The Strangler Pattern: How To Free Your Backend From Monolithic Architecture and Install Microservices
3 Min Read
Monolithic backend architecture is a thing of the past. In a monolithic system, all components are part of a unified whole. If one aspect of the system goes down, the entire system goes down with it. Monolithic systems lack fault isolation, which makes identifying variables that create errors in a monolithic system very difficult and resource intensive.
The best way to bring backend capability into the present without ever losing functionality is to integrate microservices with the strangler pattern.
What is the Strangler Pattern?
The strangler pattern is a process by which an old legacy system is put behind an intermediary facade. Microservices are installed to incrementally take the place of the previous backend architecture without losing system operationality. The strangler pattern allows a modular update of monolithic systems. So, instead of a complete overhaul, the strangler pattern identifies which parts of the monolithic backend system can be replaced without loss of function and updates those parts systemically. The strangler pattern strangles off the old backend service by integrating new microservices where applicable.
Once all the legacy backend parts are replaced, the microservices take over the function of the previous backend system allowing for the legacy architecture to be retired.
Why is the Strangler Pattern the Best Way to Adopt Microservices Architecture?
The strangler pattern is a great option because it allows continued use of the backend system while it is being updated. Other options of microservice integration involve a full scale tear down and code rewrite of backend systems during which the backend will be inoperable. With the strangler pattern, the microservices are integrated and all modules rerouted without ever losing service.
The strangler pattern uses a wrapper or facade router to allow communication between the previous monolithic system and the various microservice updates. This facade router fields client requests that would have previously gone to the monolithic backend architecture and instead reroutes them to the appropriate microservice. The frontend works seamlessly, calling the backend as if the previous legacy monolithic architecture were still in place.
Let Corra Help You Migrate to a Microservices-Based Architecture
Strangling off a legacy system is complex. Legacy systems have certain dependencies and functionalities that cannot be altered without catastrophic results. Without a team in place to understand how microservices will integrate into legacy architecture, system downtime is very likely. That downtime is costly in both resources and customer relations.
Corra has over 20 years of experience in this field and our expert tech team will thoroughly engage with the legacy architecture to target the correct components and system intricacies when deciding how to implement the new microservices. Corra will create the new facade router and make sure to address any potential failures, such as security threats in the new microservice architecture.
Corra Will Have You Headed Towards a Successful Adoption of Microservices
Partnering with a trusted company to assist in your microservice transition is a must. An expert in the field, like Corra, is the best option to identify which variables can be removed or augmented by microservices to create the smoothest transition. Corra considers the size and functionality of systems to establish whether the strangler pattern is the best way to adopt microservices.
Corra will create your facade router to communicate between the legacy backend and your new microservice architecture. With our expertise, your service will be shepherded into the future while continuing maintenance and functionality of the previous backend system. As your modern stack grows and your microservice architecture flourishes, Corra will know when it is safe to retire the legacy backend system completely.
Integrating the strangler pattern with an experienced partner reduces risk of losing backend functionality. Strangling your old system frees IT from the burden of a monolithic architecture while seamlessly adopting new microservices that make your system architecture future-proof. Let Corra lead you safely into the future of E-commerce.
For 20 years our strategists, engineers, and UX designers have been building leading-edge ecommerce sites. From the cloud to the edge, we’ll help you make smart decisions and speed time-to-value, whether you’re building from scratch or moving to a new platform.
Corra, a Publicis Sapient company, is the global commerce leader and SI helping brands and organizations grow by evaluating, building, and optimizing their digital commerce ecosystems. Our vast experience with composable and headless implementations speeds time-to-value and provides technical freedom to our clients. Our TotalCare managed services program provides gold-standard support, enhancements and ongoing commerce strategy. We are strategic thinkers, accomplished engineers, and award-winning experience designers. We believe outstanding customer experiences can’t exist without flawless technology, and that flawless technology is pointless without beautiful, human-centered design. Our clients are an integral part of our team. Together, we remove the obstacles that are limiting growth and discover new opportunities. We don’t rest until our clients achieve their full potential. Our clients’ KPIs are our KPIs. We have 20 years of experience in commerce technology, but we also know that customer expectations are constantly evolving. For this reason, we’ve built future-proof solutions and refined an agile execution process that helps our clients achieve more with less. As a Publicis Sapient company, Corra joins a global network spanning 20,000 people with 53 offices around the world enabling us to accelerate our clients’ businesses through designing and building the experiences and services their customers demand.
