Microservices Architecture All MIS603

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MODULE 4 INTRODUCTIONMODULE 4 INTRODUCTION

Integration and communications

Introduction:

In this module we plumb a little deeper into the constituent working parts of

microservices architecture. Nadareishvili et al. (2016) discuss how each microservice

is to be considered as an ‘atomic’ component of a broader system. This is in fact

largely considered to be one of the bene�ts of microservices – cohesive units that are

loosely coupled to other units each with its own data store functioning autonomously.

One of the great bene�ts in this is escaping monoliths with their low velocity of code

change and deployment owing to a high degree, even moribund state, of the systems

code base. However, you may have heard the phrase ‘there is no such thing as a free

lunch’. As you have worked through the material thus far you will see regular �ags

that where monoliths experience challenges owing to complexity in their code base,

the do not need to make communications calls to other services as you do in

microservices architecture.

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Conceptual examination of some of the more technical aspects of microservices help

understand the world in which software engineers are functioning and the decisions

that they face at a functional level. While they have a higher degree of freedom in

creating cohesive working code in each discrete service, they certainly need to make

careful and deliberate choices about how to manage integration and communications

between services. We discuss both the concepts of technology stack and containers in

Module 4.1 and the challenges of managing communications integration and

orchestration in Module 4.2. Without doubt microservices is a proven method for

shipping code to market faster, however communications between microservices is

complex, and even more so in a ‘brown�elds’ environment, should you be

undertaking the transition associated with progressively splitting a monolith. This

requires choices and careful deliberate management, and additional systems to

manage communications integration – as you work through the material in this

module you will develop deeper insights into the concepts that developers balance

every day with communications tools forming the ‘glue’ between services. There is

clear proof that microservices architecture have a radical and revolutionary capability

to improve the pace of change through rapid working code deployment and delivery,

but this does require a judicious understanding of what Molley (2018) calls ‘The

communications dance’.

References

Moley, F. (2018, February 9). The communication dance [Video �le]. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/share?

forceAccount=false&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Flearning%2Fmicroservices-

foundations%3Ftrk%3Dshare_ent_url&account=56744473

Nadareishvili, I., Mitra, R., McLarty, M., & Amundsen, M. (2016). Microservice architecture: Aligning principles, practices, and culture. California, USA: O’Reilly. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.laureate.net.au/lib/think/detail.action?

docID=4602504

This Module will cover:

Module 4.1 – The Tech Stack

Module 4.2 – Communications for integration

This Module will help you achieve the following outcomes:

a) Undertake research to demonstrate an understanding of microservices and how they contribute to business process.

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b) Discuss core concepts of microservices architecture within a context of a business case study and summarise the advantages and disadvantages of adopting microservices architecture.

c) Communicate the bene�ts of microservices architecture to a diverse stakeholder audience by addressing complex business needs and aligning strategies to business priorities de�ned by changing business requirements.

Time Management:

Your workload expectation is 20 hours for this module.

12 Week Delivery:

20 hours per module (two weeks): facilitated study: 3 hours / week. Personal Study: 7 hours / week.

3 hours facilitated study consists of attending class, responding to facilitator feedback.

You are to allocate 7 hours of personal learning. This includes essential time spent on pre-reading and viewing materials, assessment progression and learning activities.

Assessment Progression:

Assessment 1 – Part B is due at the end of Module 4.2 (Week 8). Please refer to the

assessment briefs in the assessment area for more detail.

Tasks to undertake in this module to prepare for Assessment 1 – Part B include all

readings, exercises and video clips in material up to the end of Module 4.2, as Part B

of Assessment 1 will require you to demonstrate that you not only understand but

also can apply these concepts to a contextual discussion for a particular business. It is

well worth reviewing your �rst assignment, identifying any areas that you can add

new knowledge to and identify how you can apply learned concepts to Part B. If there

are any areas where you believe you would bene�t from a knowledge refresh, please

review these readings, exercises and video clips as often as one develops further

knowledge additional insights can emerge from prior information sources.

Class Expectation:

You are expected to have worked through the essential learning resources and activities for this module before attending the facilitated session (face to face or online session) – this enables informed discussion and full participation in learning activities.

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Participate in all scheduled facilitated sessions.

This time is intended to be used by you and your learning facilitator to work through activities and engage in discussion about the module content.

These sessions provide a space for you to raise questions about the module content and seek guidance on writing your assessments.

You will review, explore and discuss more deeply the information presented in the learning resources.