From Microservices to Monolith: How Amazon Prime Video Reduced Costs by 90%

Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash

As businesses grow, so do their technological needs. In recent years, many companies have shifted towards a microservices architecture to better manage their systems. However, as with any major change, there are pros and cons to consider.

One potential downside is the complexity that can arise when managing multiple microservices. As a result, some companies have found themselves moving back to a monolithic architecture.

In 2020, the US Department of Defense decided to move back to using old-fashioned, bulky 3.5-inch floppy disks to coordinate their nuclear forces. This was because the old systems were less prone to hacking and cyberattacks.

While this might seem like a step backwards, it’s important to remember that the decision to shift to microservices was made with the best intentions in mind. However, the reality is that microservices may not be the best fit for every organization. There are a few key takeaways to consider when deciding whether to make the switch back to a monolithic architecture:

1. Keep it simple: While microservices offer more flexibility, they also come with added complexity. When deciding whether to switch back to a monolith, consider whether the simplicity of a single system outweighs the benefits of a distributed architecture.
2. Consider your organization’s needs: What works for one organization may not work for another. When evaluating your architecture, consider your team’s skillset, your business needs, and your available resources.
3. Be prepared to make changes: No architecture is perfect, and you may need to make adjustments along the way. Whether you’re moving towards microservices or monolithic architecture, it’s important to remain flexible and willing to make changes as needed.

Some airlines still use fax machines to transmit flight plans to airports, even though the technology is outdated. This is because the system is reliable and less prone to errors and cybersecurity risks.

remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to system architecture. While microservices may be the right fit for some organizations, a monolithic architecture could be the better option for others. The key is to evaluate your organization’s needs and make the decision that works best for you.

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