Microservices vs. Monolithic Architecture: Compare Pros and Cons for Business

Microservices architectures are a significant software development trend that could have profound effects on not just enterprise IT but also the transformation of whole companies.

But what are the major differences between a microservices structure and a monolithic structure? In addition, when tech giants like Netflix, Google, and Amazon are moving towards microservices architectures, what are the advantages of microservices-based architectures?

Is Monolithic Architecture a Thing?

Monolithic architecture is the term used for a particular software model. The model is built as a single unit (otherwise called"a "monolith") and has the components tightly linked into an integrated unit. A monolithic computing system will utilise a single code base and runtime environment to build an application that is single-tiered. This means that many services, like APIs as well as databases, load balancers, load-balancing systems, and many more, can operate as a single, large application that is organised into various layers. However, all components, along with any other components that are associated with them, have to be in place for the software to be able to run.

Monolithic architecture is typically thought of as the best option for smaller applications that require quick and inexpensive deployment, but it's not as flexible and can be difficult to grow. We'll get into more detail about monolithic architecture's advantages and disadvantages later.

Examples of Monolithic Architecture

A typical monolithic-based application comes with a front-end interface, a server-side user interface, and a codebase (software-supporting database). If your requirements are minimal and you need a rapid turnaround, monolithic is the most obvious option.

A good example is if your company was a start-up with a lot of brilliant ideas but a lack of money. To get your business off the ground to scale and then get investors' attention, you'll have to get your product on the market in the shortest time possible.

In this scenario, a monolithic architecture is the way to go. It is possible to develop an application quickly without consuming too many resources. The monolithic architecture enables you to get your company functioning in a short time. You can also make time to improve and optimise your apps later on as you grow.

Monolithic architecture can be an option if you think your product doesn't require many future scales. In this instance, you can make things simple and affordable without going down in quality.

What is a Microservices-Based Architecture?

Microservices architecture is a new method of developing applications. Often referred to as microservices, this method makes a bigger application out of a variety of modular services that interact through APIs. These loosely connected, independently deployable services make use of independent databases and code and also have an underlying business objective. A team of individuals is usually accountable for every service in a microservices-based architecture. This allows for update deployment and testing, as well as scaling unique to each service, and results in an environment that is manageable in terms of level of complexity.

Microservices Examples

Microservices have a wide range of applications, but one typical one is the transformation of older systems.

Imagine that you're an established business with a cumbersome legacy system. You're looking to modernise and move your systems into the cloud, alter specific functions, or upgrade your digital infrastructure in a general manner.

Microservices are much better suited to handling the data demands of this kind than monolithic apps.

Pros and cons

Benefits of Monolithic Architecture

A monolithic application with a solid foundation offers many advantages. Here are some:

Monolithic architecture: Simple development is ideal if you need to build a complete app and launch it quickly.

A small group of people can quickly put together an executable application using the monolithic system. This is why monolithic architecture is ideal for small-scale startups with low budgets for software development.

It is easy to deploy. Monolithic architectures aren't as complicated as microservices. It is less prone to moving parts, meaning there are fewer components to handle and repair.

Easy testing and debugging Since the application is designed as a single unit and is integrated as a whole, you can carry out tests and debugging that are monolithic quickly and effortlessly using a central logging system.

Monolithic Architecture's Disadvantages

While you should not ignore the benefits of monolithic architecture, it's important to take into consideration the disadvantages too. If the disadvantages listed below of monolithic architecture could be problems for your company, then monolithic software is not the best choice for your business.

A lower scalability Because monolithic architecture software can be tightly linked, it may be difficult to grow. If you wish to introduce new features or if your codebase expands, it is necessary to take the whole of the architecture along with you.

Inability to change to new technology: As previously mentioned, monolithic applications are tightly connected. Consider a music app, for instance. The catalogue is linked to the play and purchase services.

Dependency between functions: Monolithic applications can also be prone to issues with software engineering and downtime due to their strict dependency.

Let's revisit the example of a music app. Because the play, catalogue, and buy functions are dependent on one another, when one function falls, all the other functions will also go down.

However, some users may need to listen to songs they already have in their library, which means they don't use the purchase function. If the function fails, the entire app will be inaccessible until the payment issue is addressed.

Benefits of Microservice Architecture

Microservices are a great option for them. There are several reasons why many businesses have chosen to utilise them to improve their capabilities in business:

In a microservices architecture, every service is created independently of its counterparts, and the business logic is distributed across multiple platforms. This means that workflows for one service do not affect the development of other services. In addition, resources like tools for development aren't tied to functions that aren't needed.

In addition, each service gets the complete focus of the individual team. This allows for quick and efficient independent development. This is followed by connecting the services.

Facilitates agile development: Since each service is created independently, You can select the appropriate tech stack or programming languages that will best suit the specific function. That means that the best tools can be utilised to develop each service. However, monolithic software architectures often force services into a single-size-fits-all model.

This type of flexibility allows applications to be created quicker and more effectively.

Reliable and flexible: We've discussed how monolithic technologies can be difficult to update and expand. This isn't the case with hybrid cloud microservices. Because of the functions' free coupling, it's possible to test, optimise, debug, and repair functions in isolation from each other.

Instead of putting the entire app down and then scaling every service separately, you can modify and update individual services when and as needed.

This loose coupling allows microservice architecture services to be more secure. One service that crashes doesn't bring down the entire application. If there's a problem with an API gateway, however, other services could continue to function independently.

Therefore, if we return to the example of a music app, even if the download and purchase functions fail, users will still be capable of accessing an interface and listening to the music they already have.

Update Your Single-Minded Application Using PerfectionGeeks

PerfectionGeeks can help you bring your monolithic applications to the next generation without requiring costly overhauls or large middleware. With PerfectionGeeks hybrid cloud-native technology, it allows you to incorporate the latest digital offerings, broaden your cloud strategy, modernise your existing architecture, and so on, keeping all the benefits of your monolith architecture and using the benefits of microservices!

Find out how PerfectionGeeks can help your company's digital transformation and meet the requirements of the future.

FAQs on monolithic applications

Is it possible to implement a mix of monolithic and microservices?

The short answer is that the hybrid approach, which blends the advantages of both microservices and monolithic architectures, is feasible.

In a hybrid architecture, specific components of the application are created and implemented as microservices; however, the main functionality is in a monolithic framework. Businesses can reap the advantages of monolithic and microservice structures.

How can we improve monolithic applications?

Although monolithic architectures do have a place, they're becoming overtaken by microservices. Many businesses are looking to take advantage of the flexibility offered by microservices; however, they aren't able to make the necessary changes because they rely on the monolithic applications they currently have.

Single functions are created as microservices, APIs, or other endpoints. These can be connected automatically to the elements of your previous system. They can be split into the functions and processes of your system to allow greater flexibility and modularity.

Are microservices' communications secure?

The security of communication between microservices relies on the design and implementation of communication methods. Although communications between microservices are not necessarily secure, security measures can be taken to safeguard information and ensure security.

A few key aspects to consider for secure communication between microservices include authentication and authorization as well as encryption and secure communication protocols, firewalls, segmentation of networks, and continuous surveillance and monitoring.

When deciding on a migration service provider, be aware of the security features they have to offer to ensure that your microservice connections are safe.