Here's a detailed summary of the key takeaways from the video transcription:
Rethinking Microservice Sizing
Avoid the "Shiny Object Syndrome"
- The industry has seen a trend of organizations trying to maximize the number of microservices, viewing it as an indicator of quality.
- However, the number of microservices alone does not necessarily reflect the value being delivered.
Consider the Context
- Decomposing a system into microservices should not be done in isolation; it needs to consider the specific context of the organization, such as team skills, business problems, operational profiles, and workload nature.
- Blindly adopting a "one-size-fits-all" approach to microservices can lead to over-complexity and lack of value.
Focus on the Right Sizing
- Microservice sizing should not be driven by the notion that "smaller is always better." The appropriate size depends on factors like:
- Operational complexity
- Resilience profile
- Consumption patterns and bottlenecks
- Business pressures
- Release frequency
- Team profiles
Evaluate the Return on Complexity
- When decomposing a system into microservices, consider the trade-off between the benefits (e.g., agility, scalability) and the increased complexity (e.g., operational overhead, troubleshooting challenges).
- Aim to find the right balance that maximizes the return on complexity for the organization.
Adopt a Value-Driven Approach
- Map out a "Value Map" to visualize where different services should be placed based on factors like business criticality, throughput, and change frequency.
- Use this map to guide the sizing and decomposition of microservices, focusing on the areas that will deliver the most value.
Expect Continuous Evolution
- Microservice decomposition should be viewed as an ongoing, iterative process, not a one-time event.
- Continuously collect data and insights from the running system to inform the right sizing and evolution of the microservice architecture.
Leverage Contextual Data
- Gather and analyze data on factors like performance, scaling, fault tolerance, and operational complexity to assess the effectiveness of the microservice sizing.
- Involve both architectural and operational teams in this data-driven approach to ensure the microservice decomposition aligns with the broader organizational needs.
By adopting a more contextual and value-driven approach to microservice sizing, organizations can avoid the pitfalls of the "shiny object syndrome" and build microservice architectures that truly deliver the desired benefits.