Enterprise architecture management
As the direct connection between business-side and software-side concerns become stronger and more apparent, software architects and the choices they make are more in the spotlight than ever. Learn about the underlying details of large-scale enterprise architecture management, including how to build for resiliency and techniques to implement new design patterns.
Top Stories
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Tip
10 Apr 2025
Using AI and machine learning for APM
Discover how organizations can streamline operations and improve operational analytics by using AI and machine learning in their application performance monitoring environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2025
Explore these 7 popular API gateway tools
Plenty of vendors have jumped on the API gateway trend, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. We examine the key features of seven popular gateway tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is orchestration in IT?
In IT, orchestration is a commonly used term for the automated coordination and management of different processes, systems and tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is APM? Application performance monitoring guide
Application performance monitoring is a technology-driven process to ensure business applications perform as expected through real-time performance tracking and trend analysis. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2025
Using AI and machine learning for APM
Discover how organizations can streamline operations and improve operational analytics by using AI and machine learning in their application performance monitoring environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2025
Explore these 7 popular API gateway tools
Plenty of vendors have jumped on the API gateway trend, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. We examine the key features of seven popular gateway tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2025
APM vs. observability: Key differences explained
If you're debating using application performance monitoring or observability to gather data and improve the user experience, consider these differences between them. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
What is the strangler fig pattern, and how does it work?
Imagine owning a motorcycle that needs fixing up. Instead of disassembling it and spending months rebuilding, what-if you replaced one part at a time so you could keep using it? Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2025
8 benefits of APM for businesses
Application performance monitoring helps development teams identify and resolve performance problems, which leads to various business benefits for organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2025
Key considerations for data-intensive architectures
A shift toward data-driven decision-making amplifies the need for scalable systems that deliver real-time business insights supported by quality data. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2025
12 top business process management tools for 2025
BPM platforms are becoming a business transformation engine as vendors infuse their tools with powerful AI and automation capabilities. Read our review of top BPM products. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
10 trends shaping the future of BPM in 2025
Business process management is evolving rapidly as advanced automation, software integration, process simulation and generative AI redefine the way business processes are managed. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Jan 2025
Rethinking business continuity before the next big IT outage
For one industry analyst, the most significant gap exposed by the CrowdStrike outage is between IT and business -- not Sec and Ops. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2025
Harnessing space-based architecture for high performance
Space-based architecture offers the modularity of a distributed microservices architecture but with submillisecond data access times. Unsurprisingly, it comes with tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
Exploring cell-based architecture vs. microservices
Cell-based architecture takes fundamental concepts related to microservices and applies them across the entire software environment to make more fault-tolerant, scalable systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
What's next for APIs? 4 API trends for 2025 and beyond
As businesses navigate tightening budgets and resources, the API marketplace will continue to play a vital role in integrating services, applications and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2024
13 application performance metrics and how to measure them
You've deployed your application, now what? Keep your application performing well by tracking metrics. Take a look at these 13 critical KPIs. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2024
What is an application architecture?
An application architecture is a structural map of how a software application is assembled and how applications interact with each other to meet business or user requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2024
Managing complexity: Event-driven architecture explained
Event-driven architecture is complex, but so are today's data challenges. Discover ways to manage dynamic and distributed interactions in this EDA explainer. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2024
8 microservices best practices to remember
From integrating domain-driven design to securing APIs, explore a range of microservices best practices for building a resilient and scalable application. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is a 3-tier application architecture?
A three-tier application architecture is a modular client-server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier and a data tier. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2024
CI/CD pipeline security: Know the risks and best practices
Rapid release cycles need not compromise the security of an application and supporting infrastructure. Follow these guidelines to ensure security throughout the CI/CD pipeline. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2024
The basics, benefits and risks of cell-based architecture
Cell-based architecture adds a new twist to enterprise infrastructure by speeding deploys, improving uptime and maybe even reducing the test effort. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is dependency injection in object-oriented programming (OOP)?
Dependency injection is a technique used in object-oriented programming (OOP) to reduce the hardcoded dependencies between objects. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Aug 2024
Software testing lessons learned from the CrowdStrike outage
After the recent CrowdStrike outage, organizations are keen to prevent and prepare for potential future disruptions. These key security and quality lessons can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is software resilience testing?
Software resilience testing is a method of software testing that focuses on ensuring that applications perform well in real-life or chaotic conditions. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2024
The 3-level DBMS schema architecture
The three-level DBMS architecture makes database design more secure, extensible and accessible for client applications. Learn the basics of how it works, with examples. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2024
When not to use microservices: 4 challenges to consider
The switch from microservices to monolith could save costs and improve performance. Explore key considerations and questions to ask when deciding the right architecture for an app. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2024
user interface (UI)
The user interface (UI) is the point of human-computer interaction and communication in a device. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Apr 2024
middleware
Middleware is software that bridges the gap between applications and operating systems by providing a method for communication and data management. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2024
Using microservices and containers in network automation
Networking can benefit from the modularity of containers. This guide helps network teams navigate the integration of microservices and containers into network automation workflows. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
event handler
In programming, an event handler is a callback routine that operates asynchronously once an event takes place. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
Using bounded context for effective domain-driven design
Domain-driven design helps organizations develop software focused on key business needs. But to do so, architects need to understand the fundamentals of bounded context. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2024
API gateway (application programming interface gateway)
An API gateway is a software pattern that sits in front of an application programming interface (API) or group of microservices to facilitate requests and delivery of data and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2024
Cloud-native strategies pushing purchase decisions beyond IT
Buyer personas now include line-of-business groups, but senior IT management still owns most decisions, and cross-departmental collaboration, while improving, needs a lot of work. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
16 BPM best practices to ensure project success
A BPM approach to transformation enables companies to continuously improve and reinvent their business processes, injecting innovation as they go. Learn how to do it right. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2023
Object-oriented vs. functional programming explained
While plenty of developers entertain the idea of adopting a functional programming model, it's important to first know exactly how it differs from the object-oriented approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2023
How to make a strong business case for software projects
Every software project proposal requires in-depth research into the technical aspects at play, but the business case for the project should tone down the tech talk. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Dec 2023
What is business process management? A guide to BPM
Business process management (BPM) is a structured approach to improving the processes organizations use to get work done, serve their customers and generate business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2023
business process automation (BPA)
Business process automation (BPA) is the use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human intervention. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2023
A review of 7 software architecture visualization tools
Visualization tools like Visio and Draw.io can provide a lot of benefits when it comes to software architecture design and management, but choosing the right one is important. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2023
The pros and cons of a layered architecture pattern
Layered architecture patterns provide a consistent and secure way to organize code when implemented correctly. However, the way those layers interact should remain a top concern. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Dec 2023
complex event processing (CEP)
Complex event processing (CEP) is the use of technology to predict high-level events. It is a method of tracking and analyzing streams of data to gain real-time information about events. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2023
BPO vs. BPM: What is the difference?
BPO and BPM both aim to improve business processes. One is a management approach to optimizing end-to-end processes. The other is a strategy used to improve specific processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2023
What are microservices? Everything you need to know
Microservices, or microservices architecture, is an approach to the design and implementation of enterprise applications in which a large application is built from modular components or services. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2023
Architecting beyond microservices and monoliths
A recent architectural change tied to Amazon's Prime Video service could help enterprise application teams understand their own microservices vs. monolithic architecture choices. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2023
On-premises data centers play key role in distributed clouds
Enterprise Strategy Group's Scott Sinclair shares survey results on the benefits and challenges of managing distributed clouds. Data centers remain an essential part of the mix. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
The basics of TOGAF certification and some ways to prepare
TOGAF offers architects a chance to learn the principles behind implementing an enterprise-grade software architecture, including how to align business goals with IT capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2023
A quick intro to the MACH architecture strategy
While not particularly prescriptive, alignment with a MACH architecture strategy can help software teams ensure application designs make proper use of current technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2023
5 types of software architecture design worth knowing
While it's impossible to identify any software design style as the 'most important' to know, there are five major patterns with which all architects should arguably become familiar. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2023
Microservices vs. headless architecture: A brief breakdown
Microservices and headless architectures are both techniques capable of providing flexibility and modularity, but how do you make a wise choice between them? Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
business capability
A business capability is the ability of an organization to achieve a specific outcome or objective. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
A healthy perspective on software architecture scalability
It's easy to overlook architecture scalability and focus instead on application performance and cost. But architectural scalability is the basis for some important benefits. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2023
4 enterprise architect skills you should never overlook
While there's certainly plenty that goes into being an enterprise architect, what skills are the absolute 'must haves' to stay on top of the job? We examine a few. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
service-oriented architecture (SOA)
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a software development model that makes services reusable and lets them communicate across different platforms and languages to form new applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
The raw -- yet burgeoning -- potential of coreless banking
While coreless banking is still a novel concept, it shows strong potential to liberate banks from the rigid software systems that have dominated the industry for decades. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
client-side framework
A client-side framework is a software development framework that focuses on executing application processes on end user devices rather than the application's own server. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
print server
A print server is a software application, network device or computer that manages print requests and makes printer queue status information available to end users and network administrators. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2023
enterprise architecture framework
An enterprise architecture framework (or simply EA framework) is the collection of processes, templates and tools that software teams use to plan and build large, enterprise-grade application architecture systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2023
mission-critical application
A mission-critical application is a software program or suite of related programs that must function continuously for a business or business segment to be successful. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
5 ways to survive the challenges of monolithic architectures
Those unable to make the jump to microservices still need a way to improve architectural reliability. Here are five ways software teams can improve a monolith's reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2023
A guide to network APIs and their use cases
An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jan 2023
enterprise architecture (EA)
An enterprise architecture (EA) is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2023
How architects can use napkin math to forecast performance
Although modern software systems can be inordinately complex, architects can still use simple napkin math to glean quick overviews of system performance and architecture alignment. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
10 training courses to prep for microservices certification
While it's not necessarily easy to become certified in microservices architecture, there are plenty of courses you can take to prep for certification exams like the S90.MSA. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2022
3 common CQRS pattern problems, and how teams can avoid them
While CQRS can provide a lot of value when it comes to structuring an event-driven architecture, improper practices can cause this pattern to be more of a burden than a blessing. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2022
Top 12 application performance monitoring tools
Discover the basic capabilities to evaluate when choosing an APM tool, and then review a list of APM vendors to help you get started with your selection process. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Jun 2022
Tuning enterprise architecture to cope with accelerating change
In the realm of enterprise architecture, real agility starts with architectural simplicity. Learn how businesses can reduce complexity -- and boost organizational dexterity. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Ardoq Discover boosts enterprise architecture tool usability
Tools for enterprise architects get criticized for their complexity, but they are getting better. A recently released module from Ardoq seeks to improve usability. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2022
system of systems (SoS)
A system of systems (SoS) is the collection of multiple, independent systems in context as part of a larger, more complex system. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2022
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a message protocol that enables the distributed elements of an application to communicate. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2022
6 ways cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architecture differ
While development teams should carefully weigh the tradeoffs between cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architectures, they don't necessarily have to commit to just one. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2022
RPC over HTTP
Remote Procedure Call over HTTP (RPC over HTTP) is a Microsoft protocol that enables Microsoft Outlook clients to access Microsoft Exchange servers over HTTP. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2022
The role of sidecars in microservices architecture
Sidecars can do a lot for microservices when it comes to communication with distributed application components, though they also present some precarious management challenges. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2022
PlanetScale eases serverless database schema migration
The database-as-a-service platform vendor looks to make it easier for developers to build data-driven applications and revert schema changes when needed. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
The pros, cons and challenges of containerized microservices
Containerized microservices are certainly a popular deployment approach, but are they the best? They can be, provided you overcome the unique challenges they present. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2021
SPML (Services Provisioning Markup Language)
Services Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) is an open source XML-based standard that facilitates the exchange of account provisioning information among applications, services and organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2021
Will .NET 6 features bridge the gap between .NET frameworks?
Microsoft's original .NET Framework has come a long way, but will the new iterations of this framework be enough to convince developers to leave it behind? Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Dec 2021
Eclipse (Eclipse Foundation)
Eclipse is a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in other programming languages. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2021
How a microservices chassis regulates cross-cutting concerns
Those who've implemented a microservices architecture know that it presents a formidable collection of cross-cutting concerns to manage. Luckily, a microservices chassis might help. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2021
The distributed monolith: What it is and how to escape it
Do you suspect that your attempt at microservices left you with distributed monolith application design? There are some telltale signs -- and, thankfully, a few ways to escape it. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Oct 2021
What is Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)?
An enterprise service bus (ESB) is a software platform used to distribute work among connected components of an application. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2021
The architectural impact of RPC in distributed systems
It has become increasingly important for software architects to understand the mechanics behind remote procedure call (RPC), particularly its role in distributed architectures. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2021
Service mesh vs. API gateway: Where, why and how to use them
While they're both central to inter-application communication processes, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between a service mesh and an API gateway. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Aug 2021
UUID (Universal Unique Identifier)
A UUID (Universal Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit value used to uniquely identify an object or entity on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2021
Synchronous vs. asynchronous communications: The differences
Synchronous execution requires parties or components to work simultaneously in real time, while asynchronous communications don't need anyone to wait around for a reply. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2021
How microservices and containers work, apart and together
Microservices and containers are two methods that enable companies to more efficiently create and deliver applications. Here's how they work -- and when they're best used together. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2021
Microservices vs. APIs: How they differ and work together
Enterprises still rely on monolithic systems, but apps increasingly require speed, scale and flexibility. Here's how microservices and APIs achieve that, separately and together. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
How to handle typical event-driven architecture failures
Adding events to an architecture can pose plenty of problems. Review some common event-driven architecture failures development teams face, and some strategic fixes for them. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2021
5 proven patterns for resilient software architecture design
Maintaining a resilient software architecture is a constant battle. Luckily, there are a few design methods that can help teams instill the reliability they desperately need. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
Event-driven vs. message-driven: It comes down to complexity
While the goal doesn't change, how do message-driven and event-driven design approaches really differ? More importantly, how do you choose the right approach? Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2021
The reasons to use (or not use) sidecars in Kubernetes
Sidecar containers provide a great relief to developers who need to manage large clusters of containerized applications at scale. But is it always the right approach? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Do the disadvantages of service-oriented architecture matter?
While it doesn't carry the shiny appeal of microservices, there's no reason to believe that SOA is totally down for the count. In fact, sometimes it's an essential approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2021
A quick rundown of multi-runtime microservices architecture
Learn the basics about a multi-runtime architecture, and the two-component approach it takes to provide a standard for abstracted microservice-messaging processes. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
OSDU Data Platform opens door to new apps in energy sector
A new OSDU standard aims to bring information from oil, gas, wind, solar and other sources into a single data platform to help energy companies address future demand. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
LeanIX adds SaaS, microservice management to product lineup
Enterprise architect specialist LeanIX expanded its portfolio through the purchase of SaaS management startup Cleanshelf and the introduction of a Microservice Intelligence tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2021
Can a loosely coupled architecture reduce technical debt?
While there are a lot of factors that impact technical debt, the level of coupling found in the underlying software architecture is often a primary culprit. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2021
A quick rundown of 3 layered architecture design styles
N-layer, hexagonal and onion are all layered architecture styles, but each one features its own unique spin on distributed design and modular development. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2021
'Practical Microservices' speaks the language of web developers
In his book, 'Practical Microservices,' Ethan Garofolo introduces web developers to the coding principles that form the foundation for microservices-based applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
Event-driven architecture pros and cons: Is EDA worth it?
Event-driven architecture (EDA) is a double-edged sword of service flexibility and management complexity. Let's take a quick look at the ups and downs of EDA. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2021
10 microservices patterns all architects should know
Choosing the right design pattern is a critical part of managing a microservices-based architecture. Here are 10 distributed design approaches that all architects should know. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2021
What is Micronaut? Introduction to the Micronaut Framework
Micronaut is an open source JVM-based software framework for building lightweight, modular applications and microservices. Continue Reading