Serverless Architecture: What It Is, Pros, and Cons

Computing and network architecture are fundamental parts of any modern business. Data collection, processing, and distribution require a reliable way for businesses to manage their applications. This need makes it essential to have access to services for writing, deploying, and upgrading code at scale. 

With serverless architecture, businesses are discovering the cloud’s full potential and what it offers when it comes to delivery of service. 

What Is Serverless Architecture? 

Serverless architecture is a cloud-native deployment modethat allows businesses to build and run apps without actively managing servers. Modern serverless architecture also allows businesses to remotely host their software.  

With a serverless architecture, enterprise organizations can effectively compete without having to invest in developing in-house computing solutions. Developers who want to focus on their creative vision—without worrying about the underlying architecture—can use a serverless model to deploy and run their applications for end-users. 

How Does Serverless Architecture Work? 

Serverless architecture operates using a third-party application hosting model. This setup means the provider maintains and updates the equipment.  

By investing in serverless architecture, businesses can create and execute their visions in the cloud. The on-demand allocation of servers through virtualization means providers can offer powerful computing hardware at a low cost to their customers.  

Benefits of Using Serverless Architecture 

For many businesses, serverless architecture provides a way to scale reliably without worrying about investing in new resources. Not only is serverless architecture more cost-effective for everybody involved, but it also offers a dependable framework for growth. 

Reduced Operational Costs 

Costs associated with enterprise operations are something most companies continuously work to reduce.  

Serverless architecture allows businesses to lower operational costs by eliminating unnecessary overhead and wasted resources. Third-party services provide professional-level support combined with up-to-date services at a fixed budget. 

Reduced Development Costs 

 Just like operational costs, development costs can easily get out of control. The overhead can mean lost opportunities and a tarnished reputation. Serverless architecture allows developers to quickly build and audit their software, while making deployments cheaper and more efficient. 

Ability to Scale 

Growth is vital for businesses that want to compete, but creating new software comes with risks. Serverless architecture provides a means for businesses to discover new avenues for growth without relying on in-house investments. 

Easier Management 

With the oversight of how data is used, businesses can adjust and refine targets in real-time. Serverless architecture offers advantages to organizations that want to deploy to servers without taking on the workload. 

Disadvantages of Using a Serverless Architecture 

While it may come with some valuable benefits, there are also disadvantages to using serverless architecture in your environment. Taking the time to consider the consequences of using a managed service for your architecture will save you trouble in the long run. Potential issues include: 

Vendor Lock-In 

When it comes to technology, things are always changing. Companies can shut down, stop offering a core service, or increase their prices. This uncertainty can leave the businesses that rely on them with few options. It’s important to avoid a single point of failure when managing digital assets. 

One disadvantage of using a serverless architecture is it can result in vendor lock-in. Overreliance on a product or service for essential business functions can have a huge impact when something changes.  

Dependence on a cloud provider means it will have access to your valuable data and other digital assets, so when you want to do a migration, you will be at the provider’s mercy. 

Security Challenges 

Digital security is a crucial requirement when deciding which server architecture to use. Investing in the wrong areas can have tremendous consequences, including lost or stolen data, increased vulnerabilities, and a larger attack surface.  

A serverless architecture comes with its own security challenges, meaning decision-makers will have to consider where their investments are needed most. With a third-party managing your security services, you will still need to be aware of what they are doing with your data and whether it’s working for your business. 

Repetition  

For many organizations, simplicity is an important advantage that leads to fewer complications down the road. However, when common procedures and practices are abstract, things naturally become more complicated. 

Serverless architectures rely on a variety of cloud-computing components that must be isolated from one another. Although this offers an added layer of security, it also means certain assets need to be reproduced over and over. With this in mind, serverless architectures are not as efficient as they seem initially. 

Loss of Server and No In-Server   

For businesses that operate in the cloud, maintaining continuous service is vital. When things go wrong, it is necessary to get services up and running quickly. This process can be more difficult when using a managed service. 

A serverless architecture removes the local server from the production environment, meaning businesses cannot access it for maintenance or when issues occur. 

Implementation Drawbacks 

When deploying software, having a server that will not fail is essential. There is always a need to troubleshoot, update, or make small adjustments. If a managed provider doesn’t have a needed feature or function, it can be a huge setback. 

Serverless architecture might make it easier for businesses to implement their code, but there may be unexpected problems down the road. These problems can result in higher costs and service failures. 

There are many reasons why serverless architecture may not work for you. Having the right partner in place can make a huge impact on the outcome of your cloud deployments.  

How Does a Cloud Provider Work with Serverless Architecture?  

There are so many cloud providers, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you and your business. No two providers are the same. Cloud providers with a serverless architecture often offer support for code maintenance and execution on their platforms. 

Seagate Lyve Cloud works with a serverless architecture, allowing you to take full advantage of our storage as a service model.  

By partnering with multiple vendors, Seagate gives you a flexible, cost-effective, and secure data storage experience. We offer a unique approach to cloud storage by giving you tools to decrease the amount of time it takes to store—and collaborate on—data. 

Find out how serverless architecture works so you can take advantage of the benefits today. Explore Seagate Lyve Cloud’s application across different cloud environments, use cases, and more.