Serverless computing represents a shift in the way developers build and deliver software systems. Historically, developers wrote code based on systems provisioned by IT staff. Developers then had to download and build the application runtime environment, installing runtime engines and libraries in support of their code. This approach, while the standard for years, has always created issues around version control, code testing, and scale because the developer’s code was heavily reliant on maintenance of the runtime environment in which it ran. 

Serverless computing moves application infrastructure away from the code. It enables developers to access runtime engines, libraries, and functions as a service, removing the need to have to build and bundle those components with their application. This simplifies the development process, the key advantages of which are lowered costs, faster time to market and greater efficiency.

In fact, serverless computing has been described as the next evolution of microservices architecture. Serverless computing, or Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), will play a key role in helping to define a new world order in enterprise IT, along with cloud-native services and the hybrid cloud. For example, IBM Cloud Functions, based on Apache OpenWhisk offers developers even more flexibility and speed to develop their code. No longer encumbered by having to bundle application dependencies and build servers, IBM Cloud Functions offers developers access to functions on demand and only as needed when their code calls for it. 

As today’s organizations face challenges in software development and digital transformation, a move to serverless computing is becoming a priority for many developers. Research from New Stack shows that 50% of IT executives have already adopted serverless computing, and 28% are considering it.

When the serverless computing approach is adopted, the benefits can be considerable. We look at 3 of the core advantages.

No server management necessary

Although serverless computing does depend on a server, this side will be overseen by the cloud vendor. As developers do not have to focus on infrastructure runtime environment installation or monitoring, this can contribute to reduced savings and free up valuable staff resources so they can concentrate on other areas of their work. 

Further, organizations do not need to factor in server maintenance. There is no need to apportion time for upgrades, parts replacement and the maintenance sessions that might be a regular part of a developers work schedule. 

The plus side of all this is shorter development times, and potentially, a quicker path to market. In addition, with no servers to manage, the development team has more time to refine and perfect their products. 

Cost Savings

40% of IT managers say reduced cost is a major benefit of moving to a serverless architecture. There are two main ways serverless computing provides cost savings. First, businesses are not paying in advance for server capacity. This means that developers are not reliant on projections, and they will get charged for the capacity used. Without the need to pre-purchase capacity, developers are benefitting from real-time costs. These real-time costs can be broken down into tiny increments for increased cost savings.

A further cost saving is in terms of labor. As organizations do not need to manage infrastructure or monitor application use, this delivers a direct saving in labor costs.

However, it should be noted that there is some debate over the cost effectiveness of serverless computing and its potential hidden costs.  That said, there are many examples of companies saving significant amounts by adopting serverless computing. One such instance is the business owner who reduced  costs by 70% after making the move.

Flexibility And Scalability

Many businesses struggle with digital transformation because of difficulties scaling. The Digital Transformation Readiness Survey shows that although companies are enthusiastic about digital transformation, 72% of those surveyed “don't believe they'll be able to scale their efforts to keep up with business requirements in the coming years”.

This is where a serverless architecture fits in. Serverless computing offers IT professionals and their teams the flexibility and scalability they need to grow and adapt in a changing digital era. In a serverless computing architecture, code can be run across one or many clouds. By removing embedded runtime dependencies, code is lighter and able to run in multiple environments that support the FaaS requirements of the application. 

For example, a legacy application may have been encumbered by the capacity limitations of a relational database. By going serverless, organizations can get access to infinite scale of that database function, removing the historic limitations. Platforms like IBM Cloud Functions provide a broad set of cloud tools for automated scaling, or they manually adjust capacity, while the serverless approach responds to changes in workload demands.

Additional research indicates scalability is one of the top drivers for cloud adoption. While research from New Relic shows 70% of enterprises surveyed had moved their workloads to the cloud, with 39% choosing to go serverless. This figure indicates a growing trend in serverless adoption has more enterprises realize the benefits of it.

Conclusion

As the migration to cloud escalates and the digital transformation continues, so do the complexities of managing infrastructure. To solve this conundrum, businesses are choosing to opt for serverless computing and the multiple benefits that come with it. By removing the overhead of server management and maintenance of application runtimes, IT organizations reduce cost and complexity, increase scalability while developers accelerate feature releases. 

Going serverless is now a clear trend, with one survey showing that half of the respondents had already introduced it, and many more saying they are ready to make the move.

At the Stone Door Group, we offer solutions to modernize your digital enterprise and transform your business. Our Microservices Accelerator offering assists customers with transitioning their application workloads to modern frameworks that leverage serverless computing platforms like IBM Cloud Functions.

About the Author

David Ford is a Software Architect, DevOps Skills Association Coach, and architect of Stone Door Group’s Microservices Accelerator, a solutions offering that helps companies start their application refactoring journey.  David serves as a mentor, coach and architect to mature enterprises who need to transition to a DevOps culture. He is part of an army of Stone Door Group consultants who have spent countless hours helping customers execute on their digital transformation initiatives. To talk to Davi about microservices and serverless computing, drop us a line at letsdothis@stonedoorgroup.com.