Microservices architecture and its advantages in software development

Microservices are a widely adopted approach in software development. Their flexibility and scalability have made them a go-to choice for cloud-based applications.

What are microservices?

Microservices are a software development model in which an application is broken down into multiple small, independent, and specialized services, each responsible for a specific function. This approach emerged as companies began to deconstruct monolithic applications into more manageable components. For instance, instead of handling the payment system within an entire e-commerce platform, a dedicated microservice could be created solely for processing transactions.

Microservices are ideal for building scalable applications, making them well-suited for complex, ever-evolving projects. Their modular architecture allows each service to be deployed and updated independently, enabling faster adaptation to new requirements.

Microservices are used to migrate websites to the cloud, develop standalone services for payments and order processing, modernize data analysis and processing systems, and manage multimedia files (e.g., videos and images) at scale.

Microservices vs. monolithic architectures

Microservices architecture contrasts with traditional monolithic architecture, where all software components are integrated into a single structure. A monolithic system is made up of interconnected codebases functioning as a whole. This means any change or update requires modifying the entire application, which can lead to downtime.

Meanwhile, in a microservices architecture, decentralized data management (data mesh) allows each service to operate independently and be updated without disrupting the rest of the system. These services are often aligned with specific business areas and have clearly defined limits — bounded contexts — allowing each component to have its own distinct functional scope.

Characteristics of microservices

Microservices have several defining features:

Independence. Each service can be developed, deployed, and scaled separately.
Flexible data management. While some microservices may share a database, it’s more common for each to have its own.
API-based communication. Microservices interact with each other through APIs (application programming interfaces).
Parallel development. Programming teams can work on different microservices simultaneously without interference, improving operational efficiency.
Safety. Microservices use security measures like TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data exchanged between services, helping prevent unauthorized access.
Containerization. Microservices typically run in containers — self-contained environments that package everything the service needs to operate. This makes them portable and easy to scale as demand grows. Tools like Kubernetes, an open-source platform for managing containerized applications, help orchestrate and control these environments.

Each microservice provides a specific function within the application, allowing changes to be made without impacting the entire system

Pros and cons of using microservices

Microservices offer a number of advantages, including:

Scalability. Each microservice can be scaled independently based on its own demand.
Technological flexibility. Different programming languages and technologies can be used across services.
Resilience. If one microservice fails, the rest of the system can continue operating with minimal disruption.
Independent development and deployment. Teams can work on separate services without interfering with one another.
Agility. Microservices foster small, autonomous teams that take full ownership of their services. This leads to faster development cycles and greater potential for innovation.
Simplified deployment. Microservices support continuous integration and delivery, making it easier to test new ideas, roll back changes quickly (if needed), and reduce the cost of failure — all while speeding up time to market.

Despite these benefits, microservices do have some drawbacks. They require a more complex infrastructure since each service must be managed independently. Communication between services can become harder to coordinate, especially as the number of services increases. Monitoring, testing, version control, and deployment can also become more challenging.

That’s why having the right tools, solid development practices, and close coordination between teams is essential. With proper planning and the use of modern technologies, these challenges can be tackled, enabling the creation of systems that are more flexible, scalable, and resilient.

Interlake Mecalux’s Easy DOM is built on a microservices architecture

Microservices architecture example:

Easy DOM is an Interlake Mecalux software solution that optimizes the selection of order fulfillment points across a network of warehouses and distribution centers. It’s built natively in the cloud and deployed on a microservices architecture to run on a Kubernetes platform.

Unlike traditional monolithic applications, this Interlake Mecalux system is structured as a collection of microservices. Each microservice performs a specific function and is decoupled from the others, allowing it to be developed, deployed, and scaled independently.

Kubernetes serves as the orchestration platform that efficiently manages all deployed services. It ensures that each microservice operates correctly, handles inter-service communication, and oversees the full lifecycle of the containers running the microservices.

Microservices: A new era for applications

Microservices architecture marks a major shift in modern software development, offering key advantages such as scalability, flexibility, and resilience. While its implementation presents certain technical and organizational challenges, the benefits are significant. Microservices transform systems into more agile, adaptable structures, making it easier to update them and respond to the ever-evolving demands of today’s digital landscape.

Solutions like Interlake Mecalux’s Easy DOM are a prime example of how this model can deliver more dynamic, robust technologies to meet the challenges of the digital age. Moving to microservices not only enhances application architecture but also drives innovation and improves companies’ ability to adapt. Want to know how Interlake Mecalux’s microservices-based software solutions can future-proof your business? Get in touch — we’ll help you take the next step toward digital transformation.