What are Microservices?

This episode of Techsplainers explores microservices architecture, explaining how applications are built as collections of small, independent services rather than monolithic codebases. We examine the key characteristics of microservices including independent deployability, loose coupling, domain focus, decentralized data, and failure design. The discussion covers significant benefits like development agility, technology flexibility, enhanced scalability, improved resilience, and continuous deployment capabilities. We also address challenges including increased complexity, data consistency issues, network reliability concerns, and operational overhead. Real-world examples from Amazon, Netflix, Uber, and traditional enterprises demonstrate how microservices enable organizations to achieve remarkable scale, reliability, and development speed. The episode concludes with practical guidance on when to adopt microservices and implementation best practices for organizations considering this architectural approach. Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/microservices Find more episodes at https://www.ibm.biz/techsplainers-podcast Narrated by Derek Robertson