What Is Serverless?

Serverless computing is a hot topic today. Many organizations are now using cloud-based applications for workflow, distributed logic, and externally managed data stores. In this practical guide, Mike Amundsen (RESTful Web Clients) focuses on the why, what, and how of this computing model, including key aspects of serverless operations and reasons why companies are moving in that direction.

You and your development team will learn the basics of serverless computing and the essential elements you’ll be working with. You’ll also explore how serverless changes the way software architects and programmers think about applications. Finally, this insightful report provides a quick reference guide to the three top serverless platforms in use: Amazon Lambda, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

You’ll examine:

• How a serverless environment enables software architects and programmers to write and use services on the network
• Basic building blocks of serverless: functions, virtual machines, and elastic runtime environments
• Seven key elements of serverless platforms, including workflow & orchestration and scaling & reliability
• The common challenges of building network-based systems that scale well
• How serverless computing is moving toward additional abstraction and mobility