Should your business go serverless?

Businesses are constantly looking for new ways to improve the development process and deliver more value to users. Serverless architecture is one such approach that offers a number of benefits over traditional server-based infrastructure, including better scalability, greater flexibility, faster time to market, and more cost-effective software development.
 

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What is serverless architecture?

Serverless computing provides backend services on demand, so developers can write and deploy code without worrying about infrastructure. Serverless vendors charge users based on usage, not server count or bandwidth. This pay-as-you-go model is a core tenet of cloud computing, and it allows developers to only pay for the services they use.
 
Serverless computing, also known as Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), allows developers to write and execute functions without managing infrastructure. A typical serverless computing process goes like this:
 
1. Developers write functions to fulfill specific needs in their application code.
2. Next, developers define an event that triggers the cloud service provider to execute the function.  A common type of event is an HTTP request.
3. The event is triggered, which in the case of an HTTP request, comes in the form of a click.
4. The function is executed, and the cloud provider executes the function, starting a new instance if necessary.
5. The cloud provider returns the result to the user in the application.

What are the benefits of going serverless?

Partnering with a cloud computing services provider for serverless architecture integration offers a number of benefits:

Cost savings

Serverless architecture can significantly reduce infrastructure costs for startups with low-traffic websites. By paying for only what you use, you can cut backend resource and maintenance costs significantly, freeing up your team to focus on building solutions. This, in turn, can increase ROI and reduce costs across all operations.

Scalability

Serverless applications can automatically scale to handle fluctuating traffic, thanks to containers. When a function needs to be executed on multiple instances, servers are started, run, and stopped as needed. This allows serverless applications to handle large numbers of requests seamlessly. As a result, businesses that prioritize traffic often prefer serverless architecture for its scalability.

Security

Serverless security has grown more robust in recent years, with providers taking responsibility for server patching and updates. Leading providers have dedicated teams that ensure their servers are secure and up-to-date.
 
At the application level, function-specific security can be applied to ensure that each function has unique access points, permissions, and system-wide privileges. This precise control helps to prevent specific functions from impacting or inadvertently invoking other parts of the platform.

Quick deployments and updates

Serverless infrastructure eliminates the need for developers to upload code to servers and configure backends before releasing an application version. This means that developers can quickly deploy new code and features, and customers can access them in near real time.

How to know if going serverless is for you

Whether or not your business should go serverless depends on your specific needs and requirements. However, for businesses that are looking to improve their development process, deliver more value to users, and reduce costs, serverless architecture can be a great option.
 
If you are considering a move to serverless architecture, it is important to carefully evaluate your needs and choose a cloud provider that offers the right services and features for your business. You should also work with a qualified cloud architect to develop a serverless architecture that is tailored to your specific needs.
 
With careful planning and execution, serverless architecture can help your business to achieve its goals and deliver a better experience for your customers.
 
If you are interested in learning more about serverless architecture and how it can benefit your business, please contact SimplyClouds for a consultation.