook” microservices architecture, recognizing the need for bespoke solutions tailored to specific business and technical requirements.
   
3. Technology Diversity: Another 82.4% see the rationale in deploying microservices using different technologies, underscoring the method’s flexibility and the possibility of leveraging the best tools for specific tasks.
4. Monolithic Vulnerability: In the context of security, 47.1% of respondents view monolithic architectures as more susceptible to vulnerabilities, while 35.3% believe that vulnerability is irrespective of the architecture, suggesting that security concerns remain a crucial consideration regardless of the chosen framework.
   

   Not Suitable for Everyone

   During the discussion that followed, it was reiterated that microservices are not suitable for all organizations. Concerns were particularly raised about potential blockers in decision-making processes and the need to clearly define responsibilities.

   The benefits of such a migration include independent deployment of changes, scalability of teams, and maintenance flexibility. Yet, the conversation also highlighted the importance of teams taking responsibility for individual components or functionalities.

   Pre-Migration Considerations

   Before moving to microservices, organizations must consider who will act as the domain expert and whether specific industry standards are in place. It’s crucial to analyze these elements to avoid common pitfalls associated with such a significant architectural shift.

   Moreover, migrating can resolve issues like slow system startups or maintenance challenges. However, this doesn’t come without the need for a thoughtful, well-planned approach to ensure alignment with the organization’s specific needs.

   The Microservices Debate: Resilience and Flexibility

   The discussion touched on the potential vulnerabilities and security impacts of microservices, noting that managing these risks might be more challenging due to the dispersed nature of services across various repositories. The conversation also explored the need for a shift in mindset when working with microservices—how it affects system architecture and project management.

   Participants discussed architectural patterns like SAGA and CQRS within the microservices context, weighing their advantages and drawbacks. Another crucial topic was resilience tools, sparking debates on which tools are most effective and how to implement them properly.

   

   Diversity in Technologies and Languages

   The flexibility of microservices to incorporate diverse languages and libraries can facilitate innovative solutions but requires careful consideration of the organizational context. For smaller projects, consistency in technology might be preferred for easier maintenance, while larger projects might justify using different technologies if there’s a clear, justified need.

   Architecture to Align with the Business Needs

   While the benefits of microservices are clear, they come with their own set of challenges that must be carefully managed. Adopting a microservices strategy requires thorough planning and implementation to address potential challenges that may arise.

   It’s important to remember that there is no “textbook architecture” for microservices; each organization must tailor its approach to meet specific business needs and adapt to evolving requirements. As we advance, the architecture must not only facilitate the work of developers but also align with the overarching business objectives.

   Ultimately, the decision to migrate to microservices should be driven by a deep understanding of both the business domain and the technical landscape, ensuring that any transition supports the organization’s goals without leading to technological debt or analytical paralysis. This balanced approach will allow companies to leverage the full potential of microservices while navigating the complexities they introduce.

   Are you facing challenges related to the architecture of your backend system? We are here to help! Schedule a consultation with a subject matter expert!